Policy Commitments Research Articles

A global analysis of renewable energy project commissioning timelines

Many countries are targeting the rapid and deep decarbonization of their energy supply, with renewable energy technologies playing a key role. Despite increased technology maturity and dramatically decreased costs, the deployment momentum of renewables often lags behind ambitious policy commitments. Accordingly, policymakers must accelerate the development of projects to meet decarbonization goals. However, we currently lack a comprehensive understanding of how long projects of renewable energy take to commission, whether projects are executed faster as technologies mature, and which factors affect the timelines – this knowledge gap affects policymakers and energy researchers providing model-based policy advice alike. To fill this gap, we analyzed global commissioning times between 2005 and 2022, drawing on the data for 12,475 projects using solar photovoltaic (PV), wind onshore, wind offshore, biomass, and run-off-river hydro in 48 countries. We found that average commissioning times have increased substantially over the past two decades for all renewable energy technologies of all project sizes. This finding highlights the need to incorporate up-to-date commissioning times in energy models to generate realistic model-based policy advice. In addition, we identified five categories of factors that affect commissioning timelines, conducted cross-sectional analyses with fixed-effect models, and present implications for policymakers, businesses, and researchers.

Application and Efficacy of Management Interventions for the Control of Microplastics in Freshwater Bodies: A Systematic Review

This systematic review represents one of the first attempts to compare the efficacy of the full suite of management interventions developed to control (prevent or remove) microplastics (MPs) in freshwater bodies, both man-made and natural. The review also traces the evolution of research on the topic in relation to the timing of key policy and regulatory events and investigates whether interventions are being applied within regions and freshwater bodies that represent concerns in terms of MP pollution. The review incorporated bibliometric analysis and meta-analysis of 124 original research articles published on the topic between 2012 and April 2023. To supplement the key findings, data were extracted from 129 review articles on the major knowledge gaps and recommendations. The number of articles on the topic increased with each year, coinciding with a range of global policy commitments to sustainability and mitigating plastic pollution. The majority of the studies focused on MPs in general, rather than any particular particle shape or polymer type, and were conducted at wastewater/sludge treatment plants. Upstream interventions accounted for the majority of studies reviewed (91.1%). A smaller proportion (4.8%) of studies involved reduction in production and physical removal at the point of production (1.6%); treatment-related objectives such as removal through filtration and separation and the combination of these with other technologies in hybrid systems were dominant. Of the physical, chemical and biological methods/technologies (and combinations thereof) employed, physical types (particularly membrane filtration) were most common. The majority of the studies within the wastewater/sludge, stormwater and in situ water/sediment categories exhibited removal efficacies >90%. Although new interventions are constantly being developed under laboratory conditions, their scalability and suitability across different settings are uncertain. Downstream interventions lack sustainability without effective upstream interventions. Though in situ methods are technically achievable, they may not be feasible in resource-limited settings.

Transboundary fine dust pollution in China and Korea: How has international politics impeded environmental negotiations?

AbstractTransboundary fine dust has been a leading cause of dispute between China and Korea since the mid‐2010s. This study observes that transboundary fine dust is not purely an environmental issue, but rather mixed with political and diplomatic challenges. Despite the emerging bilateral and multilateral efforts to tackle this issue, this research sheds light on how political and diplomatic factors have undermined the outcomes of environmental negotiations between China and Korea. We highlight three dimensions of policy‐based studies: scientific joint research on source‐receptor relationships, interstate environmental negotiations, and multilateral environmental institutions in Northeast Asia. This study argues that transboundary fine dust cooperation has been extensively entangled with national political interests and proceeded via diplomatic channels, leading to the current absence of binding agreements and policy commitments. Therefore, a steady process of de‐linking environmental cooperation and diplomatic fluctuations would be the best direction to proceed in a long‐term perspective.

Global Accord for Worker Mental Health: Tokyo Declaration on National Policy Commitments.

Global Accord for Worker Mental Health: Tokyo Declaration on National Policy Commitments.

The Agility Paradigm: Rethinking Regulatory Policy Commitments in Free Trade Agreements

The Agility Paradigm: Rethinking Regulatory Policy Commitments in Free Trade Agreements

Between on-site and the clouds: Socio-cyber-physical assemblages in on-farm diversification

This paper sheds light on the integration of digitalisation in multifunctional and diversified agriculture. In this empirical work based on socio-cyber-physical assemblage thinking, first we found that on-site material and immaterial conditions like living on the farm, farm settings, and creative human work still matter and deserve more attention in responsible digital agriculture. Second, in our small sample we found that internet and cloud-computing are the main digital technologies used in on-farm diversification, particularly infrastructures-as-a-service and software-as-a-service. Third, when farmers introduce digital technologies in their diversification, three tentative configurations of socio-cyber-physical assemblages are outlined and can be further assessed in future research: punctiform, horizontal, and vertical configurations, or a combination thereof. For each configuration, we illustrate key features and examples. Nine clusters of factors were identified as affecting these assemblages. These factors could help researchers and practitioners to understand why the digitalisation of diversified farms can be so diverse and needs to be carefully adapted. For policymakers, these factors can also serve to qualify the setting up of conditions to steer integrated agri-food-rural policies towards on-farm diversification, including responsible digitalisation. The paper argues that digitalisation in agriculture can unfold through different strategies (minimising, mutualising, grounding, enlarging digitalisation) and requires holistic and ambitious policy commitments for sustainability. For example, the paper suggests the setting up of a new EU-wide target for increasing the share of farmers engaged in on-farm diversification through the Common Agricultural Policy or European Farm-to-Fork Strategy.

Leveraging the CORE Group Partners Project Polio Infrastructure to Integrate COVID-19 Vaccination and Routine Immunization in South Sudan.

Countries with fragile health systems like South Sudan experienced significant impacts on routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Routine immunization in children aged younger than 1 year declined due to pandemic-related constraints and was compounded by the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine, which was met with hesitancy and reluctance. When South Sudan reported the first COVID-19 case in March 2020, the CORE Group Partners Project (CGPP) rapidly integrated the COVID-19 outbreak response into its ongoing polio eradication activities, leveraging the existing polio infrastructure and human resources. We describe the integration process, results, and challenges and detail the impact of the integration on coverage for both routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccinations. Efforts to integrate COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunization service delivery were implemented in 5 phases: assessing the need, developing multisector collaborations, developing a service delivery plan, assessing implementation readiness, and implementing and evaluating the service delivery plan. Integration efforts prioritized coordination, training vaccinators and volunteers, development of microplans, data management, and last-mile vaccine delivery. Integrated service delivery was implemented through "one-stop shop" sessions where communities accessed routine immunizations for children, COVID-19 vaccinations for adults, and other primary health services. Integrating health service delivery contributed to improved routine immunization coverage among children, improved COVID-19 vaccination coverage among adults, reduced cost for service delivery, and increased access to more comprehensive health services in hard-to-reach communities. COVID-19 vaccinations were delivered at US$4.70 per dose, a cost substantially lower than other reported delivery mechanisms. Integration can yield positive results and improve access to vaccination and other health services for communities. However, it requires clear policy guidelines, commitment, and strong collaboration. Challenges included resistance from stakeholders, overstretched human resources, and diversion of funding and attention from program areas, which were overcome through deliberate high-level advocacy, partnership, and intensified community engagement.

The Role of The Ministry of National Development Planning of The Republic of Indonesia in Public-Private Partnership

This study addresses the notable gap in existing research by examining the critical role of The Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Kementerian PPN/Bappenas) in the country’s infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) financing scheme. Utilizing qualitative methods, the research identifies three key dimensions of Bappenas’ role in PPP: Government Policy and Political Commitment, Legal and Regulatory Framework, and PPP Supporting Bodies. These dimensions encompass five primary roles—Provider, Regulator, Coordinator, Supervisor, and Project Participant. The study also reveals significant challenges, with out-of-control risks such as unpredictable pandemics posing a major hindrance. To address these issues, the research recommends The Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Kementerian PPN/Bappenas) to develop comprehensive regulations and conduct ongoing capacity building to enhance stakeholders’ PPP knowledge and address the capacity of human resources within the Government Contracting Agency (GCA). In addition, encourage policymakers to shift their mindset, advocating for early integration of PPPs as the primary funding mechanism in infrastructure projects, boosting feasibility and success.

Advancing the multiple streams framework for decision-making: the case of integrating ethics into the Norwegian oil fund strategy

This article applies a modified Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) to an in-depth case study of the contentious issue of integrating ethics into the Norwegian oil fund strategy. By exploring how ethical investment guidelines evolved from a discredited and allegedly unrealistic idea into policy consensus and, ultimately, a global exemplar, the study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it contributes to the ongoing theoretical refinement of the MSF perspective by illustrating how the framework proves valuable in examining both agenda-setting and decision-making processes. Specifically, it confirms the relevance of a two-phase model for a more rigorous analysis of the decision-making process. Second, while prior literature defines the output of agenda-setting as a ready proposal, it is demonstrated that this outcome may not necessarily signify a fully developed policy proposal. To account for a broader range of scenarios, this article suggests redefining the output of the agenda-setting process as a policy commitment, rather than a worked-out proposal ready for negotiations in the political stream. Acknowledging the uncertainty and ambiguity in the decision-making process highlights the significance of developments in the problem and policy streams that past literature has not given due attention. Consequently, the article proposes a revised two-phase model to enhance the conceptualisation of decision-making within the MSF.

Parliamentary Committees: Meeting the Epistemic Threshold of Legislation

Parliamentary committees are evolution of practice and procedures of legislations in liberal democracies over the years. The strength of a procedural democracy is enriched by the way the committees act to provide scrutiny, evaluation, and the improvement of the legislation and policy outcomes. This article articulates the imperative of parliamentary committees in strengthening legislation and policy commitments. How do parliamentary committees improve legislations and policy formulation in majoritarian democracies? This article includes the following sections: first, it discusses the meaning, role and objectives of parliamentary Standing Committees. Second, it focusses on the types of committees and their constitutional role in the process of legislation. Third, it deals with elaborate examination of the functions of the committees. The last section explores the recent trends of the functioning of the committees. The author concludes with the remark that the success of parliamentary democracy as an institution of representation would be strengthened with an integrated and independent role of parliamentary committees.

Fiscal policies and regulations for healthy diets in Sri Lanka: an analysis of the political economy of taxation and traffic light labelling for sugar-sweetened beverages

ABSTRACT Background Unhealthy dietary patterns significantly contribute to rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Sri Lanka. The government has implemented policy measures to promote healthy dietary patterns, including the traffic light labelling (TLL) system for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in 2016 and taxation on SSBs in 2017. Objectives To analyse how ideas, institutions, and power dynamics influence the formulation and implementation of these two interventions, and to identify strategies for public health actors to advocate for more effective food environment policies in Sri Lanka. Methods This study drew on Kingdon’s theory of agenda-setting and Campbell’s institutionalist approach to develop the theoretical framework. We examined the political economy at the policy development and implementation stages, adopting a deductive framework approach for data collection and analysis. Data were collected from documents and key informants. Results NCDs and nutrition are recognised and framed as important policy issues in health-sector policy documents, and the SSB tax and TLL system are seen as means of improving diets and health. Sri Lanka’s commitment to addressing NCDs and nutrition-related issues is evident through these policies. The Ministry of Health led policy development, and key stakeholders were involved. However, there are opportunities to learn and strengthen policy in Sri Lanka and elsewhere. Limited involvement and commitment of some stakeholders in developing national policies, industry interferences, and other gaps resulted in weaker policy design. Gender considerations were also given minimal attention in policy formulation and implementation. Conclusions To enhance the effectiveness of the policies and regulations to promote healthy diets in Sri Lanka, comprehensive policy coverage, multistakeholder involvement and commitment to national policies, balanced power dynamics, technical feasibility, government commitment backed with high-level political support, awareness, and knowledge creation, managing industry interferences, integrating gender considerations are crucial factors.

Commitment Issues: Does the Fed Have an Inflation Incentive to Commit?

Abstract Long-run results indicate that for price and wage inflation there is little disincentive for discretionary policy when monetary policy is at or near the zero-lower bound. Optimal commitment and discretionary policy are examined in a popular DSGE framework. The monetary authority targets a convex combination of price and wage inflationary gaps around time-varying inflation targets. A joint hypothesis test is derived to determine if the central bank faces an inflationary disincentive for activist policy. Considering price and wage inflation separately, there are significant short-run disincentives to discretionary policy. Discretion and commitment policies are not different for price and wage inflation when nominal interest rates are persistently low.

Labour, more or less? Policy reasoning in a fiscal register

Michael Jacobs and Andrew Hindmoor’s analysis of ‘Labour, left and right’ is a salutary corrective to ‘electoral-ideological’ accounts of party strategy in Britain, and rightly urges scholars to pay more attention to substantive ‘policy reasoning’. Jacobs and Hindmoor’s account of Labour policy is only partly convincing, however, because it is based on a sharp distinction between left-wing ‘structural reform’ and moderate ‘redistributive’ strategies which is difficult to justify historically, and understates the importance of social policy commitments to Labour’s positioning. This article argues that Labour’s policy trajectory since the 1980s is better understood through a fiscal lens, which reflects the importance of costings debates in UK general election campaigns and of Shadow Chancellors in opposition policy-making. Shifts in Labour’s positioning can thus be explained by looking at the interplay between the party’s economic thought, the leadership’s perception of its electoral needs, and the changing budgetary context.

The Human Initiative Organization as Initiation Child Protection in Bengkulu

This research is descriptive quantitative research. The research aims to understand the role of organisations human initiative in child protection in Bengkulu. This study using data collected primary and interviews. This study using the quantitative analysis, multiple linear regression analysis and analysis determined with the help of the SPSS 25 application. Populations in this study are the stewards and volunteers of the human organization's initialized 30 responders consist of 10 male responders 33.3 % and 20 female responders 66.7 %. The responders are the stewards or volunteers of the human initiative organization are college students from various study programs that have interest in the social services., empowerment and child education problems. The results of the research obtained were tested using test t and test f shows the impact of active roles, Participatory roles and passive roles against good child protection non-discrimination, The best interests of the child, The right to live, Survival and development, An award for the child's opinion. Research shows the average human organization's role in what appears to be an active role 21.97%, participatory role 21.67% and passive role 17.47%. In addition to child protection applied to non-discrimination 13.40 %, child's best interests 13.00 %, right to live 11.50 %, survival and development 12.80% and award to child 17%. An active role having influence stimultan against non-discrimination and a positive influence on the interests of children and the right to life and survival covering basic needs, education and social welfare or temporary habitation. We still do not have significantly affect the award stimultan in the opinion. It is grounded in part in accordance with the rules on the run / norm focus on children through the organization constructed with standardized child safe guarding policy and joint commitment through the HOME (hug, opportunity, mentality, education) and based on the style of leadership that is flexible and responsible in any decision making by approaching co-creation strategy. The role of participatory having influence in stimultan against non-discriminatory, the interests of children and having the right to life and significantly affect the child survival. Meanwhile the role of participatory have no influence on the interests of children and survival and awards toward the opinions of children significantly. It is caused by restriction existing programs as well as the awareness organization / volunteers related convention limited the rights of the child. In addition can look through the dynamic role owned in carrying out rights and obligations and needs conditional made by the organization of the needs in fulfilling formal (human needs, productivity and profitability of the organization and quality of human life) in Human Service Organizations. Passive roles have a significant impact on non-discrimination. However, it has no partial impact on non-discrimination. On the other hand, the passive role has a positive influence on the interests of the child and the rights of the child due to human initiative becomes a symbol/reference of the organization in the protection and enforcement of the rights of the child. In addition, passive roles have an influence on the right to life and survival of the child. Passive roles do not have a significant influence on the appreciation of the opinion of the child. This is because human initiative is defined as a symbol/reference organization on the standard of child service both normatively and comparatively for Pathfinding, Alignment and Empowering.

Sustainable Water in Mining? The Importance of Traditional Owner Involvement in Commercial Water Use and Management in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia

AbstractThe mining industry is a significant water user, an issue that gains a particular prominence in arid zone mining regions, such as the Pilbara region in Western Australia (WA). Mining companies extract vast amounts of water from the groundwater aquifers to access orebodies and to dewater the mine pits. Much of this water is dumped in creeks, injected back into the aquifer downstream or used in mining processing. There is increased awareness from community members for sustainable water use in mining beyond life of mine, and the emergence of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in the mining and metals sector signals a shift towards recognizing the importance of water stewardship. Much of the land subject to dewatering in the Pilbara is also subject to native title determinations. For Traditional Owners, important cultural values are associated with water. However, water is not adequately covered in native title, especially in relation to commercial use. We argue that Traditional Owner involvement in design and management of the use of excess water from a mining proponent's water licence (dewatering) can assist in sustainable use of groundwater, as well as provide opportunities in social and economic enterprises. As a provocation style piece, this paper is based on secondary literature, rather than ethnographic data. It explores the political and regulatory landscape of mine dewatering and outlines the limitations that have existed historically and currently and which inhibit Traditional Owners to participate in water management or commercial water interests. We also provide a high‐level analysis of several mining proponents' public policy commitments to water stewardship to assess the sustainable use of water which involves stakeholders such as Traditional Owners in water decision‐making. Finally, we identify possible opportunities and provide some recommendations, for water futures in this dry region where iron ore mining and gas extraction, already massive, are expanding further.

The China -Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Critical Analysis of Gulf- Crisis

The Chino-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), initialed in 2013, is among China’s biggest foreign policy and investment commitments. It links China's Xinjiang Province with the Arabian Sea overland through Pakistan by three major new transportation corridors, supplemented by new power plants fueled by both renewables and coal, and establishing new industrial parks and trade zones. The project could transform Pakistan, but it also has clear implications for the Gulf States and after the outbreak of the Qatar crisis in 2017, CPEC became an arena of competition for the Gulf States. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a part of a strategic geopolitical move that promises not only augment the strategic position of Pakistan but also unleashing socio-economic potentials of Qatar and China. The research is an effort to highlights the interest of china and Pakistan regarding CPEC. Keeping in view the geo-strategic location of Gwadar port It also provides an insight into the challenges regarding CPEC It also endorses why Qatar is keenly interested to join the CPEC and how its involvement boosts its economy? The proposed research is based on descriptive and analytical research methods where the researcher consults primary and secondary sources to support their argument. So, in this way, the results suggest that strategically CPEC would provide a supported system to Qatar to transform its move into a truly interconnected world. This project can potentially strengthen the macroeconomic cooperation connectivity peace, and growth among different countries through trade and business opportunities which will further generate revenues for Qatar.

Addressing Barriers to Inclusion: Challenges and Recommendations for Inclusive Primary Education in Bangladesh

Despite policy commitments to inclusive education, significant barriers hinder its true realization in Bangladesh, particularly at the primary level. This research utilizes secondary data analysis to comprehensively identify and examine these challenges, drawing insights from official reports, academic literature, and stakeholder interviews. The study investigates four primary domains: policy and infrastructure, teacher preparedness and practices, attitudes and awareness, and accessibility and support mechanisms. Findings reveal systemic limitations in infrastructure and resource allocation, inadequate teacher training in inclusive pedagogies, persisting negative attitudes towards diverse learners, and insufficient support services for children with disabilities and marginalized backgrounds. Drawing on these insights, the paper proposes multi-pronged recommendations across each domain, advocating for: 1) strengthened policy frameworks and resource allocation, 2) comprehensive teacher training in inclusive practices and differentiated instruction, 3) community-based awareness campaigns on inclusion and diversity, and 4) improved accessibility measures in schools and learning materials. The research emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts at national, local, and school levels to dismantle identified barriers and create a truly inclusive primary education system in Bangladesh, ensuring equitable access and quality learning for all children.

Rural Settlement as an Agent of Agricultural Development in Brazil: Portrait and Challenges in the Context of the Brazilian Amazon

Objective: Study carried out in the Padre Josimo Tavares settlement project, located in the Brazilian Amazon, to portray the social reality, productivity and agricultural spatial distribution, as well as its implications for the preservation of the Amazon biome. Theoretical framework: The developmental measures adopted in the Amazon region, which include the creation of numerous settlement projects, did not consider the need to conserve natural resources. Currently, it is necessary to boost agricultural productivity combined with strategies that contribute to plant recovery and curb deforestation. Method: Data were collected in the field, and also spatial data were obtained, which were synthesized and analyzed using spatial, statistical and multicriteria analysis to verify the distribution and environmental suitability of agricultural activities. Results and conclusion: The settlers grow various plant products and most of them produce species strongly adapted to the region, which offers a productive advantage. Beef cattle farming is widely practiced; however, it is widely identified as the main cause of deforestation in the Amazon biome. To overcome this environmental obstacle, the recommended and discussed approaches were the implementation of agroforestry systems and zero deforestation commitment policies. Research implications: Knowing the socioeconomic and environmental reality of settlement projects is essential to identify strategies that increase, in an integrated manner, social, economic and environmental sustainability. Originality/value: Use of unpublished data obtained through field collections of the RADIS-UFV Project, the result of a partnership between the National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform and the Federal University of Viçosa.

The Barriers to Universal Health Coverage in India and the Strategies to Address Them: A Key Informant Study.

India has adopted several policies toward improving access to healthcare and has been an enthusiastic signatory to several global health policies to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). However, despite these policy commitments, there has been limited success in realizing these goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for health system re-design and amplified the calls for such reforms. We seek to understand the views of a diverse group of policy actors in India to address the following research questions: what are the (i) conceptualizations of UHC, (ii) main barriers to realizing UHC, and (iii) policy strategies to address these barriers. We collected data through in-depth interviews with 38 policy actors from diverse backgrounds and analyzed using the Framework Method to develop themes both inductively and deductively using the Control Knob Framework of health systems. There was congruence in the conceptualization of UHC by policy actors. Quality of care, equity, financial risk protection, and a comprehensive set of services were the most commonly cited features. The lack of a comprehensive systems approach to health policies, inadequate and inefficient health financing mechanisms, and fragmentation between public and private sectors were identified as the main barriers to UHC. Contrasting views about specific strategies, health financing, provider payments, organization of the delivery system, and regulation emerged as the key policy interventions to address these barriers. This is the first systematic examination of a diverse set of policy actors' problem analyses and suggestions to advance UHC goals in India. The study underscores the need to recognize the complex and interlinked nature of health system reforms and initiate a departure from path-dependent vertical interventions to bring about transformative change.

“It's Self‐Determination. Blackfullas Making Right Decisions for Blackfullas”: Why Indigenous‐owned businesses create better Indigenous employment outcomes

AbstractPrevious research demonstrates that businesses that are Indigenous‐owned are far more likely to employ Indigenous people than non‐Indigenous‐owned businesses (Hunter, 2015). The majority of the literature on Indigenous employment uses a deficit discourse, describing factors that prevent or exclude Indigenous people from non‐Indigenous‐owned organisations. There is markedly less literature using a strength‐based approach, detailing how Indigenous‐owned businesses create workplaces without barriers to Indigenous employment. Through 32 semistructured interviews with Indigenous business owners, managers, and Indigenous employees of Indigenous‐owned businesses, this paper provides insights into how participants' businesses create workplaces that are more supportive of, and conducive to, Indigenous employment. This paper finds that Indigenous approaches to governance inform an organisational level of cultural competence, which creates tailored and specific practices that support better Indigenous employment outcomes. This resonates with the concept of Indigenous ways of “knowing, being, and doing,” and how this framework encompasses participants' approaches to business operations. In the light of increasing public and private policy commitments to improve Indigenous employment outcomes, it is imperative that the Indigenous business sector's best practice inform said policies, given its successes. However, inherent in these findings are broader discussions into more systemic and societal issues that go beyond workplace policy.