Goal #8

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

UNSW is committed to this goal and demonstrates its commitment through:

  • Harnessing of research in commerce and social sciences to deliver economic, environmental and social benefit
  • Programs that deliver workforce ready graduates
  • Our role as an employer of choice and implementing sustainable procurement
  • Partnerships with universities and broader communities to create new opportunities for job creation, and reduce modern slavery.

Economic growth without the exploitation

Modern slavery is prevalent across the world, including in Australia, in a range of industries and global supply chains and the tensions between decent work and economic growth are immense. When economic growth is not inclusive, people do not have decent work or productive employment and inequality increases. As more wealth gets concentrated in a small fraction of the population, stress and tensions increase amongst social groups. Society as a whole benefits when more people are being productive and contributing to its growth. So how can we help?

 

In this video, Suzanna Mahinder from the Centre for Social Impact, UNSW, breaks down some of the key challenges behind SDG #8.

UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute

In 2019 the UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute (AHRI) hosted the 'Innovate Rights' conference addressing Modern Slavery and exploring ‘What does a good modern slavery reporting and assurance program look like?'.

 

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UNSW Strategy in Action 2025

Universities are at the heart of the sophisticated global knowledge system shaping our future and UNSW has a key role to play. We aspire to improve lives globally, through partnerships, innovative research, transformative education and commitment to a just society. 

The 2025 Strategy commits UNSW to:

Excellence

Deliver excellence in education and research that attracts the world’s best students and staff to develop capability and contribute to society.

Curriculum

Deliver a rigorous, innovative, and inclusive curriculum characterised by evidence-based pedagogies and assessments, to produce graduates equipped with the skills needed for rewarding careers in a changing world.

Knowledge exchange

Increase the percentage of UNSW staff engaged in Knowledge Exchange to enable the translation and impact of our research to advance social progress and sustainable economic prosperity.

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UNSW 2025 Strategy Update

This document celebrates the key achievements of the first phase of the 2025 Strategy, highlighting where we have come from and where we are now. It also updates the framework against which we will assess, track and measure existing and new strategic initiatives over the next five years.

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Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

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In 2019, 2847 students undertook a WIL program which strengthens students’ work readiness skills and enhances employability through integrating academic learning with practice.

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Free virtual internships

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Forage (formerly InsideSherpa) as part of UNSW Founder's Flagship accelerator Founders 10x, creates virtual internship programs for any student to upskill on tasks directly relevant to employers.

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UNSW Ageing Futures Institute

Population ageing is one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. The UNSW Ageing Futures Institute will conduct research and translate it into policy and practical outcomes, to enable optimal ageing for individuals and society.

 

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UNSW Sustainable Development Goals 2020-2021 Report

This report outlines UNSW's performance against the SDGs over the years 2020-2021.

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