The United Nations Sustainable Goal 8:
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consist of 17 key commitments that strive to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
Yann Arthus Bertrand has chosen this photo to represent the challenges of meeting the United Nations SDG 8.
Yann Arthus Bertrand - Open air sapphire mine in Ilakaka, Fianarantsoa province, Madagascar (22° 42’ 13,21” S – 45° 13’ 13,77”E).
Madagascar is the world’s number one exporter of sapphires. Miners extract the earth that contains the gems using shovels and picks. Women and children then separate the sapphires. The miners earn only a few euros per day for exhausting and often dangerous work in the open air and underground mines. It’s estimated that 2.5 million people in Madagascar earn their living in these often illegal mines.
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According to the United Nations:
Labor productivity has increased and unemployment has declined, globally.
However, 470 million jobs must be created globally for new workers entering the labor force between 2016 and 2030.
BNP Paribas:
BNP Paribas fully contributes to achieving all 17 SDGs through a large range of actions and initiatives.
Our commitment to achieving SDG 8:
From start-ups to SMEs to international conglomerates, BNP Paribas supports businesses of all types. By financing and investing ethically, the Bank plays a role in the economic development of society as a whole and supports jobs creation.
Investments in Social Busineses through the Novess Fund:
The Group has invested €20 million in NovESS, a fund that finances companies in the social and inclusive economy and supports social innovation projects, particularly in the inclusion and medical-social domains.