Financing, not de-risking: a mission-oriented approach to the Sustainable Development Goals

The <scp>SDGs</scp>: A change agenda shaping the future of business and humanity at large

The working attitude plays a pivotal role in the performance of employees in Nepalese public sector financial institutions because the environment in Nepal is hostile. Thus, the main issue of this article is to evaluate the relationship between work attitude and organizational performance. Work attitude is proxied by organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behaviour, and job involvement. This study aimed to explore the relationship between work attitudes and organizational performance. Two thousand two hundred fifty-one officer-level employees of Nepalese public financial institutions were the population. Among them, 310 is the sample size. Officer-level employees are the prominent ones who evaluate the attitude of the employees. Thus, the officer-level employees are considered as the population, and they are selected purposively. Therefore, the purposive sampling strategy is adopted to select the sample. CR, AVE, and MSE are used to test the reliability and validity. Path analysis tests the impact of organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and job involvement on organizational performance. The result unveiled that organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and job involvement have a positive and significant impact on organizational performance in Nepal's public financial institutions. Modifications in organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and job involvement policies can leverage organizational performance in Nepalese public financial institutions. The study provides insights into the work attitude of public sector financial institutions and helps to frame policy. Similarly, it is a new issue in Nepal and provides insights and new literature in the academic sector of Nepal. JEL Classification Codes: C12, G20, M00.

Given the interconnectedness of climate change and sustainable development, policymakers and scholars have started to investigate how climate actions can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and vice versa. To date, research has mainly focused on the national and international levels, while little is known about the interlinkages between climate actions and the SDGs at the transnational level. Not only nation states, but also non-state actors undertake ambitious actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote sustainable development. Using content analysis and network analysis techniques, we examine the interlinkages between the climate actions of 72 transnational initiatives and the 169 targets of the 17 SDGs. We find that actions of 71 initiatives contribute to achieving 16 SDGs, thus generating valuable co-benefits. Besides SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals, transnational climate actions frequently address SDGs 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, and SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. While SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 4 on quality education are barely addressed, SDG 5 on gender equality is not at all covered by transnational climate actions. Additionally, the network reveals that SDG 9 is highly synergistic with many other frequently addressed SDGs and functions as an important connector between them. Finally, our results indicate that transnational initiatives fill a governance gap left by states with regards to SDG 12. Climate initiatives of non-state actors can thus complement state-led actions to implement the Paris Agreement and the SDGs jointly.

Purpose This study aims to investigate how university students perceive and prioritize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and whether their climate consciousness and views on climate responsibility align with their awareness and prioritization of the SDGs. The findings inform the consideration of two pedagogical approaches – leveraging the SDGs as either integrative “nets” or strategic “wedges” – to enhance engagement with SDG 13, Climate Action. Design/methodology/approach A cross-national survey (n = 388) was conducted among university students in Argentina, Denmark, Italy, Spain and the USA. Using a Likert scale and rankings, the survey assessed participants’ awareness and prioritization of the SDGs alongside inquiries into their perceptions of climate change and the people and institutions most responsible for addressing it. Findings Students recognize human-caused climate change and are concerned about its current and future impacts, yet a majority are unaware of the SDG frameworks and rank SDG 13 Climate action lower than other SDGs. They also have a moderate to low sense of personal responsibility and assign most responsibility to governments, wealthier nations and corporations. Research limitations/implications Our results reveal indicative patterns; however, the voluntary, university-specific sample limits generalizability. Future studies should expand the scope to other universities and may supplement the survey with qualitative methods such as project-based learning to explore the effectiveness of the wedge-based approach to SDG awareness. Practical implications By leveraging popular SDGs as “wedges” into broader sustainability issues, instructors can enhance SDG literacy, foster deeper engagement with climate topics and promote more effective, context-sensitive climate education. This approach could align pedagogy with student priorities while advancing meaningful integration of SDG 13 into higher education. Originality/value This study offers a globally relevant, data-driven framework that helps us consider two distinct pedagogical strategies to improve SDG literacy: presenting interlinked SDGs as nets that capture elements of SDG 13, or using highly valued goals (e.g. SDG 3 Good health and well-being) as wedges that offer deeper dives into specific SDGs that can later be linked to climate action.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health system & Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Rapid urbanization in developing countries has increased the demand for affordable and adequate housing, as well as access to efficient public transportation systems. These challenges are closely related to the targets outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which seeks to ensure inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. Adequate housing is defined not only by physical infrastructure but also by access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and transport connectivity. This study aims to examine the characteristics of affordable and adequate housing in relation to public transportation accessibility in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, focusing on the sub-districts of Tanjung Karang Pusat, Tanjung Karang Timur, and Tanjung Karang Barat. The research employed a field-based survey method involving interviews and direct observations of 70 household samples. Key variables measured include the proportion of households with access to adequate and affordable housing, the percentage of the population with convenient access to public transportation, and the extent of service coverage by public transit. The findings reveal that 77% of households fulfill the criteria for adequate and affordable housing, whereas only 13% of the population enjoys convenient access to public transport, and 68% are covered by public transportation services. These results highlight a substantial disparity between housing provision and transportation accessibility, underscoring the necessity for integrated urban policies that promote spatial equity and sustainable development in rapidly growing urban areas.

Collaborations with and among faith-based organizations (FBOs), natural scientists, development organizations, and youth offer untapped potential for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). FBOs are important cultural partners for achieving the SDGs globally in numbers of adherents (80% of humanity) and resources, owning 8% of habitable land, half the world’s schools, and many health and community development services; they provide assets for formal and informal education, forming youth leaders, and social justice action. Natural scientists are also critical to SDG achievement because the environmental components in many goals require specialized skills and background. We focus on Climate Action (SDG 13) as it links to other SDGs and because climate justice directly connects to human development - a major area of FBO work, and engages scientist outreach and youth action. We surveyed The UN Environmental Program (UNEP) Faith for Action and other major FBO networking initiatives that were formed to address the SDGs as well as literature covering other interfaces and partnerships between religion, sustainability, youth, SDGs, science, climate change, and education. We examined curriculum and guidebooks to identify best practices and identified gaps in partnership development. The Faith Pavilion and multifaith statements at COP28 and the international Catholic movements emerging from the SDGs-concurrent 2015 Laudato Si' encyclical and its follow-up 2023 Laudate Deum are exemplary in mobilizing educators, institutions, and organizations to integrate SDGs into activities through a faith and particular mission lens. International development FBOs and diverse religious groups worldwide support climate adaptation and mitigation by connecting their central mission to environmental care. Today’s youth are unprecedented in number, sense of urgency, experience of climate anxiety and grief, and engaged sustainability actions. Yet, youth, FBOs and scientists are often not included in SDGs work. We recommend developing partnership skills, cultural and religious literacy materials, programs, and toolkits for secular groups and scientists partnering with FBOs, and networking opportunities to form partnerships. Connecting FBOs, including youth organizations, to larger youth climate movements and other collaborative climate networks, and creating climate action materials connecting to faith backgrounds of particular youth, will better equip potential partners for achieving the SDGs.

BackgroundGlobal progress in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires significant national and international research efforts and collaboration. The current study aimed to provide policymakers, academics, and researchers with a snapshot of global SDGs-related research activity.MethodThis was a cross-sectional descriptive bibliometric study. SciVerse Scopus was used to retrieve SDGs-related research publications for the period from 2015 to 2019.ResultsIn total, 18,696 documents were found. The Sustainability journal ranked first (n = 1008; 5.4%) in the number of SDGs-related publications. The World Health Organization was the most active institution in publishing SDGs-related documents (n = 581; 1.3%). Most of the retrieved documents belonged to SDG 17 (partnership) followed by SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), while SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) had the least number of publications. The European region (n = 9756; 52.2%) had the highest research contribution while the Eastern Mediterranean region (n = 1052; 5.6%) had the least contribution. After exclusion of SDG 17, the SDG 3 (good health and well-being) was the top researched SDG for the African region, the Eastern Mediterranean regions, and the South-Eastern Asian region. For the region of the Americas, European region, and the Western Pacific region, the SDG 13 (climate action) was the most researched. The SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) was the least researched in the African region, the region of the Americas, the European region, and the South-East Asian region. In the Eastern Mediterranean region, SDG 10 (reduced inequality) was the least researched while in the Western Pacific region, SDG 5 (gender inequality) was the least researched. The most researched targets of SDG 3 were targets 7 (sexual and reproductive health services) and 8 (universal health coverage) while the least researched targets were 5 (substance use disorders) and 9 (death from hazardous materials). International research collaboration within SDG 3 between high- and low-income countries was inadequate.ConclusionThe analysis presented in the current study are useful for researchers, institutes, governments, funding agencies, and policy-makers. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South-East Asia need to increase their funding and research collaboration in the field of SDGs.

Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels is the German publishers and booksellers association. Sustainability and working towards achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are top priorities for the organization. This includes the aim of reducing carbon emissions. Börsenverein is a member of the International Publishers Association, the Federation of European Publishers and the European and International Booksellers Federation as well as a corresponding member of STM and collaborates with all these associations in its work on sustainability. At the domestic level, Börsenverein has established a Sustainability Working Group with three task forces to lead its efforts, focusing on promoting the book sector’s achievement of selected SDGs, such as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). At the same time, the book sector has an outstanding role and opportunity in promoting other SDGs through the works it publishes, distributes, and makes accessible to readers. Börsenverein strives to foster the positive impacts of this “carbon handprint” on SDGs such as SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Concrete first steps include an external sustainability audit, member-facing events, and a conference.

Purpose Construction stakeholders often prioritise the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability over its social dimensions. There is a limited understanding of how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and occupational health and safety (OHS) intersect and mutually contribute to each other. This study aims to explore the connection between SDGs and OHS in construction. Design/methodology/approach Using a systematised review approach, 46 publications related to the SDGs and OHS from 2015 to 2023 were identified. The data was analysed through thematic analysis, with the SDGs as the main themes. Additionally, examples from Australian Work Health and Safety laws have been used as a case study to illustrate the connection between the SDGs and OHS. Findings Upon in-depth analysis, it was discovered that construction OHS closely relates to ten SDGs: no poverty (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). Furthermore, the study revealed that the relationship between the SDGs and OHS is mutual, with each contributing to the attainment of the other. Originality/value The study offers comprehensive insights into the relationship between the SDGs and OHS in the construction industry, thereby contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The world is currently striving to achieve the globally adopted sustainable development goals (SDGs). Exploring the role of technology in achieving the SDGs is critical for the decision-makers and will allow them to overcome any possible trade-off. In this work, the role of wastewater management in achieving the SDGs has been indicated. The analysis shows that wastewater treatment could contribute to achieving 11 out of 17 SDGs. The major contribution came from its ability to increase water availability (SDG 2: zero hunger and SDG 6: clean water and sanitation), enhance human health worldwide (SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing), providing a new source of income for smallholder (SDG 1: no poverty and SDG 8: decent work and economic growth), converting waste to energy (SDG 7: affordable and clean energy, and SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure) and reducing the environmental impact of wastewater (SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: climate action, and SDG 14: life below water). The challenges related to implementing and assessing these targets were discussed as well. A set of indicators (guideline) were proposed to improve the contribution of the wastewater treatment facility to the SDGs. This study emphasizes on the significant influence of wastewater treatment on the United Nations' SDGs and targets worldwide.

oday, academic libraries have progressively developed beyond their traditional roles to become vital enablers of sustainability, equity, and innovation within higher education institutions. Over the past decade, many scholars have aimed to align library practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, in the Sri Lankan context, studies focusing on the SDGs in libraries are scattered and abstract. Therefore, this study aims to explore and map the sustainable library practices of the Science Faculty Library at the University of Colombo to the SDGs. This library operates as an academic blended library and was awarded the Green Building Certification in 2021. It serves approximately 4,000 students enrolled in the Faculty of Science, of whom 54% are female. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected through document analysis, service audits, and direct observations. The mapping of library practices against the SDGs shows that they are directly or indirectly aligned with all 17 SDGs. The direct contributions include 13 goals, such as no poverty (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), responsible consumption (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). Findings highlight the library’s multifaceted impact, ranging from providing inclusive access to information to promoting mental well-being, sustainable infrastructure, and ethical academic practices. Notably, the library's certified green building design, utilisation of solar energy, and digital platforms support broader environmental and innovation objectives. Additionally, career guidance programmes and outreach activities address employability and lifelong learning. This research also demonstrates that academic libraries can serve as operational models of sustainability, effectively bridging educational missions with global development agendas. Furthermore, the study recommends incorporating SDG-aligned indicators into library strategic plans and expanding collaborative partnerships to enhance impact.

This article calls for the need for integration of physical literacy into Physical Education (PE) curricula in Africa to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and climate action (SDG 13). Traditional PE often emphasizes competitive sports and physical benchmarks, overlooking inclusive, ecological, and lifelong development. Physical literacy defined by motivation, confidence, competence, and knowledge for lifelong physical activity offers a transformative approach to align PE with sustainability goals. The proposed framework promotes active lifestyles, inclusive teaching practices, and environmental stewardship through curriculum redesign, teacher training, outdoor learning, community engagement, and multidimensional assessments. Despite challenges such as limited resources, lack of teacher preparedness, and definitional ambiguity, opportunities exist through technology, cultural relevance, and alignment with global Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals. By embedding physical literacy, PE can become a vehicle for nurturing health-conscious, environmentally aware, and socially responsible individuals. This article reimagines PE as a critical tool for addressing modern health, education, and environmental challenges, advocating for systemic reforms that position physical literacy at the core of sustainable development strategies. The urgency of this transformation underscores the need for equity, inclusivity, and intersectoral collaboration in educational practice.

The Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development (JSC) was established in 2016 to promote United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a generous grant of USD 10 million from the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. To enhance SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals, JSC has successfully conducted a series of well attended public lectures and workshops among Asean ministers, senior government officers, private enterprises and the public. Three additional core SDGs are identified for implementation: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 13: Climate Action. This paper outlines research and community outreach undertaken by JSC, in collaboration with local and international partners, to develop competences, expertise and talents in SDG 17 and three other core SDGs identified. On SDG 3, JSC advises Malaysian Ministry of Health in formulating model DEER for licensing of dengue vaccine Dengvaxia based upon a set of five criteria: safety, efficacy, equity, affordability and cost effectiveness. On SDG 6, JSC conducts field and laboratory experiments coupled with simulations using model E2Algae to implement effective measures for controlling eutrophication in a lake near campus. SDG 13 on climate action is intimately connected to SDG 14: Life under water and SDG 15: Life on land, viewed in the perspective of mangrove conservation.

A systematic literature review of integration of industry 4.0 and warehouse management to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)