Employment decent work for all and social protection

Employment, Decent Work, and Social Protection are fundamental pillars of sustainable economic growth and integral elements of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, they are emphasized in SDG 8: "Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all". Decent work is characterized by fair wages, secure employment contracts, safe working conditions, and the right to join or form a trade union. It is essential for poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, and fostering social inclusion, directly contributing to multiple SDGs, such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Decent work also links with SDG 4 (Quality Education), as higher education levels often lead to better job opportunities, thereby promoting a cycle of improvement. Meanwhile, social protection is closely aligned with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as it shields vulnerable groups from social and economic risks and ensures access to healthcare, food, and other basic needs. Social protection systems, such as unemployment benefits, pensions, and maternity protection, mitigate social inequalities and vulnerabilities, reducing poverty and ensuring social justice.

Furthermore, the interdependence of employment, decent work, social protection, and the SDGs, underscores the need for an integrated approach to sustainable development. Ensuring decent work and social protection for all not only supports economic growth but also advances socio-cultural development and fosters environmental sustainability, resonating with the three pillars of sustainable development – economy, society, and environment. Hence, the pursuit of decent work and comprehensive social protection for all, contributes to a broad-based and balanced progress towards the attainment of the SDGs.

International Youth Day 2025

International Youth Day (IYD) is dedicated to drawing attention to the cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. Established by the United Nations in 1999, this day serves as a platform for governments and organizations to address the challenges faced by young people and to recognize their contributions to global development. Observed annually on August 12th, IYD encourages activities that promote awareness, dialogue, and action on youth-related issues.

The Significance of Youth

Large crowd gathered with placards in protest

The Right to Protest: online panel discussion

LexisNexis is hosting a free, online panel discussion in partnership with the International Law Book Facility (ILBF) to explore the right to protest. 

24th January 2024 at 17:00-18:30 GMT

The panel discussion, moderated by James Harper, General Counsel of Global Nexis Solutions - part of LexisNexis, supports the ILBF's law undergraduate essay competition 2023-2024, that asks law undergraduates the question: ‘Should the right to protest be unfettered?

Images relating to how RELX supports the SDGs including image of 3D anatomy model
As we pass the halfway point for the SDGs, many of the goals are worryingly off track and progress on 85% of the target indicators has stalled or even reversed. Through our information, products and people, RELX remains committed to advancing the Goals. Here are some of the ways that we continue to support their achievement.
This paper supports SDG 3 and 8 by examining both the role of working conditions in the development of mental disorders, and what can be done to protect and promote mental health in the workplace.
As the upcoming generation occupies a larger portion of the workforce, issues around the topic of diversity will only continue to grow in importance. Not only is Generation Z more racially and ethnically diverse than previous generations, but members of this generation are also more likely to expect employers to actively work toward cultivating diversity in the workplace. The recent DIAL Global Diversity Review, co-sponsored by XpertHR, presents comprehensive data on the practices being used to promote diversity in the workplace today. This report addresses various facets of diversity from gender and ethnicity to socioeconomic status and parenthood, promoting SDGs 5, 8 and 10.
The United States Supreme Court's landmark decision to strike down race-based admissions programs in higher education has far-reaching implications which also extend to the workplace. This article discusses ways this ruling may affect corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program and also embolden some states to take further aim at DEI initiatives, and in so doing promote SDGs 5, 8 and 10.
This article advances SDG # 3, 8, 10, 13 and 16. The study from authors in Ghana detail the effects of climate change on workers’ health and productivity, especially those in lower income jobs and without policy or regulatory protections. It demonstrates that climate change affects both health and ability to work, with potentially serious humanitarian and economic consequences.
The fallout of Target's response to backlash for its 2023 Pride Month merchandise has inspired a greater conversation about employer social justice efforts. This article provides five ways employers can respond to avoid a similar outcome, and in so doing promote SDGs 8 and 10.
AI, employers, economic forecast
With AI-driven labor market transformations being affected by economic troubles and other factors, this article explores the strategies leaders are using to help workers navigate these changes. Specifically, leaders are stepping up investing in at least four strategies to prepare workers for the prevailing disruption and empower them to successfully navigate the change while ensuring healthy work cultures and compelling work opportunities for all.
This article advances SDG # 13, 1 and 11 by identifying ways to meet the dual objectives of poverty eradication and staying within the biophysical safe operating space of the climate via integrated policy packages supporting strong economic development, ambitious educational attendance, sustainable dietary choices, low fossil fuel consumption and energy demand, and lower fertilizer consumption.

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