India, the third-largest carbon emitter in the world, must simultaneously meet its targets for net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and ensure energy security. India has increasingly looked to nuclear energy as a dependable, low-carbon alternative after realising the limitations of renewable energy in supplying base-load power requirements. The development and importance of Indo-French nuclear cooperation in augmenting India's nuclear power capability and bolstering its clean energy transition are examined in this article. From early research agreements to more recent strategic alliances like the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant and partnerships on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), it charts the development of bilateral nuclear relations over time. The analysis emphasises how these collaborative initiatives lessen reliance on fossil fuels, diversify India's energy mix, and improve its energy security. The partnership's geopolitical significance in rebalancing regional power relations and bolstering India's strategic autonomy is also covered in the study. Notwithstanding popular opposition and infrastructure obstacles, Indo-French nuclear cooperation offers a viable method to increase India's capacity for clean energy, greatly advancing its climate and sustainable development objectives. According to the study's findings, nuclear power can be extremely important to India's search for dependable, scalable, and low-carbon energy sources if it is supported by international cooperation.

In the context of increasing global challenges such as rapid technological changes, globalization, and ‎heightened competition, organizations, particularly in the public sector, must prioritize sustainability to ‎remain viable and effective. Traditional excellence models like the EFQM, Baldrige Criteria for ‎Performance Excellence (BCPE), and the Deming Prize have been widely applied to improve ‎organizational efficiency and quality outcomes. However, these models often fall short of explicitly ‎addressing sustainability, particularly in social and environmental domains. For example, while EFQM ‎improves outcomes and customer satisfaction, its limited focus on employee involvement and ‎sustainability weakens its long-term effectiveness. Similarly, BCPE and Deming Prize models ‎emphasize quality and leadership but do not comprehensively incorporate sustainability concerns. To ‎bridge this gap, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced the Government Excellence Model ‎‎(GEM) 2.1. Built upon the EFQM foundation, GEM 2.1 emphasizes sustainability and citizen ‎well-being as core components of public sector performance. The model is structured around three key ‎pillars: vision realization, distinctive value creation through innovation, and enabling factors, including ‎leadership, policies, and resource optimization. These pillars collectively support the UAE's strategic ‎goal of aligning public services with sustainable development objectives and improving the overall ‎quality of life‎.

ABSTRACT Policy integration is seen as an appropriate strategy to address urban problems and promote sustainable urban development objectives. The European Union (EU) has been including this strategy as an essential aspect of its urban initiatives since the 1990s. In that way, local authorities have designed their projects including the integration strategy. However, are municipalities finally adopting the strategy, and what factors explain this? To answer these questions, aspects related to the complexity of the projects, the political organizational capacities and the existence of political learning processes have been studied. Some 171 sustainable urban development projects implemented in Spain in the framework of the EU during the 2014–2020 period are analyzed. Regression models show the influence of goal diversity and political capabilities, but not of previous experience, showing the drawbacks of urban policies as multi‐level policy mixes and the need for capacity building process among municipalities.

This paper examines the effectiveness of China’s Environmental Protection Tax in reducing regional carbon emissions. Using a difference-in-differences empirical strategy, we analyze panel data from 287 Chinese cities over the period from 2009 to 2021. The results demonstrate that the Environmental Protection Tax has led to a significant reduction of 5.63% in carbon emissions. Mechanism analysis reveals that this reduction is primarily driven by increased investment in green research and development, improved energy efficiency, and industrial upgrading. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the policy is more effective in eastern regions, Non-old traditional industrial areas, strong government concern areas, and energy-intensive areas. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the Environmental Protection Tax has also lowered other air pollutants, improved air quality, and enhanced residents’ subjective well-being. These findings provide robust empirical support for the optimization of environmental tax policies to further strengthen China’s transition to a low-carbon economy and advance its sustainable development objectives.

Abstract The research is a full-scale bibliometric mapping of scientific publications about the impact of social reintegration of the offender on achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16—peace, justice and strong institutions. The study employs scientometric tools such as Dimensions and VOSviewer to analyze thematic evolution in this area and the collaborative network of authors. This analysis focuses on the most prolific lines of research, reference authors, as well as academic journals contributing to the connection correctional practices, crime reduction, and the development of effective institutions. Visualising these bibliometrically, the paper maps the relationship between studies, revealing clusters of themes (e.g., recidivism, correctional programs and crime prevention), active authors and specialized journals. The results indicate the importance of corrective practices for the durable securities and just equities and the progress of public safety that is a cornerstone of SDG 16. Furthermore, the analysis reveals trend lines that are the focus of research and suggests that interdisciplinary efforts should be encouraged to build better and sustainable correctional policies. The paper therefore lays the base for policy-makers, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in the amelioration of the justice system and correctional institutions in the context of the values and objectives of sustainable development.

The Argentine electricity industry is undergoing changes due to innovations and the appreciation of sustainability, where electricity plays a fundamental role. This also involves analyzing management, understood as the organization of the activities of all stakeholders in this industry. In this sense, the objective of this work is to analyze the national legislation referring to the electricity industry in relation to renewable energies, distributed generation and smart grids, which contemplate the progress already developed and, with an eye on the sustainable development objectives. Based on descriptive and qualitative research with a bibliographic review and in-depth interviews, it is concluded that regulation in renewable energy is the most developed, while in distributed generation it is less developed, and that this progress will continue depending on the vision of each national and provincial authority and the overall combination. Regulation in smart grids is still not developed. Regarding the sustainable development goals established in the Paris Agreement, the country has committed to national targets established in regulations. It is noted that some targets have been met, while others remain to be met by 2030.

Building efficiency: How the national AI innovation pilot zones enhance green energy utilization? Evidence from China.

South Africa’s healthcare system faces persistent challenges in accessibility and quality, marked by inequities, high out-of-pocket costs, and systemic inefficiencies. As the demand for affordable and equitable healthcare grows, service innovation has become a critical strategy for fostering resilient systems and advancing long-term social sustainability. This study applies Willie's Service Innovation Enabler (WSIE) Framework to develop a strategic approach for enhancing sustainable healthcare accessibility within South African medical schemes. The WSIE Framework was used to identify key enablers and barriers to innovation at both micro- and macro-levels. Findings reveal that strong leadership support, responsive regulatory frameworks, and adaptable organisational structures are crucial to driving sustainable innovation. Smaller medical schemes show particular potential in leveraging digital technologies such as telemedicine to improve equitable service delivery. Although the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, significant barriers remain, including regulatory complexity and institutional resistance to change. The study concludes that a targeted innovation strategy, grounded in leadership and digital integration, is essential for improving healthcare access and quality. These insights contribute to the broader goal of universal health coverage and align with global sustainable development objectives.© The Author(s) 2025. Published by RITHA Publishing under the CC-BY 4.0. license, allowing unrestricted distribution in any medium, provided the original work, author attribution, title, journal citation, and DOI are properly cited.

The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model organism in life science owing to its remarkable biological characteristics and wide-ranging applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in research on zebrafish within the field of environmental toxicology, highlighting specific studies where this species was used to investigate various pollutants to elucidate their impacts and underlying mechanisms. The findings of these studies underscore the significant potential of zebrafish as a model to gain crucial insights into the ecological consequences of environmental contamination and toxicity pathways. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), high-throughput screening, and omics approaches, the use of zebrafish as a model organism is poised to significantly accelerate toxicological investigations, promote environmental conservation efforts, contribute to safeguarding human health, and advance sustainable development objectives.

Abstract The study aims to analyze the evolution of the circular economy in the European Union using Eurostat statistical data. The paper investigates key indicators such as private investment, gross value added, number of employees and patents related to recycling and secondary raw materials, in order to understand the progress made by European countries in the transition to a circular economic model. Identifying trends and changes recorded can constitute a basis for proposing new strategies and policies that can support sustainable development and improve the alignment of EU-27 member states with the European sustainable development objectives. The research method used includes quantitative and qualitative analysis, as well as comparative analysis. Private investment in the circular economy during the analyzed period increased by 44.83%, but their share in GDP decreased. Gross value added in the circular economy in the EU increased by 27%, and the number of employees increased by 9%. Circular economy research has regressed, with the number of recycling-related patents at EU level being 42% lower in 2020 than in 2015. The study highlights the need for an integrated strategy, supported by public and private investment, to harness the potential of the circular economy and achieve the European sustainable development goals.

Addressing the escalating accumulation of waste tyres in Libya, particularly within burgeoning urban centers like Zawia city, demands not only technically viable but also economically attractive and strategically sound solutions. In addition to assessing the technical feasibility of producing syngas from waste tyres via gasification, this study focuses on conducting a rigorous evaluation of the economic viability and broader strategic implications of implementing such a facility in Zawia, which was designed in a previous study to process approximately 4,600 tonnes of tyres annually (at a rate of 12.6 tonnes per day) with capital costs of USD 14.190 million, total annual operating costs of USD 2.920 million, and projected annual profits of USD 2.258 million, assuming a discount rate of 5% and a project lifetime of 15 years. A comprehensive financial analysis, employing key metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV) of USD 19.676 million, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 15.9%, and Payback Period (PBP) of 74 months, demonstrates the project's robust financial attractiveness, primarily driven by projected revenue streams from high-quality syngas sales for energy generation or industrial applications. The study also highlights significant environmental benefits, including substantial reductions in landfill burden and the mitigation of toxic emissions from uncontrolled burning, thereby contributing to a circular economy. From a strategic standpoint, this initiative strongly aligns with Libya's national sustainable development objectives, fostering enhanced energy security, creating vital local employment opportunities, and promoting valuable technology transfer in waste-to-energy sectors. The study concludes that waste tyre gasification in Zawia represents a financially sound, ecologically responsible, and strategically impactful solution for Libya's pressing waste management challenges, offering a pathway towards a cleaner environment and a more diversified energy future. Keywords: Waste tyres; Gasification; Economic feasibility; Energy security.

This study analyzes the role of Egyptian dry ports in enhancing the efficiency of logistics corridors by examining their economic, environmental, and logistical contributions, particularly in improving foreign trade competitiveness,reducing transportation and handling costs, and supporting sustainable development objectives. The research adopts a descriptive analytical approach and applies Porter’s Five Forces model to evaluate the competitive environment in which Egyptian dry ports operate, complemented by a systematic review of the most recent literature up to 2025. The study offers a unique contribution by integrating economic, environmental, and logistical perspectives within a single analytical framework and linking these to broader themes of sustainability and digital transformation—an area that remains insufficiently addressed in both Arabic and international literature. The findings enrich academic knowledge by presenting a comprehensive model that future research can use to assess dry ports’ roles in sustainable supply chains. Practically, the study provides policy-relevant guidance for decision-makers and logistics stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of diversifying service providers, strengthening multimodal transport integration, investing in digitization and smart logistics systems, and adopting environmentally responsible operational strategies to enhance competitiveness and support national economic development.

Strategic financial management is critical in promoting sustainable economic growth and developing a green economy by integrating best financial practices with sustainable development objectives. This study analyzes the impact of strategic financial management on sustainable economic development through three case studies: Greencells in Germany, a leading and highly successful company in solar energy; the ECOPROFIT program in Slovenia, a project that aims to effectively manage the process of reducing costs and waste in enterprises, and Ujë Rugove, a Kosovar company that has received green financing to advance its production process. Through content analysis, comparative analysis, and secondary data analysis, the study examines how the financial strategies of these companies and their green projects have contributed to sustainable growth. The empirical results highlight that strategic financing and effective management of financial resources positively impact improving competitiveness and promoting environmental innovation and sustainable development projects. This study provides recommendations for all businesses, governments, and other stakeholders on effectively integrating strategic financial management into green economy projects.

This study evaluates Nigeria's National Development Plans (NDPs) from historical and contemporary perspectives to identify challenges and strategic opportunities to enhance their effectiveness in achieving sustainable development goals. The research employs a comprehensive literature review and analysis of the implementation of Nigeria's NDPs. This approach assesses the socio-economic impact and institutional constraints that have influenced the effectiveness of these development plans. The study finds that Nigeria's NDPs have consistently faced several challenges, including corruption, weak institutional capacity, political instability, limited private sector involvement, and insufficient inclusivity. These factors have significantly impeded the effectiveness of the plans and their contribution to sustainable development objectives. To improve the implementation and impact of Nigeria's NDPs, the study recommends strengthening anti-corruption measures, enhancing institutional capacity, promoting policy continuity, increasing private sector participation, and improving inclusivity in the planning processes. Addressing these areas can lead to more effective development planning and achieving sustainable development goals.

Purpose: This study empirically investigated the relationship between Agropreneurship and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Zero Hunger, in the Nigerian Context. Design/methodology/approach: Utilizing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 200 Agropreneurship employees in Delta State, Nigeria, through the administration of a structured questionnaire employing a Likert scale. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, were conducted to assess the relationship between Agropreneurship activities and the attainment of SDG 2. Findings: The findings demonstrate a significant and positive correlation between Agropreneurship activities and the achievement of Zero Hunger. Key findings indicate that Agropreneurship is a potent strategy for achieving SDG 2, contributing positively to food security, sales, and distribution. Furthermore, the study revealed that Agropreneurs and their activities play a crucial role in advancing the broader set of Sustainable Development Goals. Originality/value: This research provides valuable insights into the potential of Agropreneurship in achieving sustainable development objectives and contributes to the growing body of knowledge in this emerging field. The study recommends Strengthening of Policy Support, Access to Resources and capacity building amongst others, as steps towards the achievement of Zero Hunger UN SDG 2 target.

Women play a crucial role in ensuring the success and productivity of sustainable development efforts. It is essential to have their active participation in decision-making and policy development in order to create and maintain this pathway. It is crucial for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to motivate more women to assume these positions. It is crucial to act immediately for the long-term sustainability of our planet. Empowering women is essential to unleashing the potential of a group that has been traditionally sidelined in decision-making and progress. This research utilized secondary data for analysis. Numerous literary works and online sources were utilized to conduct a thorough examination of the role of women in sustainable development. Research papers, newspapers, articles, websites, case studies, and reports were utilized. The aim of this paper is to examine how empowering women contributes to reaching sustainable development objectives and analyze the various initiatives implemented by the Government to improve the status of women. Finding of the study shows that women empowerment play significant role for achieving sustainable SDGs Goals.

Abstract With the global demand for food production escalating, concerns about the long-term sustainability and environmental impact of traditional farming practices, particularly the application of chemical fertilizers, have gained prominence. Recognizing the importance of addressing these issues, this review explores the evolving dynamic between fertilizers and microbial communities, emphasizing the need for a more profound understanding of these interactions. The transformative impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in unraveling microbial intricacies within agricultural ecosystems is highlighted as a crucial tool for advancing this understanding. Investigation extends to discerning the nuanced effects of both chemical and non-chemical fertilizers on soil microbiomes, considering variations in soil type and crop specificity. Linking these findings to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the review highlights the critical connection between fertilizer use, microbial diversity, and the achievement of sustainability objectives. Despite the potential of NGS, the review acknowledges current limitations, sparking discussions on potential technological advancements and methodological improvements. Emphasizing the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration, it advocates for comprehensive insights that bridge gaps between microbiology, agriculture, and sustainability. In conclusion, the article synthesizes historical perspectives, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable development objectives to provide a holistic understanding of the intricate interplay between fertilizers, microbial diversity, and the imperative path toward a more sustainable agricultural future.

With every passing day, policymakers are bringing strict environmental regulations with an aim to promote sustainable development in response to increasing worries about climate change, pollution, and resource scarcity. The overarching aim of this study is to examine the complex relation between stringent environmental policies and sustainable development, with the moderating role of institutions. The panel data from 1990 to 2022 of 33 OECD countries were employed using advanced econometric techniques, including panel quantile regression and GLS regression. The results indicate that the strict environmental regulations have a beneficial effect on sustainable development, particularly in the middle and upper quantiles, where institutional quality plays a critical role in reinforcing the positive relationship. In contrast, at lower levels of sustainable development, the benefits of stringent regulations are less pronounced, which suggests that weaker institutional frameworks may hinder their effectiveness. This study finds that other variables, such as technological advancements, economic growth, foreign direct investment, and population density, also play a pivotal role in attaining sustainable development objectives. The study is very important because it provides policymakers, researchers, regulators, and other stakeholders with invaluable information to formulate and implement sound environmental policies that can promote sustainable development without posing risks to economic growth. The analyses of the variables that impact sustainable development in OECD countries in their entirety provide grounds on which the development of evidence-based measures can be established. In addition, international organizations, governments and NGOs can use the findings of this research in determining their course and compare their level of success with OECD countries.

This article critically examines the role of international investment law (IIL) in supporting the objectives of sustainable development and global partnership, particularly under Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17). Historically, IIL has prioritized the protection of investors through strong legal guarantees and dispute settlement mechanisms, often at the expense of environmental protection, social equity, and the regulatory autonomy of host states. However, as the global development agenda shifts toward inclusivity, sustainability, and accountability, there is increasing recognition that investment treaties and legal regimes must evolve accordingly. This study employs a qualitative legal analysis of international treaties, case law, and policy frameworks to assess the emerging trends in IIL that reflect sustainability principles. Case studies from agreements such as the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and reforms within UNCITRAL and ICSID illustrate the slow but important progress toward balancing investor rights with state responsibilities and global development goals. The article argues that transnational legal cooperation, legal harmonization, and inclusive treaty design are essential to creating an investment regime that not only facilitates global trade but also supports equitable and sustainable growth.

EU environmental law has a long tradition. During the last decade, however, EU environmental law developed into a cornerstone of EU policy. The European Green Deal aims to promote the combined policy objectives of sustainable development and protection of the environment for current and future generations. Within this policy framework, and based on a comprehensive legal framework, the EU has established mechanisms to address a wide range of environmental issues, including air and water quality, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. From a legal perspective, EU environmental law is characterized by its integration into all areas of EU policy and its binding nature on the Member States. The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) already enshrines environmental protection as one of the EU's objectives and mandates the integration of environmental considerations into all policy areas, ensuring a coherent and holistic approach to sustainability. Key mechanisms for sustainable policies within EU environmental law include directives, regulations, and decisions, that set forth common standards and objectives for Member States to achieve. These legal instruments provide a framework for harmonizing environmental policies across the EU while allowing for flexibility to accommodate national circumstances and priorities. In summary, the environmental law of the European Union embodies a comprehensive and integrated approach to sustainability, combining customized legal instruments, institutional mechanisms, and policy frameworks to promote environmental protection, economic prosperity, and social well-being across the EU.