Issue 112 – 27, August 2, 2026
ITUC at the UN High - Level Political Forum
The world has set important goals called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improve life for everyone and protect our planet. But we only have a few years left to reach these goals, and we need to act now. The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) held July 7-15, 2026, in New York, reminds us that success depends on working together through strong partnerships.
Partnerships mean different groups working together. But partnerships only work well when they include workers’ voices, respect workers' rights, and create fair jobs. Workers and their unions are essential partners in making policies that help everyone, now and in the future. That’s why trade unions are always pushing for democracy, decent work and social justice to be at the heart of the SDGs.
Each SDG affects workers’ and union retiree lives today and their future. This Forum dealt with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals. Workers and unions should be involved in creating policies about water, energy, jobs, and cities. Their experience and rights help shape fair and effective solutions.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is dedicated to working on these SDGs because they are essential for protecting workers’ rights and building a fairer world. The ITUC fights for decent jobs, fair wages, safe workplaces, and social protections that benefit both current workers and future retirees.
Safe water and sanitation are basic human rights. Workers in industries like agriculture, factories, and health care need access to clean water to stay healthy and do their jobs. For workers who are retired or will retire someday, clean water means fewer health problems and better quality of life.
Reliable energy powers homes, workplaces, and schools. Workers need electricity for safe working conditions and for their communities. As we move to renewable energy, new jobs will be created, which can help workers and retirees find decent work in green industries. For retirees, access to affordable energy reduces living costs and improves health.
Modern infrastructure and industries are vital for creating jobs and growing the economy. Workers benefit from good jobs in factories, construction, and technology. When industries modernize with clean and sustainable practices, workers can enjoy safer workplaces and more secure futures. Good infrastructure also helps ensure communities are resilient against disasters, protecting current and future generations.
Cities should be safe, clean, and accessible for all residents. For workers, especially those in urban jobs like transportation, health, and care work, decent housing and safe transport are critical. For retirees, living in safe, green cities means healthier, happier lives. Investing in affordable housing, green spaces, and public transport benefits workers now and helps future retirees live comfortably.
Achieving these goals requires cooperation between countries, organizations, and workers. When workers and trade unions are involved in decision-making, policies better protect workers’ rights and ensure fair, decent work. For retirees, strong partnerships mean a more stable economy with good social protections and health care.
The ITUC understands that the SDGs are not just about the environment or development, they are also about making sure workers are respected, protected, and included in shaping policies. The organization advocates for governments and companies to respect international labor standards, support green jobs, and build social dialogue.
By pushing for these changes, the ITUC aims to ensure that everyone, especially workers and their families, will have a better quality of life now and when they retire. They also work hard to make sure that the global economy works for workers, not just for corporations and the wealthy.
Climate action helps prevent disasters that threaten jobs and homes. For current workers, it means safer workplaces. For future retirees, it means a safer, healthier environment.
We are running out of time to meet the SDGs, but together, we can make a difference. Including workers in decision-making, creating decent jobs, and protecting our environment will secure a better future for workers, current and future retirees. The ITUC’s work shows that when workers are involved, we can build a fairer, greener, and more sustainable world for everyone.
Read more - HLPF 2026
Read more - High-Level Political Forum 2026
A Growing Problem
A recent report by the National Institute on Ageing, Toronto Metropolitan University, titled, “Experiences of Older Women in Canada: Findings from the NIA’s 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey”, the report talks about how women in Canada tend to live longer than men, but they still face many problems as they age. Older women, especially those with lower incomes or who belong to racial groups, face big barriers that make life harder.
Not having enough money for food, housing, clothes, and other basic needs is Poverty. Many older women in Canada face this serious problem, they don’t have enough money to live on. Without enough income, their quality of life gets worse. Many are forced to choose between buying medicine or paying rent. Poverty is not seen clearly, it is seen as many small problems as possible instead of one big problem, not enough money. Our governments have relied on many charities and community groups to help. Food banks give out food. Housing groups try to find homes for people without places to live. These groups do important work, and many people depend on them. When charities focus on helping people deal with hunger, housing, they only manage the symptoms causing a cycle, where the problems never fully go away. The goal is to prevent poverty from happening in the first place, not just manage it when it does.
Women often earn less than men during their lives, which means they have less income and savings for retirement. Because of money problems, older women’s health and mental well-being suffer. They often feel lonely and have negative thoughts about growing older. The article says the government should help by making sure women have enough income as they get older, especially those with very little money.
Access to health care is another key point. Women with less money often get worse health care and find it harder to get the services they need. Racialized women also have trouble finding regular doctors and getting home care. The report recommends making health services easier to access and removing extra costs.
Social activities are also important for aging well. Older women with less money are less likely to join social events and are more isolated. Cost and transportation make it hard for them to get out and be with others. Racialized women face extra challenges because of racism and family duties. To fix this, the article suggests investing in low-cost programs, better transportation, and safe places for everyone to connect.
Finally, the article says more research is needed to understand how race, disability, immigration, and other factors make aging harder for certain groups of women. Overall, all older adults should be able to age with dignity, and understanding their unique experiences is important for creating better programs and policies.
If we want a fair and caring society, we should aim for a future where no one, including older women, must live in poverty.
Read more - Experiences of Older Women in Canada