In preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, this fall, the NGO Committee for Social Development convened a High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) side event that focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 –decent work and economic growth, Grassroots Perspectives on Barriers and Opportunities in Achieving Productive Livelihood and Socioeconomic Wellbeing.
H.E. Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the UN and Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Director, ILO
People from India, Pakistan, Mauritania, Ghana, and Indonesia shared the barriers they face, including lack of access to education and training, violence, harassment, and discrimination, in trying to find productive work and socioeconomic wellbeing.
Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Director of the International Labor Organization (ILO), noted that the few prosper at the expense of the many. Advancing social development through decent work and social justice is morally compelling and both fiscally and institutionally relevant. Economic empowerment must be rooted in structural solutions, including the elimination of barriers, bold investment, and social protections. An economy centered on human dignity supports the growth of social enterprises that address social and environmental challenges, invests in public service, and provides economic support to locally created programs.
Coastal mangroves covered in plastic waste pollution from the ocean, Timor-Leste/Adam Costanza-Lic. Adobe Stock
Timor-Leste exemplifies what progress looks like. This small island nation, a post-conflict democracy anchored in peace and human dignity, is significantly impacted by climate change. Over the past 20 years, they have made significant progress in health and education. However, they are still trying to address barriers to decent work. They are investing in education and employment opportunities for young people and women. They want a future of dignity, not dependency on foreign aid. They know that their agriculture must be climate-smart and evidence-based to increase yields. They recognize they must create economic opportunities that simultaneously address environmental issues, such as employing young people in mangrove restoration.