SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Within the United Nations 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 focuses on boosting inclusive economic growth by ensuring decent and productive employment. This goal is essential for more people to have access to fair economic opportunities, reduce inequality and vulnerability, and promote social wellbeing.

In Colombia, the challenges related to SDG 8 are enormous. For example, in 2023, according to the National Planning Department (DNP), the unemployment rate averaged 10.2%, an improvement compared to 11.2% in 2022. This progress reflects a recovery after the ravages caused by the pandemic with the creation of more than 756,000 jobs in the last year. However, youth unemployment remains alarming with figures ranging from 20% to 23% for people aged 15 to 28.

Labor informality is also one of the biggest challenges, affecting 58% of workers. Millions of people work in the country without safe conditions, fair wages or access to social security, a reality that especially impacts women, young people and rural communities.

In terms of economic growth, according to data from the Ministry of Labor, Colombia experienced a modest increase of 1.5% in 2023 influenced by a complex global scenario, high inflation that closed at 9.28% and restrictive monetary policies. These factors have slowed the creation of sustainable, quality jobs. Even so, it is expected that social and economic investments will continue to drive strategic sectors for the country’s development.

These figures make it clear that it is essential to strengthen public policies that promote dignified employment, reduce informality and guarantee inclusive opportunities for all people.

Our Commitment

At One Inversión Social we work with a clear objective: to reduce the economic and labor inequality gaps in Colombia. Our strategies and projects are aligned with SDG 8 because we believe that quality labour opportunities and economic growth not only transform lives individually, but also builds a most just country.

From the cultural sector to the agricultural and entrepreneurial sectors, our initiatives focus on understanding and addressing the real needs of communities, always with the goal of generating a positive and lasting impact.

1.La Pascasia

La Pascasia is not only a cultural space, it is a platform that empowers local artists and art workers. With the Corporación Común y Corriente we create dignified and sustainable job opportunities, we bring professionalism cultural work and combating the fragility that affects labour in this sector. A project that demonstrates how the creative economy can be an engine of decent employment and economic growth.

2. We Are All One for Culture

In alliance with the 1+1 Foundation, the Metropolitan Ballet of Medellín and the Museum of Modern Art of Medellín, this program uses culture as a tool for economic and social development. Through this initiative we generate formal jobs for cultural managers, artists and logistics operators, demonstrating that culture can be a source of inclusion and sustainability. In addition, we strengthen Medellin’s cultural offerings for locals and visitors to the city.

3. Hechos a Pulso

In alliance with El Periódico Q’hubo and the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, we create visibility for Colombian entrepreneurs in order to promote the creation and formalization of social enterprises or innovative microenterprises. Through training we help them to structure their businesses, optimize processes and access formal markets. This program not only transforms lives, but also strengthens the business fabric.

4.Organic gardens

Together with the Granitos de Paz Foundation in Cartagena, Bolívar and Soledad, Atlántico, we convert urban spaces into productive vegetable cultivations to empower vulnerable families. We provided them with training in sustainable agriculture, helping them to generate stable income and promote food security in their communities. This project demonstrates how a local initiative can generate dignified employment and combat inequality.