SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Everyone deserves to have a good job that is safe and pays them well. Many jobs around the world put workers in danger, do not pay them enough to live comfortably, or do not employ men, women, or people with disabilities equally. People in unsafe work environments are at risk of health problems, injuries, and some lose their lives due to poor conditions. Without a job, or one that pays well, people cannot always visit the doctor when they are sick for example. Good, safe, well-paid jobs should be available for everyone — men and women, young people, and people with disabilities.
If people have a good job in their own community it also helps achieve other Sustainable Development Goals. If their job pays them well, they can afford nutritious food for their family (SDG2: Zero Hunger), they can afford a home in a safe neighborhood (SDG1: No Poverty, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities) and buy school supplies for their children to get a good education (SDG4: Quality Education). The reality though is that in 2018, one in five young people were not getting the education or training they need to get jobs.
Our new reading list covers many of these topics and we hope the stories will inspire you to stand up for equal opportunity for everyone to get safe, well-paying jobs to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
The SDG Book Club makes content available in the six official languages of the United Nations – please see our other pages for more recommendations in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.
The SDG Book Club makes content available in the six official languages of the United Nations – please see our other pages for more recommendations in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.
On the importance of reading
A Basket of Bangles: How a Business Begins
A bank helps a woman start a small business by giving her a loan. She and her friends find success in the business and improve their lives, underlining the power of decent work on one’s quality of life.
Authors: Ginger Howard | Illustrator: Cheryl Kirk Noll | ISBN: 978-0761319023| Publisher: Millbrook Press
One Hen
Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many.
Author: Katie Smith Milway | Illustrator: Eugenie Fernandes | ISBN: 978-1-55453-028-1 | Publisher: Kids Can Press
Twenty-Two Cents: Muhammad Yunus and the Village Bank
Twenty-two Cents is an inspiring story of economic innovation and a celebration of how one person—like one small loan—can make a positive difference in the lives of many.
Author: Paula Yoo | Illustrator: Jamel Akib | ISBN: 978-1600606588 | Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Reading is a great way to better understand what people from across the globe struggle with in their everyday lives, and it helps us reflect on our own situation. But reading is just the first step: now it’s time to share your book club experiences and how you plan to take action. Each month, we will feature a couple of book clubs on our blog, so get ready to share your story through social media, by using #SDGBookClub and tagging @UNPublications.
We encourage you to host book club meetings around the world and share your photos via hashtag #SDGBookClub. If you would like to organize a public book club meeting, we recommend contacting your local book store, library or school and set it up with them. Please share the planned event on social media using #SDGBookClub and we will add it to the list of events. Click the button below to download our tips to organize a successful event!
Help us spread the word by downloading our promotional materials. You will find a horizontal banner, bookmark, placard and easy-to-print sign-up sheet for your friends, family and community to join the SDG Book Club!
The International Publishers Association (IPA) is a federation of publishing associations from around the world. The main mandate of the IPA is to promote and defend copyright, support the freedom to publish, promote literacy and reading. IPA is an accredited NGO in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN. IPA supports the SDGs and works particularly closely with WIPO and UNESCO.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession. Founded in 1927 in Edinburgh, Scotland at an international conference, we celebrated our 90th birthday in 2017. We now have more than 1,300 Members in nearly 150 countries around the world. IFLA was registered in the Netherlands in 1971.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization that represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together. Today IBBY comprises 79 National Sections worldwide.
The European & International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) represents national booksellers associations in the European Union and beyond. EIBF Members in turn have in membership booksellers of all kinds: brick and mortar bookshops, online bookshops, independents, chains.
The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) is the most important international trade fair of the children’s publishing industry. With over 50 years of experience, BCBF has succeeded in bringing together a unique and diverse global audience: the result is the world’s premium copyright business hub when it comes to publishing with an extra core that extends to all multi-media content for children.