Decent Work and Economic Growth

Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) aims to “Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.” This goal encompasses 12 targets and 17 indicators addressing critical aspects of economic growth and productivity (Targets 8.1, 8.2), development-oriented policies (Targets 8.3, 8.9), resource efficiency (Target 8.4), employment rights (Targets 8.5, 8.7, 8.8), youth employment (Target 8.6), and access to financial services (Target 8.10). Implementation focuses on mobilizing aid for trade (Target 8.a) and developing global youth employment strategies (Target 8.b).

NAV, a non-profit organization committed to uplifting at-risk youth in foreign countries, plays a crucial role in advancing SDG 8. Through its Nurture, Aid, and Vision pillars, NAV empowers young people to secure decent employment by providing them with the education needed to advance their career.

Understanding SDG 8 and Its Relevance to NAV’s Mission

SDG 8 recognizes that economic growth must be inclusive and sustainable, benefiting all segments of society. Youth, a significant portion of the global population, face unique challenges in accessing decent work and economic opportunities. NAV’s mission aligns with SDG 8 by equipping young people with the education needed to do so.

How NAV Tackles SDG 8 Targets

1. Nurture: Building Foundational Skills for Economic Participation

NAV’s Nurture pillar focuses on fostering the basic skills and competencies needed for youth to thrive in the workforce, addressing Targets 8.1, and 8.6.

  • Sustainable Economic Growth (Targets 8.1): By removing the cost barrier to schooling, we keep future workers in class today, laying the human-capital foundation that low-income economies need for long-run economic growth.

  • Reducing Youth Unemployment (Target 8.6): By cutting out-of-pocket schooling costs, NAV lowers dropout rates and keeps teenagers engaged in education, directly shrinking the NEET population.

2. Aid: Addressing Barriers to Employment and Economic Inclusion

The Aid pillar focuses on removing systemic barriers that prevent youth from accessing decent work and financial services. This aligns with Targets 8.5, and 8.7.

  • Promoting Decent Work for All (Target 8.5): Equal-access supply kits ensure girls and boys alike stay in school long enough to acquire the competencies that translate into fair paying jobs in adulthood.

  • Preventing Child Labor and Exploitation (Target 8.7): When the basic tools needed to learn are free, families face less pressure to send children to work.

Measuring Impact: Key Indicators of Success

NAV tracks its contributions to SDG 8 through measurable outcomes, including:

  1. Youth Employment Rates: Monitoring the percentage of program participants who secure stable and decent employment.

  2. Business Development: Tracking the number of youth-led small businesses established with NAV’s support.

  3. Reduction in Child Labor: Evaluating decreases in child labor rates in communities where NAV operates.

  4. Access to Financial Services: Measuring increases in financial literacy and the number of youth accessing banking services.

  5. Sustainable Practices Adoption: Assessing the integration of sustainability practices in vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

  • Economic Instability: Operating in regions with unstable economies can limit opportunities for sustainable growth.

  • Systemic Inequalities: Addressing deeply entrenched social and economic inequalities requires long-term engagement and partnerships.

Opportunities

  • Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with businesses to create internship programs and employment opportunities for youth.

  • Global Advocacy: Participating in international forums to shape policies that promote youth employment and economic inclusion.

Conclusion

NAV’s approach to SDG 8 demonstrates the power of grassroots action in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By addressing the systemic barriers that hinder youth employment and fostering opportunities for decent work, NAV contributes meaningfully to global efforts to create equitable economic systems.

Through its Nurture, Aid, and Vision pillars, NAV not only empowers young people to participate in the economy but also strengthens communities and drives sustainable development. Achieving SDG 8 is not just about economic metrics—it’s about ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to lead a productive and dignified life. With NAV’s continued efforts, the goal of decent work and economic growth for all is within reach.