Building a Better Future: Decent Work and Economic Growth for All

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Aug 14, 2025
3 min read

In today’s fast-changing world, where technology reshapes industries and economies are becoming more interconnected, one goal remains at the heart of sustainable development: ensuring decent work and promoting long-term, inclusive economic growth.

Decent work is more than just having a job. It’s about fair income, job security, equal opportunities, and a safe, respectful work environment. It’s about giving people a chance — a chance to support their families, contribute to society, and grow personally and professionally.

At the same time, economic growth must be sustainable and inclusive. It should reach everyone, not just the privileged few. When people work in decent conditions and have access to opportunities, entire communities thrive — and so does the world.

What Is Meant by “Decent Work”?

The idea of decent work includes several important values: fair pay, respect for workers’ rights, safe working conditions, and equal treatment regardless of gender, background, or disability. It also means protecting individuals from exploitation, forced labor, or unfair practices, and creating environments where people are motivated and feel valued.

Decent work is not just good for the employee — it’s good for employers too. Happy, secure workers are more productive, more loyal, and more likely to contribute to innovation and long-term success.

Making Growth Work for Everyone

Economic growth alone isn’t enough. What matters is how that growth is shared. When profits rise but inequality grows, the result is a divided society. True development happens when every person has the chance to benefit from economic progress.

Inclusive growth means investing in people — through education, job training, entrepreneurship support, and better labor laws. It means supporting women, youth, and marginalized groups so they too can participate fully in the workforce.

Supporting Small Businesses and Innovation

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital engines of economic growth. They provide jobs in both urban and rural areas, drive innovation, and strengthen local communities. But they need support — access to finance, technology, mentorship, and fair regulation.

Innovation should also be encouraged across all sectors. In a world shifting toward green technologies and digital tools, preparing people for the future of work is essential. Reskilling and upskilling are not luxuries — they are necessities for a competitive and fair economy.

Tackling Unemployment and Informal Work

One of the biggest challenges today is the high rate of youth unemployment and underemployment. Many people, especially young adults, find themselves stuck in unstable, low-paying jobs or working informally without protection.

To change this, we need stronger education systems, vocational training, apprenticeships, and clearer career pathways. Governments and institutions should work together to ensure that work pays fairly and offers real prospects for growth.

A Shared Responsibility

Decent work and economic growth are not goals for one sector alone. Businesses, policymakers, educators, and communities must collaborate. Each has a role to play — whether it’s creating job opportunities, improving working conditions, or supporting lifelong learning.

By placing dignity at the center of economic policy, we move closer to a fairer and more sustainable world. Growth that respects people and the planet is not just a dream — it’s a direction we can all move toward, together.

Final Thoughts

Work brings dignity. Economic growth brings possibility. But only when combined with fairness, inclusion, and responsibility do they lead to lasting change.

Let us not just aim for more jobs — let us aim for better jobs. Let us not pursue growth for its own sake — let us grow in a way that lifts people up and leaves no one behind.