Overview Work for Human Development

Human development is about enlarging human choices— focusing on the richness of human lives rather than simply the richness of economies (see infographic). Critical to this process is work, which engages people all over the world in different ways and takes up a major part of their lives. Of the world’s 7.3 billion people, 3.2 billion are in jobs, and others engage in care work, creative work, voluntary work or other kinds of work or are preparing themselves as future workers. Some of this work contributes to human development, and some does not. Some work even damages human development (figure 1).

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions