Abstract Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a significant challenge for many countries, particularly in the face of increasing environmental pollution. Balancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability under these conditions is especially complex. This study explores the role of green finance in promoting sustainable infrastructure, innovation in green technology, corporate social responsibility, economic stability, and environmental conservation within the framework of Belt and Road initiative (BRI), with a specific focus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives. Furthermore, the study examines the role of government support in facilitating the issuance of GF, emphasizing its significance in large-scale international development projects like CPEC. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire targeting a diverse group of respondents, including businessmen, CPEC officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, and Ministry of Planning and Development. Partial Least Squares analysis was employed to test the proposed relationships and hypotheses. The results indicate a significant positive impact of green finance on the development of sustainable infrastructure and the innovation of green technology. Additionally, the results underscore the pivotal role of environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable infrastructure in driving the achievement of SDGs, especially in the social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The study findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, highlighting the critical need to integrate green finance with sustainable practices to foster economic growth and environmental protection. These findings provide a strategic roadmap for nations aiming to align their development goals with global sustainability standards.
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