The year 2021 has been declared the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor by the UN. The International Labor Organization is leading this goal. 

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. There are 17 goals and more than 169 concrete targets associated therewith. In general terms, the goals promote economic, social and environmental development. Target 8.7 is of special interest to the global community working to eradicate child labor; commitment that we, as an organization, have specifically undertaken and which is why we have launched our campaign for the Prevention of Child Labor.

Over the past 25 years, the number of workers living in extreme poverty conditions has declined dramatically, despite the lasting impact of the 2008 economic crisis and global recession. In developing countries, the middle class now accounts for more than 34% of total employment, a number that has almost tripled between 1991 and 2015.

However, as the global economy continues to recover we are witnessing slower growth, widening inequalities, and not enough jobs to keep up with a growing labor force. According to the International Labor Organization, more than 204 million people were unemployed in 2015.

The SDGs promote sustainable economic growth, higher levels of productivity and technological innovation. Promoting policies that encourage entrepreneurship and job creation is crucial to this end, as well as effective measures to eradicate forced labor, slavery and human trafficking. With these targets in mind, the goal is to achieve full and productive employment, and decent work, for all women and men by 2030.

Our commitment to education is also a commitment to dignified working conditions.