Governments should encourage broad-based economic growth to expand employment opportunities and ensure adequate safety nets for those left behind. Governments should also invest in basic health and education to lay the groundwork for future economic prosperity. Employers should respect the rights and needs of their employees, and provide living wages. Individuals, acting as consumers, investors, charitable givers and responsible citizens, also have an essential role to play. Complement markets with government and civic action to ensure secure livelihoods for all.
Markets are very efficient in allocating most goods, services and investments.
Nearly every government on earth today has committed itself to some version of a market economy. But markets cannot meet all the needs of a society. They must be tempered with governmental and civic action to provide decent jobs and living wages. All too often this means that if workers are to have jobs, they must accept unconscionably low wages and dismal working conditions. Governments must maintain an adequate minimum wage and uphold workers' rights.