Building Back Better: Towards achieving SDG 8

For Caritas Europa, decent work (SDG 8), which respects the rights and dignity of every worker, is an essential part of a human-centred economy. However, decent work for all is still far from being achieved in Europe and the COVID-19 crisis has further worsened the labour market situation across the European States. COVID-19 has had severe socio-economic consequences, especially for those in vulnerable situations, and has impacted the progress many countries had been making with regard to decent work. In the context of the recovery, it is now more important than ever for the EU and its Member States to refocus on achieving SDG 8. What actions could be carried out now to help get us back on track toward achieving SDG 8 by 2030? These questions will be the focus of this webinar with input from people experiencing labour market hurdles, along with the Project Director of the SDG Index, the European Commission, Caritas Europa, and the dicastery for Integral human development.

Moderator: Shannon Pfohman

15:00 – 15:10     Maria Nyman, Caritas Europa – Welcome and introduction

15:10 – 15:20     Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Columbia University – Assessment of the state of play on achieving SDG 8, especially following the outbreak of COVID-19.

15:20 – 15:35     Darvas Magdolna, Caritas’ Elderly Care Volunteer Programme and Hebrea Fernandez Bautista, A Todo Trapo Zaragoza – Presentation of their experiences related to employment/labour market

15:35 – 15:45     Cardinal Peter Turkson, Dicastery of Integral Human Development – Perspective of Catholic Social Teaching on the labour market and how to put it into practice.

15:45 – 15:55      Mirzha de Manuel, Member of Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis’ cabinet – Presentation of the Commission’s work on implementing the SDGs at EU level and guiding the Member States towards implementation at national level.

15:55 – 16:25     Q&A

16:25 – 16:30     Wrap-up & conclusions

The webinar will be conducted in English.

This webinar is a public event open to all Caritas member organisations, civil society, EU Institution representatives, academics and interested stakeholders.

Please note screenshots will be taken during the event.

This is an online webinar. You will be able to connect via Zoom. After registering to attend, you will receive detailed instructions on how to connect via a link to the webinar a few days before the event. The webinar will be recorded.