Key interventions Spotlight - Living wages: A driver of social and economic development  

The panel will discuss the role that living wages can play in addressing broader systemic challenges including in-work poverty and income inequalities. It will also explore their potential to create more resilient local economies and the need to address the root causes of low pay. With increasing global attention to living wages, the session will showcase the initiative’s efforts to promote alignment with ILO principles for estimating and operationalizing living wages. This includes strengthening social dialogue and empowering wage-setting institutions. Partners will share their experiences and ambitions. Their contributions will reinforce sustainable development and social justice. 

Over half of the global workforce are wage earners, making wages the primary income source for many households. Over the years, there have been positive trends in real wages, with real wages increasing more rapidly in developing countries than in high-income countries. Yet millions of workers earn wages too low to afford a decent standard of living. In response, the number of living wage initiatives has risen sharply, reflecting a growing recognition that decent wages are central to economic and social development and essential in ensuring a decent and dignified life and in advancing social justice.  

Interpretation will be provided in English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese and international sign language.