Livelihoods refers to quality job opportunities that, whether through formal employment or entrepreneurship, provide dignified income, marketable skills, and sustained security that can empower the poor to lift themselves out of poverty. Insecure livelihoods can take multiple forms (unemployment, informal status, or working poor) and affects every industry in poor and rich countries alike.
Global markets provide equitable access to jobs that ensure a livable wage, safe working conditions, skill-building opportunities and a secure, sustainable income for all individuals. Small and medium enterprises are thrive in developing regions, feeding the development of regional human capital through high quality job opportunities and training. Thriving local markets also provide entrepreneurs with the support and opportunity to build livelihoods through healthy lending markets, supportive regulatory environments and robust social safety nets.