SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

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

IEC International Standards together with testing and verification increase the safety of electric tools and of the workers who use them. The IEC can help implement and upgrade technology solutions with a view of improving production efficiency. When developing countries and their manufacturers use IEC International Standards together with the IEC Conformity Assessment Systems, they are able to participate in global value chains and access more markets faster and more efficiently, therefore creating economic growth.

IEC work also covers equipment developed for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, increasing the access to employment.

IEC work is relevant to the following SDG 8 targets

SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
SDG 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead
SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
SDG 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
SDG 8.a: Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries