Priority In Countries Research Articles

Health implications of cooking energy transition: Evidence from rural China

Abstract The transition towards advanced residential energy sources is a pressing priority for many countries. Despite this, solid fuels remain the dominant form of cooking energy for rural households in developing countries. This study investigates the physical and mental health impacts of cooking energy choices by using endogenous switching models to address selection bias associated with cooking energy adoption and to distinguish the health impacts of different types of cooking energy. Using a country-representative household survey data in China, our results indicate that adopting advanced forms of energy, not only enhances physical health in terms of reducing the rates of chronic diseases but also improves mental health. We further delve into the heterogenous impacts of advanced energy adoption across different groups and find that women, old adults, and economically disadvantaged groups are more likely to experience greater mental health benefits compared to their counterparts, while the opposite results are observed for the physical health. Additionally, we differentiate the health impacts by distinguishing between various energy types. This study provides insights for policy making aimed at improving public health and promoting health equality, contributing to efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals by prioritizing clean and efficient residential energy solutions.

Carving out space for co-creation in implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions

Abstract Background Mental health is identified as a pressing public health priority for European countries challenged by societal changes. The ADVANCE project aims to strengthen our understanding of mental health promotion and prevention in seven countries in Europe. In Denmark, the research project sets out to understand how WHO’s stress management intervention Self Help Plus can be embedded within social and integration programmes for adults who have experienced migration. Methods We are using a common methodology across the 7 country projects oriented by co-creation with end users and relevant stakeholders to initially develop implementation scenarios and stigma reduction strategies. We will present findings from this process and reflect on the tension and potential of the co-creation methodology in the implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions. Results In the first project phase of problem analysis and co-creation, the project’s society advisory group discussed 10 tailored intervention scenarios. Then, a Delphi survey and two rounds of scenario-based workshops with additional involvement of 16 end users/actors resulted in a final implementation scenario and stigma reduction strategies. We identified and reflected on questions around ownership of the project, boundaries of the proposed intervention, alignment of expectations, and intervention sustainability within the parameters of the ADVANCE project. Conclusions Even when interventions are pre-selected in response to funding calls, co-creation can facilitate the development of acceptable and sustainable implementation strategies. However, meaningful co-creation requires time, flexibility, and negotiation, which is not always guaranteed. Key messages • Co-creation creates productive tension and potential for the implementation of ADVANCE. • Space for co-creation was negotiated with collaborators to ensure meaningful engagement.

Socioeconomic inequalities in waiting times for breast cancer surgery.

Prompt access to cancer care is a policy priority in several OECD countries, because delayed access can exacerbate deleterious health outcomes. Access to care based on need remains a key pillar of publicly-funded health systems. This study tests for the presence of inequalities in waiting times by socioeconomic status for patients receiving breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or breast conserving surgery) in England using the Hospital Episode Statistics. We investigate separately the pre-COVID-19 period (April 2015-January 2020), and the COVID-19 period (February 2020-March 2022). We use linear regression models to study the association between waiting times and income deprivation measured at the patient's area of residence. We control for demographic factors, type and number of comorbidities, past emergency admissions and Healthcare Resource Groups, and supply-level factors through hospital fixed effects. In the pre-COVID-19 period, we do not find statistically significant associations between income deprivation in the patient's area of residence and waiting times for surgery. In the COVID-19 period, we find that patients living in the most deprived areas have longer waiting times by 0.7days (given a mean waiting time of 20.6days).

Development of Circular Economy in the Visegrad Group of Countries

The circular economy is important in implementing EU Green Deal targets, climate change mitigation commitments, and pursuing sustainable development. A circular economy allows the reduction of waste and environmental damages linked to waste to save natural resources and mitigate climate change. The transition from linear to circular economy models provides many economic and environmental benefits and is a priority for most countries, especially developed ones. There is a need to measure and monitor the circular economy's progress. In this context, indicators can be useful tools to assess progress achieved by countries in pursuing circular economy development. The paper developed an indicators framework to measure circular economy development progress in the EU and applies the developed framework for Visegrad countries. The Visegrad Group (V4) includes four Central European countries, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, linked by similar geographical and geopolitical situations and common history and culture. MCDM tool ARAS was applied to ranking four Visegrad countries in 2010 and 2021 based on the progress achieved in circular economy development.

Using priorities between human and livestock bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to identify data gaps in livestock AMR surveillance

BackgroundBacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to both humans and livestock. Despite this, there is limited global consensus on data-informed, priority areas for intervention in both sectors. We compare current livestock AMR data collection efforts with other variables pertinent to human and livestock AMR to identify critical data gaps and mutual priorities.MethodsWe globally synthesized livestock AMR data from open-source surveillance reports and point prevalence surveys stratified for six pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, non-typhoidal Salmonella, Campylobacter spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium) and eleven antimicrobial classes important in human and veterinary use, published between 2000 and 2020. We also included all livestock species represented in the data: cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep, turkeys, ducks, horses, buffaloes, and goats. We compared this data with intended priorities calculated from: disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), livestock antimicrobial usage (AMU), livestock biomass, and a global correlation exercise between livestock and human proportion of resistant isolates.ResultsResistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides in Staphylococcus aureus were identified as priorities in many countries but, less than 10% of these reported livestock AMR data. Resistance data for Escherichia coli specific to cattle, chickens, and pigs, which we prioritized, were also well collected. AMR data collection on non-typhoidal Salmonella and other livestock species were often not prioritized. Of 232 categories prioritized by at least one country, data were only collected for 48% (n = 112).ConclusionsThe lack of livestock AMR data globally for broad resistance in Staphylococcus aureus could underplay their zoonotic threat. Countries can bolster livestock AMR data collection, reporting, and intervention setting for Staphylococcus aureus as done for Escherichia coli. This framework can provide guidance on areas to strengthen AMR surveillance and decision-making for humans and livestock, and if done routinely, can adapt to resistance trends and priorities.

The Role of Geopolitics on Economic Growth in Indonesia

Inclusive and sustainable economic growth is a priority for countries around the world, including Indonesia. Geopolitics plays an important role in creating a legal framework that supports investment, innovation, and environmental protection - key components of sustainable economic growth. This research aims to explore how geopolitics contributes to Indonesia's economic growth, focusing on the development of technologies, regulations, and procedures that support economic sustainability. The research method used is a qualitative approach, with data collection through literature review and policy analysis. This research was conducted by exploring the influence of geopolitics in the context of economic policy, investment, and natural resource management. The results show that Indonesia's strategic location as an archipelago provides advantages in international trade and regional economic relations. In addition, political stability and economic policies influenced by geopolitics play an important role in creating an enabling environment for economic growth. The implication of this research is the importance of strengthening international and bilateral cooperation to capitalize on Indonesia's geographical and political potential to increase economic competitiveness globally and promote sustainable economic growth.

Exploring Important Attributes, the Potential Use Cases and Feasibility of Introduction of Measles and Rubella Microarray Patches (MR-MAPs): Insights from Nine Countries.

Background: Microarray patches (MAPs) are innovative, needle-free vaccine delivery systems, suitable for administration by minimally trained health care workers or trained community health workers. Their introduction may transform immunization programmes, particularly for vaccines where high coverage is required for population immunity, such as measles, and where vaccine delivery is challenging, such as in low- and middle-income countries. Recognizing the need to understand how best to tailor these products to reflect country priorities, workshops on measles and rubella MAPs (MR-MAPs) were conducted in multiple regions to collect insights on needs and preferences from relevant stakeholders at country level. Methods: The CAPACITI Innovation Framework was used to structure stakeholder discussions in nine countries in the period from August 2022 to July 2023. The discussions, building on the findings from a situation analysis on the barriers related to measles and rubella vaccine delivery, followed the four-step process outlined in the framework. Results: Key barriers hindering delivery of measles and rubella vaccines across the countries were in the categories of human resource management, service delivery, and demand generation. MR-MAP attributes that stakeholders believed would reduce or eliminate these barriers included ease of preparation and administration, improved thermostability, fewer (ancillary) components, and single-dose presentation. Some attributes such as the site of administration, wear time, and storage volume could exacerbate certain barriers. Based on an understanding of key barriers, product attributes, and underserved populations, stakeholders identified several potential use cases for MR-MAPs: (i) delivery at a fixed health post, (ii) delivery through outreach sessions conducted by health workers, and (iii) administration by community health workers. To enable robust national decision making about the introduction of MR-MAPs and successful implementation, global and national evidence on feasibility and acceptability of MR-MAPs should be generated. To prepare for the potential introduction of MR-MAPs, immunization programmes should evaluate their immunization policies based on their preferred use cases and modify them if needed, for example, to enable community health workers to administer vaccines, along with making programmatic adjustments to waste management and training. Conclusions: MR-MAPs have the potential to reduce key barriers to MR delivery. Yet, their future impact depends on the ability of global stakeholders to steer the development of MR-MAPs to be responsive to country needs and preferences. The generation of evidence to enable robust decision making, timely modification of vaccine policies, and addressing programmatic considerations will be key to successful uptake.

Birds as sacred ‘children of god’, beholders of spirit and symbols of twinhood: Human–bird interaction among the Nuer in western Ethiopia

Abstract The deep connection between Indigenous communities and nature plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation. Ethiopia, one of Africa's priority countries for bird conservation, harbours 821 bird species and 83 ethnic groups of Indigenous people. However, cultural and spiritual ties between Indigenous peoples and bird species remain largely unexplored. This is particularly true for remote Indigenous communities such as the Nuer. Relying on preexisting bird survey data, we conducted focussed group discussions and semi‐structured interviews with Indigenous Nuer in western Ethiopia to explore human–bird interactions and documented associated traditional ecological knowledge and considered their conservation implications. We found that Nuers have strong ties with birds. In Nuer community, birds are collectively known by three interchangeable terms: ‘gaatkuoth’ to mean sacred children of god, ‘kuoth’ meaning bearers of spirit and ‘diit’ symbols of human twins (since birds nurture multiple offspring, they associate the incidence of twins in human with birds). We identified 71 culturally important bird species that were used in seven different use categories. Among these species, 10 were used as bushmeat, five for traditional medicine, eight as fish indicators, seven as omens (believed to indicate upcoming misfortunes), three as amulets (believed to protect against danger when bird's body parts are used as necklaces and bracelets), three as season indicators and 45 for their scenic beauty. An informant consensus factor for species in all use categories was >90%, except for the scenic value, indicating a high homogeneity of knowledge about species uses. Bird species with multiple uses have significant cultural values among locals, emphasizing the need to understand these values in conservation efforts. Nuer traditional systems regulate the direct use of birds including for bushmeat. Hunting is permitted only by impoverished households during severe food shortages and is prohibited for those with a history of twins in their ancestry. The Nuer people exhibit a profound cultural connection to birds, viewing them as sacred and spiritually valuable beings. This deep‐seated reverence and traditional knowledge highlight the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into bird conservation strategies to enhance their effectiveness and respect cultural values. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

THE MAIN CHALLENGES OF THE SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM IN POST-PANDEMIC GEORGIA

In the post-pandemic period in Georgia, despite the high rate of economic growth, poverty and social exclusion remain an acute challenge. The social protection mechanisms operating in the country, such as one-time cash assistance, targeted social assistance, and other support services, such as housing and shelter, services for disabled persons, etc., still cannot provide the desired living conditions for citizens. Establishing and further improving a sustainable, fair, and effective social protection system is one of the country's priorities. Ensuring the effectiveness of the targeted social assistance system is a significant task of both the central and municipal governments. The targeted social assistance program operating in Georgia, which assesses the socio-economic status of families according to the updated methodology, tries to realistically evaluate the needs of the socially vulnerable part of the population, children and families with children, and accordingly determine the main directions of social policy. It is also significant to promote the integration of individuals with disabilities, to improve the socio-economic status and living conditions of internally displaced individuals and eco-migrants, and others. The paper analyzes the primary mechanisms, achievements, and challenges of the social protection system in Georgia. Recommendations are presented in the direction of overcoming poverty and raising the population's standard of living.

A Systematic Review to Advance Cost Management Strategies for Rail Projects

Developing a robust rail network has always been a priority for countries, especially those in the process of development. The growth of the rail industry plays a crucial role in boosting a nation's economy and productivity. As multiple national governments are actively developing rail projects to transform public transport from road to rail, it is evident that the knowledge in rail construction cost management needs a revamp after 20 years of research, hence the need of this study. The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth review aimed at establishing a standardized framework for identifying and categorizing the factors affecting cost performance in rail projects. As part of this study, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of journal publications on rail project cost management from 2016 to 2023 has been started to ascertain the noteworthy contributions that various stakeholders and educators contributed to the knowledge of cost management in rail projects. Ultimately, 23 publications had been selected to be critically analyzed. The analysis sheds light on current research trends, highlights gaps in existing knowledge, and suggests potential avenues for future research. The significant research findings include the need to explore effective stakeholder management in rail projects, developing effective mechanism/framework for all parties to ensure effective cost management and enhancing the connection between research and industry practice in the rail industry. Furthermore, as the thorough examination of literature identifies the research trends, researchers may delve into the fundamental concepts of the subject, draw valuable insights from the assessments, and progress towards areas where research is most needed as well as providing stakeholders and academics with impactful outcome for enhancing rail project cost management in the future.

Generating pathways to domestically sourced plasma-derived medicinal products: Report from a workshop by the International Plasma and Fractionation Association and the Working Party on Global Blood Safety of the International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are recognized internationally as essential medicines required to treat various acute and chronic conditions including congenital deficiencies of plasma proteins in haemophilia and primary immune deficiency. Global provision of these medicines is dominated by a small number of commercial companies, influencing the price and availability of the products. Achieving a level of strategic independence from this dominance is now seen as a public health priority in many countries. During the Regional Congress of the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT) in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2023, around 50 delegates from 24 countries participated in a workshop (WS) organized jointly by the International Plasma and Fractionation Association (IPFA) and the ISBT Working Party on Global Blood Safety on pathways towards provision of PDMPs from domestic plasma independent of commercial purchase in the open market. The WS was structured around three themes, each addressed by a separate group: Quality/safety requirements for plasma for fractionation (PfF) Stepwise access for safe plasma proteins Approaching contract fractionation A synthesis of conclusions from these groups included the following: The need to acquire support from government authorities for a national plasma policy, recognizing the difficulties posed by unstable political and bureaucratic environments. The value of embedding plasma and PDMPs within a patient blood management (PBM) paradigm to promote optimal clinical use of PDMPs. Training of blood/plasma collection personnel in the relevant principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), coupled with regulatory oversight of plasma product production in the engaged jurisdictions. Appreciation that limited access to contract fractionation may necessitate a stepwise approach, which may include small-scale preparation of versions of essential plasma proteins as an intermediate phase towards the manufacture of industrial-scale PDMPs from domestic plasma.

Polityka zagraniczna Austrii wobec państw afrykańskich po II wojnie światowej

AUSTRIA’S FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS AFRICAN COUNTRIES AFTER WORLD WAR IIAfter the restoration of sovereignty in 1955, a neutral Austria developed intensive contacts with developing countries. Vienna’s open attitude towards them fostered a positive image of the country, also within African states. The peak of activity in the political dialogue with Africa came during the so-called Kreisky era. The activist foreign policy was not accompanied by effective development aid though. From the mid-1980s there is an apparent shift away from an active policy of neutrality and global engagement in favour of European politics. After the accession to the European Union, the development cooperation takes priority and the African continent becomes one of three key regions. The cooperation focuses on the poorest priority countries south of the Sahara: Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique, Burkina Faso. In spite of programmatic and organisational changes, Austria’s financial contribution still significantly lags behind most small countries of the “old Union”.

Deficits and opportunities, pivots and shifts for scaling-up voluntary medical male circumcision in Uganda: a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis study

Despite voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) being a cost-effective intervention for preventing HIV transmission, its scale-up has faced challenges. Several interventions to address these challenges in priority countries, including Uganda, have not yielded the desired results. This cross-sectional qualitative study aimed to explore the factors that affect the demand for VMMC and identify possible solutions. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 29 males aged at least 18 and not more than 65 drawn randomly from a database representative of the general population maintained by an independent research organisation. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, and data analysis was done using NVivo version 12. The results were presented in narrative format with supporting quotes. The study received ethical and regulatory clearance to be conducted in Uganda. The average age of the respondents was 28 years. Almost all respondents had some education, and most lived in rural areas. Two themes were generated, namely, 1) deficits and opportunities for VMMC, which are issues that currently hinder the uptake of VMMC but, if addressed, would lead to better demand, and 2) pivots and shifts for VMMC, which are changes that need to be made to improve the uptake of VMMC. We found that several challenges, including myths, misconceptions, health system gaps, and uncertainties about the postoperative period, hindered the uptake of VMMC. Pivots and shifts for improving the uptake of VMMC include intensifying VMMC campaigns, addressing inequities, and addressing access barriers. We concluded that several challenges, including myths and misconceptions, health system-related gaps, and uncertainties in the post-circumcision period, persist and negatively impact the scale-up of VMMC in Uganda. VMMC beneficiaries have plausible proposals for addressing challenges. The Uganda Ministry of Health should address the myths, misconceptions, health system-related gaps, and uncertainties about the postoperative period and should involve VMMC beneficiaries in reviewing interventions to address gaps.

Partnerships for policy: initiating a Global Burden of Animal Diseases case study in Indonesia.

The Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme aims to quantify the economic and broader societal costs of animal disease, providing information to policy-makers and other stakeholders to inform investments in animal health. Within this context, GBADs'Indonesian case study brings together a multidisciplinary and multi-national team to pilot the GBADs methodology in the Asiaâ€"Pacific region. This article describes the process of building a case study and, based on that experience, summarises key learnings to inform the development of future case studies and similar projects. Recommendations focus on the steps required to build successful partnerships to deliver a complex programme of work; the authors highlight the need to consider the local context in aligning project and country priorities, the importance of early engagement with a range of stakeholders, and the need for regular and clear communication within the project team.

Patent Invalidation Procedures in the WTO Member BRICS Countries: India Provides a Model Legislation

Eighty percent of the world’s population lives in emerging markets, and a significant portion of this population is not receiving healthcare or at least is not receiving the healthcare they need. This is an issue experienced in all of the BRICS countries as well. The BRICS countries particularly need drugs for the treatment and management of infectious and communicable diseases. The affordability of healthcare is one of the key priorities of the BRICS countries. These goals may not necessarily be in line with the patent laws of the BRICS countries which are also members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This article examines the patent invalidation procedures of the four WTO member BRICS countries, namely India, China, Brazil, and South Africa with the aim of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of their procedural safeguards and learning from their experiences. The presence of a functional patent opposition model is of utmost importance for the BRICS countries, since this allows for the invalidation or opposition of patents that have been granted in their respective jurisdictions. However, except for India, none of the other WTO member BRICS countries have developed a well-thought-out patent opposition model. This study argues that the BRICS group provides a viable forum for India to promote its distinguished patent invalidation model. In turn, the WTO member BRICS countries can learn from India’s pro-health patent opposition model and reform their national patent laws to align with their public health priorities. This is especially important in the context of the pandemic like COVID-19, for example.

Sustainable solutions: using MCDM to choose the best location for green energy projects

Purpose This study aims to find the best location for constructing green energy facilities in India and reducing CO2 emissions. Incorporating green energy is a priority for many countries under the Paris Agreement. This task is challenging due to factors that affect implementation, and making the wrong decision wastes resources. India’s goals are net-zero emissions by 2070 and 50% renewable electricity by 2030. Other developing nations should emulate India’s renewable energy strategy. India ranks fourth in renewable energy and wind power, and fifth in solar power capacity. This research aims to identify the best locations in India for implementing green energy projects. Design/methodology/approach To identify the optimal green energy implementation sites in India, this research uses the hybrid multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) in an uncertain environment. This research uses the Delphi method to identify the most suitable green energy implementation sites in India. It adapts the elements for this investigation. In addition, the utilization of the Fermatean fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment technique is implemented to effectively prioritize the factors that impact the selection of these sites. This study used the MEREC method (method based on the removal effects of criteria) to identify the most suitable areas in India for implementing green energy. The highest accuracy is attained through the amalgamation of these hybrid methods. Findings Following the computation data by hybrid MCDA in uncertainty environment, NP Kunta in Andhra Pradesh emerges as the recommended green energy site among the 11 considered. Also among the factors political strategies and objectives hold the highest priority among them. Originality/value This study is pioneering in its efforts to provide a comprehensive perspective on the development and management of green energy operations in India. The study proves advantageous for diverse sites in the successful adoption and management of green energy. The study is additionally valuable in informing policy development aimed at promoting the use of green energy by employees through the utilization of MCDA methods in uncertain environments.

Progress Toward Achieving and Sustaining Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination - Worldwide, 2000-2022.

Tetanus remains a considerable cause of mortality among undervaccinated mothers and their infants following unhygienic deliveries, especially in low-income countries. Strategies of the maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination (MNTE) initiative, which targets 59 priority countries, include strengthening antenatal immunization of pregnant women with tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines (TTCVs); conducting TTCV supplementary immunization activities among women of reproductive age in high-risk districts; optimizing access to skilled birth attendants to ensure clean deliveries and umbilical cord care practices; and identifying and investigating suspected neonatal tetanus cases. This report updates a previous report and describes progress toward MNTE during 2000-2022. By December 2022, 47 (80%) of 59 priority countries were validated to have achieved MNTE. In 2022, among the 50 countries that reported coverage with ≥2 doses of TTCV among pregnant women, 16 (32%) reported coverage of ≥80%. In 2022, among 47 validated countries, 26 (55%) reported that ≥70% of births were assisted by skilled birth attendants. Reported neonatal tetanus cases worldwide decreased 89%, from 17,935 in 2000 to 1,995 in 2021; estimated neonatal tetanus deaths decreased 84%, from 46,898 to 7,719. However, the global disruption of routine immunization caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impeded MNTE progress. Since 2020, reported neonatal tetanus cases have increased in 18 (31%) priority countries. Integration of MNTE strategies into priority countries' national postpandemic immunization recovery activities is needed to achieve and sustain global elimination.

Exploring the National Nursing Research Priorities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Overcoming the Associated Challenges: An Expert Opinion.

Nurses play a significant role in contributing to various health priorities globally, including research. Identifying the status of national nursing research priorities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is crucial to cultivating these priorities. This expert opinion paper highlights the existing status of national nursing research priorities in Eastern Mediterranean Region countries concerning their existence and publicity. Experts from nine Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, including Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, contributed to this report. They participated by completing a cross-sectional survey and providing a narrative description of their opinions. The findings revealed that 58% of the participating countries have existing national nursing research priorities, while 25.8% do not, and 16% are under development. Governmental organizations developed the largest portion of the priorities (38%). Midwives were not considered in half of the published priorities. The vast majority of national nursing research priorities (65%) were developed by experts' opinions and consensus, and 33% only have an associated strategy, outcome measures, and/or funding opportunities. Generally, most published research priorities were not updated regularly. Eastern Mediterranean Region countries face a challenge with the need for more nurses, which may hinder their involvement in research projects or continued education. Despite this, all countries involved in this report emphasized the importance of developing nursing education and research as priorities for improving their current nursing workforce. Health policymakers, nurse practitioners, academic researchers, educators, and nursing leaders should collaborate to develop operational plans to foster national nursing education and research.

Foreign practice of global trends in higher education services

The article considers the best practices of trend development in higher education services. Education reform is among the country's priorities and has been in a permanent state for almost a third of a century, yet despite massive reform efforts, the quality of educational services and corps faculty at all levels of the education market has improved little, if at all, over the past decades. The quarantine related to Covid-19 in Kazakhstan became the lens that clearly revealed these shortcomings of education and showed the fallacy of the trajectory of previously implemented reforms, which often took so much time, budget funds combined with their inefficient use. The pandemic revealed the weakest points in the educational system, the unwillingness of most teachers to work in an online format and confirmed that we are definitely not ready for the transition of digitalization in the era of globalization 2.0 and has already become a catalyst for unprecedented large-scale changes in this area. Highlighting the prospects for further development of the educational market in the context of social distancing and the post-pandemic period is very relevant. In the conditions of modernity, requirements of international education market of Kazakhstan higher education has acquired many actual directions and prospects of development, but still today many methods, forms, mechanisms, tools, organizational and structural transformations require their improvement and adjustment taking into account the state priorities in the field of education with national peculiarities and scientific researches of scientists, demand of consumers, main employers of RHEs and proposals from universities, which often do not coincide with the equilibrium supply and demand, so this study is relevant today and requires further research and problem solving on the implementation of educational trends in Kazakhstan.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DETERMINANTS IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Progress towards sustainable development is the priority for countries all over the globe. Understanding the essence of sustainable development is a basis for conducting research and practical actions. The aim of the article is to find out the global determinants of sustainable development in the context of digital transformation. The era of digital technologies creates new approaches to solving available issues and challenges. New normality requires defining global determinants of sustainable development and creating new tools for achieving its goals. The study has provided empirical evidence and proved that ICT is one of the important drivers of sustainable development. The conducted analysis shows that there is a direct impact of ICT development and digitisation on achieving SDG 9 "Industry, Innovations and Infrastructure”. The indirect impact of digitalisation on the SDGs is analysed. It is proved that the implementation of digital technologies in business processes and digitalisation of non-IT sectors of the economy will contribute to the comprehensive implementation of a number of SDGs, such as SDGs 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, and will give impetus to the achievement of other goals, which will generally have a synergistic effect. Benchmarking of practices used by well-developed countries enabled the identification of a number of priority areas related to the digitisation of the economy, namely, the development of digital skills among the population for entrepreneurial activities, state support for the digitalisation of business, especially SMEs, promotion of e-commerce, electronic payments. This study makes multiple contributions namely to academic debate on the influence of digitisation on sustainable development, demonstrates the interrelations between SDGs and highlights evidence on the global determinants of sustainable development. Conducted research outlines 4 groups of factors to enhance achieving SDGs in terms of digital transformation: 1) network coverage; 2) the number of Internet users; 3) affordability of access to the Internet; 4) digital literacy.