Guest Editorial - Sustained, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, Full and Productive Employment and Decent Work for All

This collection of “Discover Sustainability” focuses on “Sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all,” with a view to discussing the evolving landscape of job displacement, shifting from concerns about multinational corporations to those regarding technology-driven unemployment. The impact of artificial intelligence on global employment, as well as the status of achieving Goal 8 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are analyzed. Despite the passing of deadlines for targets within SDG8, little progress has been made, prompting discussions on the interconnectedness of the SDGs and the role of strong institutions (SDG16) in achieving these objectives. The employment crisis is evident not only in Africa, where the tech startup ecosystem faces funding challenges leading to closures, but also globally, as evidenced by significant layoffs in the tech industry, such as Apple’s recent decision to cut jobs in California. Trade dynamics and their effects on wage growth and economic development are examined, alongside the importance of regulatory interventions to prevent labour exploitation. Additionally, the intersection between health, the economy, and the funding gap for SDG3 is highlighted, emphasizing the need for inclusive economic growth as outlined in SDG8 to achieve overall sustainable development. The difficulty in meeting SDG16 targets is also acknowledged, with a call for research into potential drivers of change in governance, and how these intersect with SDG8. Youth employment/unemployment is emphasized as a critical issue, especially considering the demographic bulge in the Global South. Missed targets within SDG8, such as those related to youth employment, underscore the urgency for action.