Sustainable Development Goals Research Articles

The sustainable challenge: Where does social psychology stand in achieving the sustainable development goals?

The United Nations Agenda 2030, inclusive of its 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), serves as the global blueprint for sustainability for both present and future generations. Scientific research is entrusted with the responsibility of contributing by informing the current situation and future challenges in achieving the SDGs. This paper investigates the role of social psychology in contributing to the SDGs and the environmental, economic and social pillars of the UN Agenda. We analysed 4808 papers using Natural Language Processing to identify (i) the relevance of social psychology within the SDG-related literature and (ii) the current and potential contribution of social psychology to the SDGs. Results highlight that social psychology contributes to the SDGs by addressing typical social issues, primarily those related to health and gender, while noting its under-representation in some environmental and economic areas, despite social psychology well-established research on these topics. This paper introduces a novel approach for assessing the SDGs, fostering a critical reflection on the SDG framework and social psychology to guide less explored research paths. This approach could potentially enhance the evaluation and advancement of the 2030 Agenda, facilitating a deeper dialogue between the scientific community and policymakers, driving social change.

The transformative power of networking in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals

AbstractNetworks can help implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a variety of ways. They can facilitate the sharing of best practices and resources among organisations, enabling them to more effectively implement the SDGs. They can also help spread awareness on the SDGs and encourage people to take action. Networks can also assist coordinate collaborations between different organisations to support the SDGs implementation, especially in the academic sector. This study aims to fill the literature gap in assessing the transformative power of sustainability networking and reports on a worldwide analysis of the international networks which are believed to have been playing a significant role in the implementation of the SDGs in higher education. A concise online questionnaire was designed and administered to experts via an expert database mailing list and social networks, and collected 153 responses from 37 countries. This was complemented by an assessment of a set of case studies, where 5 major sustainability networks—ESSSR, IUSDRP, SDSN, AASHE and Copernicus Alliance—were evaluated in respect of their scope, target groups, types of activities and contributions to the SDGs. The results have highlighted the fact that, whereas assessed networks are very active, there is still a perceived need for more concerted actions to allow these networks to become more engaged in the implementation of the SDGs. This study suggests some specific actions which may foster a greater collaboration among networks in order to maximise the impact of their sustainability initiatives. The process of networking contributes to the advancement of sustainability and is closely related with contributions to policy, economic development and society, as well as particularly to SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals. This study supports the role of networking, while indicating the need for greater collaboration among networks in order to maximise the impact of their initiatives and their transformative power.

Time Framing and SDGs: Can Imaginary Future Generations Alter People’s Perceptions and Attitudes?

This study verifies the effectiveness of Imaginary Future Generation (IFG) in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using data from an online survey, we calculated sustainable development component measurements to assess the understanding of SDGs and demonstrated whether IFG can influence futurability components. Statistical analysis shows that knowledge significantly impacts people’s attitudes towards SDGs, with informed individuals more likely to cooperate in addressing these issues. Comparing the treatment and control groups revealed that participants asked to envision themselves as residents of 2050 (IFG) better grasped the essence of Agenda 2030 and exhibited more cooperative attitudes toward sustainability. Regression analysis confirmed these effects after controlling for individual attributes and SDG knowledge. The study finds that while raising awareness is crucial, IFG makes people perceive sustainability problems as personal concerns. IFG enhances respondents’ futurability, encouraging positive attitudes and long-term thinking. Additionally, IFG promotes participation, inclusive ideas, and increased SDG knowledge.

Batik Marunda as Cultural Heritageand Role in Sustainable Development

Batik Marunda is a batik producer in Jakarta that has a role in supporting one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as empowering relocation communities in three flats in the North Jakarta area. The study analyzes how Batik Marunda's role in the cultural preservation program while still contributing to economic empowerment, waste management to batik and batik materials. Methods of research are field studies, interviews with batik producers, the concept of collaboration in three flats and their governance. The findings show that Batik Marunda empowers especially women in the three flats area, through various skills training that has an impact on increasing skills, insights and economic levels for local residents, to waste management to reduce textile waste and support one of the SDG goals, namely responsible production and consumption. The three flats collaboration in the North Jakarta area is expected to strengthen the creative, environmentally friendly economic network and improve the quality of empowerment in the surrounding community. In summary, this research sees the important role of governance integration between cultural preservation programs, community empowerment, innovation and governance to support the SDGs agenda in the aspects of decent work, economic growth, climate change in sustainable development efforts.

Addressing Urban Sprawl: is Densification the Solution? A Case Study of Sétif, Algeria

Objectives: The rapid and uncontrolled urban growth in Sétif, northeastern Algeria, has resulted in horizontal densification, continual expansion, and the conversion of agricultural land into urban areas. This transformation highlights the need for effective territorial strategies to manage urban growth sustainably. The primary objective of this study is to promote urban densification through concepts like "inward urbanisation" and "building the city within the city," aiming to optimise land use and counter the negative impacts of urban sprawl. Methods: To address the challenges of urban sprawl and its environmental impacts, the study employs a morphological approach. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is utilised in conjunction with data from the General Census of Population and Housing (RGPH) to analyse spatiotemporal changes in Sétif. This methodological approach enables a detailed examination of the city's morphological and demographic evolution, providing insights into patterns of urban expansion and densification. Results: The findings reveal various strategies for urban development in Sétif, focusing on alternatives to traditional urban density and sprawl. The study identifies and suggests the implementation of new, dense, and hybrid urban forms that align with sustainable development goals. These urban forms are designed to enhance the city’s livability while respecting societal needs and environmental considerations. The strategies proposed address the necessity for adaptable urban designs that support a more compact, resource-efficient city model. Conclusion: This research underscores the importance of rethinking urban planning strategies to manage rapid urbanisation in Sétif. The proposed strategies are essential for transforming Sétif into a dense, sustainable, and appealing urban environment. The study advocates for a shift from expansive urban growth to a densification model that promotes sustainability and aligns with the evolving expectations of the city’s residents.

Green Organizational Climate’s Promotion of Managers’ Organizational Citizenship Behavior for the Environment: Evidence from the Portuguese Hospitality Context

Society at large has become increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainable development, so tourism and travel service providers have begun to focus more actively on sustainable development goals. Prior research has shown that supervisors’ support fosters employee green behavior and companies’ environmental performance. This study concentrated on Portuguese hospitality contexts to develop a fuller understanding of how organizations’ green efforts can combine with the individual variables highlighted by the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) to encourage supervisors’ organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE). Data on 74 hotel managers were collected with an online survey. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived green organizational climate positively correlates with TPB variables, thereby increasing supervisors’ intention to adopt and encourage OCBE in their workplaces. These findings clarify how organizational and individual factors foster managers’ OCBE. The results have practical implications for organizations seeking to promote their managers’ pro-environmental behavior to boost their environmental sustainability.

Strategic management of employee churn: Leveraging machine learning for sustainable development and competitive advantage in emerging markets

AbstractEmployee churn or attrition presents significant challenges, especially in emerging markets, where it can disrupt business operations and inflate recruitment costs. This research leverages machine learning techniques to predict employee churn, focusing on developing sustainable and inclusive retention strategies that enhance business competitiveness. By analyzing a range of predictive algorithms and key variables associated with churn, the study identifies the most effective models for predicting attrition. A comprehensive exploratory data analysis was conducted using an indigenous machine learning model, offering practical insights for human resource management in emerging markets. The findings align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), promoting decent work, and economic growth. This study contributes to business strategy by proposing data‐driven solutions for workforce stability and sustainable development.

Evaluation of the Interest and Perception of Tourism Service Providers in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Regarding the Alternative Use of Biofuels

This study addresses the need to implement sustainable alternatives in marine vessels, particularly in vulnerable environments, highlighting the potential of biofuels as a viable option for the transition towards renewable energy. The objective of the research was to evaluate the interest and perception of tourism service providers in Los Cabos, B.C.S., Mexico, regarding the alternative use of biofuels in their vessels. A total of 56 random surveys were applied and validated, and the results were as follows: 92% consider fuel to be their largest operational cost, 84.6% acknowledge that their activities impact the environment, and 80% are aware of biodiesel biofuel. Notably, more than 94% expressed interest in learning how to produce biodiesel and in using it as an alternative in their operations, while 95% believe that the use of biofuels could be a positive differentiating feature for their businesses, contributing to an eco-friendlier service. This introductory assessment is crucial as it highlights the importance of understanding the willingness of key stakeholders before adopting new technologies. It concludes that there is strong interest in exploring and adopting sustainable alternatives, reinforcing the need for further research to provide viable solutions, promoting a circular economy and fostering sustainable tourism in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable development goals and Gandhian constructive programs: pluriversal evolutionary flourishing, transcivilizational dialogues and planetary realizations

Sustainable development goals and Gandhian constructive programs: pluriversal evolutionary flourishing, transcivilizational dialogues and planetary realizations

The Routledge international handbook of social development, social work, and the sustainable development goals

The Routledge international handbook of social development, social work, and the sustainable development goals

Functional difficulty among children in Malaysia - findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019.

Data on child functioning and disability are important for public policy development which aimed at reducing child disability prevalence and strengthening the provision of appropriate and timely health care services. This study reports the prevalence of functional difficulty in Malaysian children aged 2-17 years and its associated sociodemographic factors and epilepsy. Data on children aged 2-17 years (n = 4576) were generated from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, a population-based cross-sectional survey. Functional difficulty in children was assessed using the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)/Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG) Child Functioning Module (CFM). The questionnaires were administered to the parents or guardians of the children via face-to-face interviews. Functional difficulty, defined as having difficulty in at least one domain, was examined for its prevalence and associations with sociodemographic variables and the epilepsy variable in children using descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression. The overall prevalence of functional difficulty among children aged 2-17 years was 4.7%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that older children, children from households whose heads of household had a lower education level and children who have epilepsy were significantly more likely to experience functional difficulty (p < 0.05). Children of Chinese ethnicity were less likely to experience functional difficulty compared to children of Malay ethnicity. This study provides baseline findings on the prevalence of functional difficulty among children in Malaysia using nationally representative data. Although the prevalence was relatively low, the information is important for the planning of strategies to improve the development and well-being of children in Malaysia and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Performance analysis of the Next Eleven countries regarding climate change for the selected years

PurposeIn the Next Eleven (N-11) countries, which are considered emerging investment markets, energy consumption is increasing in parallel with the growing economy. This situation negatively affects global warming and climate change, which are the biggest environmental problems of today. From this point of view, the purpose of the study is to determine the performance of the N-11 countries in terms of energy use and climate change for the period between 2010 and 2022 based on the indicators of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 and SDG 13 to be reached until 2030.Design/methodology/approachGrey relational analysis (GRA), one of the multi-criteria decision-making techniques, was used to assess the performance of the N-11 countries in the study. Additionally, the entropy method was employed in determining weights needed in GRA. The indicators were obtained from the World Development Indicators database, World Bank. Performance analyses were conducted for the years 2010, 2015 and 2022, respectively.FindingsAccording to the results obtained, it has been found that Bangladesh, the Philippines and Egypt have the three highest scores, while Mexico, Indonesia and Iran have the three lowest scores. In 2022, Nigeria is placed instead of Mexico in this group. It is observed that the performance scores of the countries have either remained the same or increased slightly over the years. This indicates that it is difficult to reach the 2030 targets.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to measure the performance of N-11 countries on climate change using multi-criteria decision-making. In this study, the performance scores obtained for the selected years were compared. Thus, it is observed whether there is an improvement in the performance scores of the countries during the analysis period.

Developing a Cloud and IoT-Integrated Remote Laboratory to Enhance Education 4.0: An Approach for FPGA-Based Motor Control

Remote laboratories are essential in addressing access and quality challenges in technical education. They enable students from various locations to engage with real equipment, overcome geographic and economic constraints, and provide solutions during crises, such as pandemics, when in-person learning is limited. As a key element of Education 4.0, remote labs promote technical skill development, enhance engineering education, and support diverse learning approaches. This study presents a remote laboratory based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), developed using a waterfall methodology integrating IoT and Cloud Computing technologies to facilitate close interaction between hardware and software. The lab focuses on controlling DC, servo, and stepper motors, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts such as digital signals, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and data representation in bits in a practical setting. The testing phase involved 50 robotics and mechatronics engineering students who participated in hands-on sessions for one month, followed by a structured survey evaluating their experience, interaction, and the educational relevance of the platform. The survey shows high student satisfaction, highlighting the platform’s strengths and identifying areas for improvement. The results also underscore the system’s potential to significantly enhance the educational experience in remote environments, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Do public-private partnerships (PPPs) promote the sustainable development of infrastructure (SDI)? Evidence from China

PurposeTo address challenges such as inadequate funding and inefficiency in public infrastructure construction, PPPs have gained significant global traction. This study aims to comprehensively assess the impacts and mechanisms of PPPs on the SDI and to provide rational policy recommendations based on the findings.Design/methodology/approachWe collated a dataset from 30 Chinese provinces covering the years 2005–2020 as our research sample. The study’s hypotheses are tested using a double fixed-effects model, a chained mediated-effects model and a multidimensional heterogeneity analysis.FindingsOur findings indicate that PPPs have a facilitating effect on SDI in general. This boost usually lags behind policy implementation and is cyclical in the time dimension. In the spatial dimension, PPPs contribute significantly to SDI in the eastern and western regions, but not in the central region. From the perspective of the dynamics of economic, social and industrial development, PPPs in economically backward areas are difficult to promote SDI, promote it the most in economically medium regions and are slightly less in economically developed regions than in medium regions. This promotion effect has an inverted U-shaped relationship with social development and diminishes with industrial structure upgrading. Finally, due to the negative relationship between PPPs and social development and between social development and SDI, PPPs are shown to contribute to SDI and are identified as critical paths. However, PPPs suppress SDI by inhibiting economic and industrial development.Originality/valueThis study makes three novel contributions to the existing body of knowledge: (1) we innovatively introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the field of infrastructure research, offering fresh perspectives on SDI enhancement; (2) revealing the mechanisms by which PPPs affect SDI through the three dimensions of economic, social and industrial development enabling policymakers to better understand and optimize resource allocation and improve planning, design and management of PPP projects for sustainable infrastructure and (3) we assess the spatiotemporal variances of PPPs’ effects on SDI and the diversity across regions at different social, economic and industrial structures developmental stages, offering critical insights to global decision-makers to devise tailored policy measures.

Halfway There, Long Way to Go: The Role of People’s Agency in the Final Years of the Sustainable Development Goals

Halfway There, Long Way to Go: The Role of People’s Agency in the Final Years of the Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Demoethical values as tools for social transformation in interaction with the components of demography, democracy, and demoeconomics

This study aims to evaluate theories and ideas about social values and determine the high quality of virtues that potentially change social practices, thinking, self-awareness, and behavior of the individual and society. The relevance of the study of value components is determined by the fact that such values as “spirituality and morality”, “responsibility”, “justice”, “rationality”, and “security” are capable of capturing the greatest value of many interests, which allows for the integration of society. An experimental study was conducted using sociological research methods based on developed questionnaires with questions touching on the parameters of sustainable development of society, determining the high quality of virtues and behavior of the individual and society. The study was conducted from May to June 2023 (N = 1387). Based on Demoethical values, special attention is paid to global problems related to climate change and inefficient use of energy and water resources, thereby achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As a result of the study, Demoethical values are revealed in interaction with the economic components of demography, democracy, and demoeconomics as a tool for social transformation, as they shape the harmonious vision of the world, human behavior, decisions, and relationships with other people.

Managing knowledge and sustainability in resource constrained disaster environments

AbstractOrganizations use both tangible and intangible resources for their existence to achieve sustainable development goals. Organizational knowledge mainly comprises of tacit knowledge held by employees. It becomes more critical when the situations are unpredictable, for example in rescue/disaster projects involving human lives at risk. Tacit knowledge utilization has been understudied particularly in such environments bounded by resource constraint and sustainability issues. This qualitative research attempts to fill this gap by collecting data from the knowledge workers in a large public sector non‐profit rescue organization. The study reveals various individual level, group level, organizational level, community level, and situational level factors, which impact the tacit knowledge utilization of rescue workers to properly execute emergency life threatening rescue operations and sustainability issues.

Sustainability strategies: A proposal for food sector SMEs, based on the integration of life cycle assessment and ESG strategies

The significant climate change the planet has faced in recent decades has prompted global leaders, policymakers, business leaders, environmentalists, academics, and scientists from around the world to unite their efforts since 1987 around sustainable development. This development not only promotes economic sustainability but also environmental, social, and corporate sustainability, where clean production, responsible consumption, and sustainable infrastructures prevail. In this context, the present article aims to propose a development framework for sustainability in food sector SMEs, which includes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as key elements to reduce CO2 emissions and improve operational efficiency. The methodology includes a comparative analysis of strategies implemented between 2019 and 2023, supported by quantitative data showing a 20% reduction in operating costs, a 10% increase in market share, and a 25% increase in productivity for companies that adopted clean technologies. This study offers a significant contribution to the field of corporate sustainability, providing a model that is adaptable and applicable across different regions, enhancing innovation and business resilience in a global context that requires collective efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Potential of conservation agriculture practice in climate change adaptation and mitigation in Ethiopia: a review

Land degradation is a major problem in Ethiopia, as it contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases (GHG) and slowing carbon sequestration rates. The objective of this review was to assess the role of conservation agriculture (CA) in climate change adaptation and mitigation in Ethiopia. The critical review method processes for identifying and synthesizing peer-reviewed research and review articles, reports, proceedings, and book chapters were followed, with materials obtained from relevant search engines. The findings of the various reports revealed that minimum tillage assists in soil moisture conservation when compared to conventional tillage. Conservation tillage maintains crop residue, reduces soil temperature significantly, and increases nutrient buildup in the surface soil layer, all of which lead to higher crop growth and production thus help as adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, agriculture and other land uses significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions; nevertheless, conservation agricultural methods improve soil organic carbon (SOC), soil aggregation, and carbon in aggregate, as well as soil health that contribute to climate changing mitigation. Several studies found that soil health indicators such as soil aggregation, soil organic carbon storage, soil enzymes, and microbial biomass improved under conservation tillage practices, potentially improving the carbon-nitrogen cycle, soil stability, and overall crop productivity. In terms of climate adaptation and mitigation, CA is one of the non-substitutable choices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Crop diversity, increased nitrogen consumption efficiency, crop rotation, improved soil carbon sequestration methods; crop residue retention, minimum soil disturbance, manure incorporation, and integrated farming systems are all important factors in minimizing GHG emissions. Moreover, factors impeding CA adoption include a lack of appropriate equipment and machinery, weed control methods, the use of crop residue for fuel wood and animal feed, a lack of awareness about the benefits of CA on soil health and sustainability, and a lack of government technical and financial support for smallholder farmers. Adoption and scaling up of CA practices are critical for ensuring a sustainable development goal and resilient future. Thus, relevant stakeholders should consider the aforementioned considerations while promoting the technology on a large scale through integration with enhanced technology.

Empowerment through technology: domestic violence acceptance among Iraqi women in an intersectional context.

Acceptance of domestic violence against women refers to the belief that violence can be justified. Women's attitudes towards domestic violence shape societal acceptance, victimization, disclosure, and help-seeking behaviors. This study explored the role of gender, socio-economic status, regional disparities, and empowerment in domestic violence acceptance among Iraqi women. Using data from the 2018 Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 6) with 19,443 married Iraqi women, this cross-sectional study employed logistic regression analyses to investigate individual, interpersonal, community, and societal determinants of domestic violence acceptance. 48.4% of married Iraqi women accepted domestic violence, with higher acceptance in South/Central regions (62-73%). Factors associated with higher acceptance included lower education (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.35-0.45 for upper secondary education compared to preprimary or non), functional difficulties (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.40-1.83), marriage to blood-related spouses (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.36-1.54), and rural residence (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15-1.33). Conversely, owning a mobile phone (aOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.44-0.50) and using a computer/tablet (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.30-0.38) were associated with lower acceptance. These findings, given the lack of research on domestic violence among Iraqi women, highlight the urgent need for policy discussions supporting Sustainable Development Goals on gender equity and well-being. Enhanced access to technology could help women have better access to resources, support systems, and information, which would lower acceptance for domestic violence.