Sustained and inclusive economic growth and investment can drive sustainable development, create decent jobs for all, and improve living standards. However, roughly half the world's population still lives on the equivalent of about USD 2 a day. In too many places, having a job does not guarantee an escape from poverty. Slow and uneven progress in this area requires rethinking and retooling economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.
More progress is needed to increase employment opportunities, reduce informal employment and the gender pay gap, and promote safe and secure working environments to create decent work for all. At the same time, private and public investment can be a powerful sustainable development enabler. If delivered in the right way, it can create jobs, build skills, spur innovation, provide essential infrastructure and services, and boost economic growth. More investment on its own is not enough. Tapping the sustainable development potential of investment means increasing the capacity of the local economy and the public sector, reforming framework conditions to make countries attractive investment destinations, and promoting responsible business conduct along the length of global supply chains.