Prof. Dr. Haider Ali Al-Dulaimi<br />College of Administrative Sciences - Al-Mustaqbal University<br />29/ 5/ 2025<br /><br />Eradicating poverty and promoting decent work are two key pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda adopted by the United Nations in 2015. While the first goal aims to "end poverty in all its forms everywhere," the eighth goal aims to "promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all." The relationship between these two goals highlights the structural interconnectedness of the economy, work, and social justice. Without decent work that guarantees adequate income and social protection, it is difficult to discuss radical solutions to poverty. Hence, the importance of adopting decent work as a strategic approach to addressing poverty and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. First: The Concept of Decent Work and Its Dimensions<br />The concept of "decent work" was first introduced into the International Labor Organization (ILO) agenda in the late 1990s. It refers to work that provides:<br />1. A fair wage that ensures a decent living.<br />2. Job security and safe and healthy working conditions.<br />3. Social protection, including health insurance, retirement, and benefits.<br />4. Freedom to organize and bargain collectively.<br />5. Equal opportunity and non-discrimination.<br /><br />Decent work represents the cornerstone of building balanced societies, as it contributes to reducing poverty and promoting economic and social inclusion.<br /><br />Second: The Interrelationship between Decent Work and Poverty Eradication<br />The relationship between decent work and poverty eradication is based on several axes:<br />1. Stable and sustainable income: Productive and stable work represents a key means of escaping the cycle of poverty, unlike marginal or informal work, which perpetuates economic vulnerability.<br />2. Protection from Economic Shocks: Decent work-related protection systems provide a safety net for workers and their families in emergencies.<br />3. Social Empowerment: Decent work gives individuals a sense of dignity and belonging and enhances their participation in economic, social, and political life.<br />4. The Role of Women and Youth: The inclusion of women and youth in the decent labor market contributes to breaking cycles of marginalization and promoting social justice.<br />Third: Challenges in Achieving Decent Work in Developing Countries<br />Despite widespread recognition of the importance of decent work, many developing countries face structural obstacles that prevent its achievement, including:<br />1. The high rate of informal employment that lacks legal and social protection.<br />2. Weak sustainable economic growth and the concentration of wealth in rentier sectors.<br />3. The gap between educational outcomes and labor market needs.<br />4. The lack of labor legislation or its ineffective implementation.<br />5. Political fragility and armed conflicts that hinder the building of institutions capable of providing a decent work environment.<br />Fourth: Towards an inclusive and sustainable economy through decent work<br />Achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, as a tool for poverty eradication, requires integrated policies that focus on:<br />• Promoting investments in productive sectors and green job opportunities.<br />• Supporting small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurship, especially in rural and marginalized areas.<br />• Reforming the education and vocational training system to align with the requirements of the modern economy.<br />• Expanding social protection and applying labor laws fairly and transparently.<br />• Promoting the digital economy and remote work to open up new employment prospects.<br />Decent work is not merely an economic goal; it is a pillar for achieving social justice and sustainable development. By providing decent and productive employment opportunities that respect rights and guarantee protection, countries can transform the fight against poverty and build an inclusive economy that leaves no one behind. Adopting decent work as a strategic choice is more important today than ever, given the mounting economic and social challenges that require comprehensive and just solutions.<br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the leading university in Iraq.