At the start of SDG 8 month, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, has warned that without concerted action on the social, economic and environmental targets that Goal 8 covers, humanity risks being locked in a cycle of crisis and conflict on a forever damaged planet.
What is SDG 8?
In 2015, the world community collectively decided to agree on and pursue 17 goals to improve the lives of all people by 2030 and to protect the planet. SDG 8 deals with sustainable economic growth and decent work for all. It brings together social, economic and environmental targets.
Hinting at the same goal, the Director-General reminded the global community towards the need to take collective steps to stand any chances of succeeding. He said that a world with social justice for all, equitable growth and a just transition to greener economies is possible. However, what is needed is bold political leadership and commitment from all countries.
He sounded a note of caution to all countries by saying that without collective action, the goal would remain a distant dream and the current situation, i.e., damaged planet, would continue. The SDG Summit in September is a vital moment for the international community to give SDG 8 and the other 16 Goals the boost which is desperately needed, as per the Director-General.
At the Summit, the ILO is promoting key initiatives including the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions and the Global Coalition for Social Justice. He further added that the change was attainable, but only with collective efforts. Everyone has a role to play in shaping the future, and people need to step up to the challenge.
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