Defining “Decent Work” under SDG 8: The Role of the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles

The concept of “decent work” under Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) is fundamentally linked to the United Nations Global Compact’s Ten Principles, which emphasize adherence to human rights and fair labor standards. Decent work entails productive employment that provides fair wages, workplace security, social protection, and opportunities for individual growth. Companies must actively support these principles by embedding them in their strategies and operations to ensure dignity and fairness in the workplace. SDG 8 prioritizes sustaining inclusive economic growth that improves the quality of life rather than merely increasing GDP. It aims to generate jobs that offer fair wages and empower vulnerable groups, while also promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. Countries with the worst conditions for decent work often exhibit severe violations of the Ten Principles, including forced and child labor, unsafe working conditions, and discrimination. Countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and North Korea are frequently cited for such violations. Additionally, while some of these countries experience low economic growth, the focus under SDG 8 remains not only on job creation but also on enhancing human development and protecting the most vulnerable members of society, striving for broader social justice and inclusion.