As event planners, take a closer look at the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs for short. Integrating the SDGs into events is an important step on the road to sustainability. With conscious event planning and implementation of sustainable practices, your events can also make an important contribution to solving global problems and at the same time become a role model for sustainability. For this reason, we are presenting "SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth" to you today.

SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth

SDG 8 covers the economic dimension of sustainable development. This is about shaping a sustainable economy as a guarantor of social prosperity. All people should (be able to) participate in this prosperity. With the help of modernization and innovations, global resource efficiency in consumption and production is to be gradually improved by 2030. This will make it possible to decouple economic growth from environmental consumption.

This is what SDG 8 means for events

SDG 8 aims to promote sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. It has direct relevance for all of us in the events industry, as our operations and services are heavily dependent on labor as well as having a significant economic impact.

As an event organizer, exhibitor or service provider, you can contribute to achieving SDG 8 by promoting fair working conditions, equality and local economic development. Advocate for environmental protection, education and social responsibility and make a positive contribution to sustainable events. Act transparently and actively collaborate with others. This promotes knowledge sharing and improves the carbon footprint of your events - and ultimately the footprint of the entire events industry.

These immediate actions at events pay into SDG 8

Start today! You can make a lot of difference, for example by:

Sustainable action

Improve resource efficiency in consumption and production step by step and decouple economic growth and environmental destruction. How? By promoting environmentally friendly measures such as recycling stations, energy-saving lighting, digital communication and environmentally friendly transport options such as bicycles or public transport as an event professional. This will reduce your event's environmental footprint. Make sure towels, clothing and merchandising are ethically and environmentally sourced fibers such as organic cotton and produced sustainably.

Sustainable supply chains

Check your supply chains for sustainability, working conditions, labor rights, fair payment. This way you can prevent child labor, oppression and exploitation. Fair Trade and other organizations and labels give you guidance and ensure that a sustainable economy is supported in countries of the global south.

Inclusive employment

You as an event professional can work with local non-profit organizations. This way you can create jobs for disadvantaged groups of the population. And be it "only" through temporary jobs or internships.

Education Initiatives

At your events, you can offer workshops, seminars or lectures on topics such as professional development, digital skills or sustainable business practices. In this way, you raise awareness around sustainable action and strengthen the employability of your participants at the same time.

Show social responsibility

As event professionals, you can get involved with local charitable projects or social enterprises. Integrate them into the event or donate a portion of the event proceeds. Alternatively, you can also hold a fundraiser during your event.

By the way, if you support local associations and projects, you can achieve local reach that will keep your brand or event more positively remembered in this community. In this way, you can build a positive image with your events.

Transparent reporting

As event professionals, you can report on your efforts to implement SDG 8 and other sustainable practices. This promotes transparency and inspires others in the industry to take similar initiatives.

Diversity and equality

Event professionals book a diverse group of speakers, panelists and artists from different backgrounds at your events. Include all genders to promote gender equality and diversity.

Promote local economy

When selecting service providers and suppliers, you as an event organizer or service provider can give preference to local companies. In this way, you support the regional economy and achieve a positive impact on the local community.

Events abroad

For events in other countries, you event organizers can support sustainable tourism. Choose sustainable solutions for your own events - from sustainable travel, sustainable locations, shuttles, catering, sightseeing tours, etc. Also think about transparent communication with all stakeholders on how and why you are implementing the event sustainably.

These immediate actions show that as an event professional, you can make a significant contribution to achieving SDG 8 by acting consciously and integrating sustainable and social principles into your events. It is often the small steps that get things started and lead to positive change in the event industry in the long term.

Events that lead by example

There are numerous events that lead by example. We have brought you some inspiration here:

Global Social Business Summit

The annual conference by Grameen Creative Lab promotes social business models. The event brings together social entrepreneurs, businesses and experts to discuss innovative solutions to social challenges and improve access to decent work.

Social Enterprise World Forum

The Social Enterprise World Forum is an international event that brings together social enterprises, entrepreneurs and stakeholders. The goal is to promote social entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development to support decent work and inclusive economic growth.

World Youth Skills Day

This international day, celebrated by the United Nations on July 15, aims to highlight the importance of education and vocational training for young people. Events and workshops are organized to improve the employability of young people and prepare them for the labor market.

Green Economy Summit

A summit focused on sustainable economic growth and green practices. The event brings together government officials, business leaders and experts to discuss ways to promote sustainable economic models and green jobs.

Social Impact Conference

A conference that focuses on social innovation and socially responsible business. It provides a platform for experts and organizations to talk about solutions that contribute to the fulfillment of SDG 8 and other social goals.

GSG Global Impact Summit

GSG brings together leaders in finance, business and philanthropy to solve some of the world's most pressing social and environmental challenges. The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) is an independent organization that promotes impact investing and entrepreneurship for the benefit of people and the planet. GSG was established in August 2015 as the successor to the Social Impact Investment Taskforce, which was launched under the UK's G8 Presidency in 2013.

Conclusion

If sustainable events become the standard, their high reach and variety create enormous potential to change the world in a positive way! This is how - also your? - Events become part of the solution - be an active part of it.

More information

Sabine Böhling, consultant, trainer and lecturer for sustainability and CSR, and Stefan Lohmann, expert for live entertainment concepts and founder of Sustainable Event Solutions, present the 17 SDGs and apply them to events. This series first appeared on tw-media, the meetings industry.

• more about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
• more about the 16 Steps Initiative