Background resources on the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development

  1. Brochure

    Decent work, a key to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

    Decent work puts money in the pockets of individuals and families that they can spend in the local economy. Their purchasing power fuels the growth and development of sustainable enterprises, especially smaller businesses, which in turn are able to hire more workers and improve their pay and conditions. It increases tax revenues for governments, who can then fund social measures to protect those who cannot find, or are unable to work.

  1. Outcome document

    Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

    12 August 2015

    This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom recognizing that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.

  2. Worldwide survey

    We the Peoples: Celebrating 7 Million Voices

    12 December 2014

    This report presents the global results of MY World, the UN survey for a better world, which was developed in response to the Secretary-General’s call for “the most inclusive development agenda the world has ever seen”. The survey places good jobs in top 3 priorities for post 2015 amongst 7 million poll participants.

  3. Synthesis report of the UN Secretary-General

    The road to dignity by 2030: ending poverty, transforming all lives and protecting the planet

    4 December 2014

    The document lays out a 15-year vision for sustainable development, which recognises the links between the UN's three pillars of work: human rights, peace and security, and development.

  4. ILO Policy paper

    ILO recommendation for the post 2015 development agenda

    18 September 2013

    A six-point strategy for a post-2015 sustainable development framework.

  5. ILO report

    World of Work 2014: Developing with Jobs

    27 May 2014

    The ILO’s flagship report on the world of work shows, for the first time, that quality jobs can drive sustained growth in emerging and developing countries.

  6. ILO Concept note #2

    Jobs and livelihoods: Meaningful ways to set targets and monitor progress

    20 May 2013

    Focus on how to set targets and indicators to help achieve decent work as an explicit goal of the global development agenda beyond 2015.

  7. UN Development Group

    Growth and Employment in the Post-2015 Agenda: Messages from a Global Consultation

    23 September 2013

    “The government has to play a proactive role in creating jobs and employment. They can’t just [only] work through the private sector hoping that the private sector will create jobs and good jobs for its citizens."

  8. ILO Concept note #1

    Development happens through jobs

    16 November 2012

    The ILO calls for job creation and social protection to be included in the list of Development Goals which will be drawn up by the United Nations after the target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals passes in 2015.

  9. UN Secretary-General's Millennium Summit report

    A Life of Dignity for All

    26 July 2013

    “Inclusive economic growth with decent employment and decent wages has proven to be a prerequisite for achieving the Millennium Development Goals."