[Green Monday Series] What does SDG 8 -Decent Work and Economic Growth mean at UEH?

Economic growth can only be truly sustainable when it goes hand in hand with quality employment, fair working conditions, and equal opportunities for all. At the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), these commitments have been translated into action through policies that safeguard workers’ rights, promote gender equality, and foster a safe and inclusive working environment. In this week’s Green Monday Series, let’s explore SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth, as well as UEH’s efforts in building a more sustainable future for the community.

A sustainable future is built not only through environmental solutions but also through quality jobs and opportunities that are accessible to everyone. This is the core aspiration of SDG 8 - creating a world where people have access to decent work, fair income, and safe, equitable working conditions. In this context, “decent work” is not merely about having a job; it is about working in an environment where individuals are respected, protected, and empowered to develop their potential, thereby improving the quality of life for themselves and their communities.

The journey toward achieving SDG 8 continues to face significant challenges. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade tensions, rising debt in developing countries, and geopolitical instability have all slowed global economic growth. Although the global unemployment rate fell to a historic low of 5% in 2024, nearly 58% of workers remain employed in the informal sector and are not fully protected by labor rights and social safeguards. Notably, approximately 259 million young people aged 15-24 worldwide are currently classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), meaning that one in every five young people is excluded from opportunities for learning, employment, and development. These figures highlight the need for stronger efforts to reduce inequality, protect labor rights, encourage entrepreneurship, and expand access to sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, who play vital roles in driving social and economic development.

At UEH, SDG 8 is implemented through continuous efforts to build an equitable, safe, and sustainable working environment for everyone. UEH has adopted transparent and fair compensation policies, ensuring that all employees receive remuneration commensurate with their contributions regardless of gender, age, or personal circumstances. In 2024, the minimum monthly salary at UEH reached VND 15 million, significantly higher than the living wage benchmark for the Ho Chi Minh City area. At the same time, UEH regularly monitors gender pay gaps to ensure equality and fair career advancement opportunities. By 2024, more than 85% of UEH employees held labor contracts exceeding 24 months, while 7,504 students secured employment, demonstrating UEH’s commitment to creating stable, long-term employment opportunities and enhancing workforce capabilities for the community.

In addition, UEH continues to strengthen policies that protect labor rights and eliminate all forms of discrimination, forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor through transparent grievance and feedback mechanisms. Employee participation and representation are guaranteed through the UEH Trade Union, which achieved a participation rate of 96.45%. Furthermore, UEH extends these commitments to personnel employed by external service providers, ensuring that 100% of outsourced workers receive insurance coverage and occupational safety training. No labor rights violations were recorded during the 2023-2024 period, and 90% of employees reported that the working environment at UEH was free from discrimination. These achievements reflect UEH’s commitment to fostering a decent, inclusive, and sustainable workplace that contributes to economic growth alongside social progress.

Infographic of UEH's contributions to SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth

In today’s world, SDG 8 is not only about employment and economic growth - it is also about human rights: the right to work with dignity, to develop within a fair environment, and to be given opportunities to shape one’s future. At UEH, these commitments are gradually being realized through concrete policies and actions that support employees, learners, and the broader community. UEH believes that when every individual is empowered to grow and contribute through their own abilities, we create not only economic value but also a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable society.

This article was prepared with reference to:

1. UEH Sustainability Report 2024: https://books.ueh.edu.vn/sustainability-report-ueh/ 

2. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/economic-growth/

Additional Information:

UEH Green Campus - Green Monday Series is a communication activity series under the UEH Green Campus Project, posted every Monday to start the week with positive energy and encourage a green lifestyle by providing knowledge, updating news, sharing inspiring stories about environmental protection and sustainable development.

News and photos: UEH Green Campus Project