China's Multidimensional Efforts and Global Contributions in Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 8

Image credit: Zhang Bochao

Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations, Goal 8 — "Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all" — is not only a core objective for balanced global economic development but also a foundation for the long-term stability and prosperity of many countries. In this context, China, as the world's most populous country and the second-largest economy, has made significant efforts and contributions through a series of policies and measures to achieve this goal.

Promoting Economic Restructuring for Sustainable Development

The Chinese government recognizes that the traditional economic growth model, which relies on resource-intensive heavy industries and low-value-added manufacturing, although it has brought rapid economic growth in the short term, has also led to problems such as resource depletion, environmental pollution, and an imbalanced industrial structure. Consequently, China has formulated an innovation-driven development strategy, aiming to enhance the "quality" rather than just the "quantity" of economic growth by promoting technological innovation and the development of high-tech industries. For example, China strongly supports the development of strategic emerging industries such as next-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, new energy, new materials, and biotechnology. These sectors have not only spurred economic growth but also created a large number of high-quality jobs.

At the same time, China is vigorously promoting the development of the service industry, especially the rise of new service sectors such as the digital economy, modern logistics, fintech, and cultural tourism. These sectors effectively drive economic transformation and upgrading while providing diverse employment options for different types of labor, promoting the diversification and inclusiveness of the labor market.

Actively Developing a Green Economy to Ensure Harmonized Environmental and Economic Development

Amid global climate change and increasing ecological pressure, China is keenly aware that economic growth must not come at the expense of the environment. Therefore, while promoting economic growth, the Chinese government actively advocates and develops a green economy. In recent years, China has formulated and implemented a series of energy-saving and emission reduction policies, as well as environmental protection measures, such as promoting the use of clean energy, increasing investment in environmental technologies, and enforcing strict environmental laws and regulations.

In particular, in the energy sector, China is vigorously advancing the development of clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower and has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. These initiatives not only promote the development of green technologies and industries but also provide "wisdom and experience" for the global green economy. Additionally, by promoting green finance and issuing green bonds, China further directs capital toward green projects and industries, ensuring the sustainable momentum of economic growth.

Improving Labor Conditions and Rights to Promote Social Equity

Protecting labor rights is a crucial aspect of achieving Goal 8. To this end, China has introduced a series of labor laws and regulations, including the "Labor Contract Law," the "Labor Law," and the "Law on Mediation and Arbitration of Labor Disputes," which clearly define workers' basic rights, such as working conditions, wages, and social security. Moreover, the state has established labor inspection departments and implemented minimum wage standards to ensure that enterprises comply with labor laws and prevent unfair treatment.

China has also made significant progress in expanding the coverage of social security. In recent years, the government has continually improved the social security system to ensure that all types of workers can enjoy basic social benefits such as medical insurance, pension insurance, and unemployment insurance. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government adopted various measures to stabilize the job market and provide emergency assistance and employment support to the unemployed, ensuring social stability and sustained economic growth.

Promoting Urban-Rural Coordination and Narrowing the Income Gap

As a country with a vast rural population, China has long been committed to reducing the urban-rural gap and achieving balanced urban-rural development. To this end, the Chinese government proposed the Rural Revitalization Strategy, which aims to enhance the economic vitality of rural areas by improving rural infrastructure, increasing investment in agricultural science and technology, and developing rural e-commerce and tourism. Specifically, by providing loans and technical support, the government encourages farmers to participate in new agricultural cooperatives, promoting the industrialization of agriculture and increasing farmers' income levels. Additionally, through measures like "relocating poverty-stricken populations," the government helps impoverished people move to areas with better conditions, thereby improving their living standards.

Advancing Gender Equality and Promoting Women's Employment and Entrepreneurship

Gender equality plays a key role in promoting inclusive economic growth. The Chinese government continuously advances gender equality by raising women's economic participation through legislation, policies, and social advocacy. For example, the government supports women's career development and entrepreneurship by providing financial support, vocational training, and tax incentives, encouraging more women to enter high-value-added sectors such as technology, finance, and education. The government also emphasizes eliminating workplace discrimination and creating a fair competitive employment environment to ensure that women's opportunities and treatment in the labor market are not inferior to men's. These efforts enable more women to obtain decent jobs, enhancing their status in both the family and society.

Promoting Youth Employment to Enhance Future Economic Competitiveness

Faced with increasingly severe youth employment issues, the Chinese government has adopted a series of measures to help young people better integrate into the labor market. The government strengthens vocational education and technical training, fosters partnerships with enterprises, and promotes a school-enterprise cooperation model to provide more internships and job opportunities for young people. Especially given the increasing number of university graduates each year, the government encourages local governments and companies to offer support for youth entrepreneurship and job opportunities. Furthermore, the government enhances public employment services to help young people access more information and resources, improving their employability and market competitiveness.

Expanding International Cooperation to Promote Inclusive Global Economic Growth

China has always attached great importance to international cooperation and actively participates in the construction of the global governance system. Through the Belt and Road Initiative and other multilateral cooperation platforms, China has established extensive economic partnerships with countries worldwide, promoting inclusive global economic growth. Through infrastructure construction, trade, and investment cooperation, China provides numerous job opportunities to countries along the route and helps them enhance their economic development levels. Additionally, by offering economic aid and technical support to developing countries, China has made significant contributions to the global poverty reduction cause.

Looking Ahead: China's Commitment to the Path of Sustainable Development

Despite its significant progress, China still faces many challenges in achieving SDG 8, such as population aging, structural imbalances in the labor market, and resource and environmental constraints. Therefore, China will continue to promote high-quality economic development, further optimize the industrial structure, enhance technological innovation, and drive green transformation, striving to contribute more wisdom and strength to the global sustainable economic development. Meanwhile, China will also take proactive measures to promote social equity, narrow the wealth gap, advance gender equality, and protect labor rights to ensure that the fruits of economic growth benefit all.

Through these multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral efforts, China has made notable progress in achieving SDG 8, providing valuable experience and contributions to global sustainable development. Looking ahead, China will remain committed to promoting inclusive economic growth and social prosperity with higher standards and goals, striving to build a more equal, just, and sustainable world.