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 decent work and economic growth and demonstrates this 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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Overhauling Australia’s modern slavery laws

The video on the right, produced by UNSW students Claris Lai, Flora Wu, Kyle Zhang, Kyle Zhang and Qin Yan raises awareness about modern slavery in areas such as the garment and food industries.

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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:

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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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Sustainable Procurement Vision 2018-2025

UNSW's Sustainable Procurement Vision 2018-2025 aims to deliver outstanding environmental, social and economic benefits to UNSW students, staff and community through understanding and strengthening UNSW supply chains. 

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Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

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In 2022, 9,605 students across all UNSW Faculties (Canberra and Sydney) undertook a WIL activity 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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Career Discovery Mentoring Program

UNSW Employability Career Discovery Mentoring Program

The Career Discovery Mentoring Program connects UNSW students with established industry professionals, providing students with opportunities to focus on career development during the transition from study to work.

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Flexible Work Policy

Flexible work at UNSW: Now and the future

UNSW is committed to developing a high-performing workplace culture that enables staff to integrate their work and other life responsibilities. In 2022, UNSW finalised the Flexible Work Policy, which better reflects the changing nature of the way we work. 

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Awards

Awards
Most Employable Graduates 

For the third year in a row, UNSW Sydney was named AFR Most Employable University at the 2022 Top100 Future Leader Awards, with a record 42 students named in the Top100 Future Leaders Competition. 

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Awards
UNSW Founders 

In 2022, The Australian ranked UNSW 1st for producing venture-backed entrepreneurs. This is a testament to the quality of the Founders Program and the hard work of the students, faculty, and staff involved.

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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 2022 Report


This report outlines UNSW's performance against the SDGs in 2022.


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