SDG Goal Research Articles

Reducing obesity and overweight: Subregional Policy Dialogues in the WHO European Region

Abstract In the WHO European Region, obesity and overweight stand as leading causes of disability and premature mortality. They contribute significantly to the burden of noncommunicable diseases, hindering efforts to achieve sustainable development goals related to health, including SDG goal 3.4, aiming to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030. Despite some policy successes such as sugary drinks taxes, restrictions on marketing unhealthy products to children, and physical activity promotion campaigns, no country has managed to halt the rising levels of obesity. Addressing obesity requires a comprehensive approach, and WHO endeavors to support countries in implementing a wide range of policy actions across various settings. The WHO Special Initiative for NCDs and Innovation has recently adopted a subregional approach to promote evidence-based, data-informed policy action. In June 2022, it organized a series of obesity dialogues, including sessions for the Western Balkans. This session will outline the methods and outcomes of these dialogues, including stakeholder engagement, presentation of the latest obesity data, evidence-based policy recommendations, and the process of prioritizing policy options with decision-makers. It will consider the lessons learned from this process, offering insights not only for the health agenda but also for addressing other complex public health, environmental, or social challenges, which require multisectoral collaboration and comprehensive, policy actions on many levels.

Would teaching gender as core, not boutique, move us closer to the SDG gender equality goal?

ABSTRACT The Sustainable Development Goals, through Goal 5 on Gender Equality, put gender as a focus at the heart of every endeavour. Yet with 2030 looming, across the globe, we have made insufficient progress towards gender equality. Despite a plethora of mentions of the aim to achieve gender equality in regional and international documents, progress is slow (see https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2022/09/progress-on-the-sustainable-development-goals-the-gender-snapshot-2022 and https://pacificdata.org/dashboard/sdg-5-gender-equality). What can be done? If transformative change is required, then a range of options needs to be explored. Could expanding exposure as to who studies gender be just one tool for building a pipeline of actors who take a gender lens when engaging with key issues, and speeding up progress towards the gender equality goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Goal 5)? How should we rethink the teaching of gender and development? My proposition is that gender should be mainstreamed in every course through a revised curriculum as a practical lever for change and to hasten progress towards Goal 5. The hope is that this paper can encourage conversation both in gender and development circles and the scholarship of teaching and learning, and prompt new lines of research and action towards rethinking the teaching of gender and development, which can then strengthen the knowledge base in the pipeline of political decision-makers and development actors. This paper is a call to action for the repositioning of gender at the heart of all studies – not as an elective or “boutique”, but as core to every subject.

Key SDG7 Factors Shaping the Future of Clean Coal Technologies: Analysis of Trends and Prospects in Poland

This article presents the results of an analysis aimed at verifying the relationship between the implementation of SDG Goal 7 and the use of clean coal technologies in Poland. Clean coal technologies in the United Nations plans will constitute a crucial element of the strategy for sustainable development in the energy context. They are intended to be one of the tools for building an energy system based on renewable energy sources, constituting a bridge that enables the transition of Poland’s energy system from coal to renewable energy sources. To identify whether this relationship exists, the Autoregressive Moving Average with Exogenous Input (ARMAX) model was used. The structure of the model, its correctness, and its accuracy were confirmed using information criteria; statistical tests such as Dickey-Fuller, Doornik-Hansen, Durbin-Watson, and Breusch-Pagan; and measures of prediction accuracy such as MAPE, MAE, and RMSE. The explanatory variables were the Objective 7 indicators adopted by Eurostat. Before being introduced to the ARMAX model, they were standardized using the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) indicator. The analysis made it possible to indicate which of the explanatory variables has the greatest impact on the development of clean coal technologies in Poland, to determine a synthetic CAGR measure for all the explanatory variables, and to compare the results obtained with the indicator determined by the United Nations.

Addressing the challenges in laboratory confirmation of paediatric tuberculosis: the role of induced sputum specimen

Tuberculosis (TB) remained the single leading infectious cause of ill health and death globally until the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. Tuberculosis contributes significantly to childhood mortality of about 16% among HIV-negative children worldwide. Childhood tuberculosis is a significant epidemiological tool as childhood TB represents recent transmission in the community and reflects the presence of an infected adult. Previously clinical research, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic discoveries have focused on adult tuberculosis to the neglect of childhood tuberculosis. Limited pediatric surveillance data, poor case ascertainment, and limited resources and capabilities have hindered the attainment of the true burden of childhood tuberculosis in countries with high tuberculosis disease burden. The difficulty in characterising the true burden of tuberculosis is mainly from the difficulty in obtaining adequate and reliable diagnostic samples to confirm TB in children. Sputum induction has proven to be feasible and effective in several LMIC settings. Gene Xpert MTB/Rif; polymerase chain reaction, performed on induced sputum samples is more sensitive in the detection of paucibacillary TB in children as compared to sputum smear testing. This allows for early diagnosis and timely initiation of therapy. It is necessary that we continue to utilize the available tools to improve TB diagnosis in children and ensure we meet End TB and SDG goal 3 targets on time

BURNOUT IN THE HYBRID WORKPLACE: EXAMINING THE STRUGGLE OF LANGUAGE LECTURERS IN MALAYSIA

Background and Purpose: Many workers struggle with stressful conditions, resulting in work burnout. While studies have examined issues revolving around working from home, research on hybrid work environment is lacking, particularly in Malaysian contexts. This study aims to examine work burnout issues faced by language lecturers in a hybrid work landscape. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study. An adapted Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was administered online to 130 language lecturers from two public universities in Selangor through random sampling procedure. To determine levels of personal, work-related, and colleague-related burnout, data were analysed using descriptive statistics analyses which were conducted on SPSS Version 29. Findings: The findings revealed that personal and work-related burnout are perceived as sometimes contributing to burnout. Conversely, colleague-related burnout is perceived less frequently, suggesting minimal impact on burnout in interactions with colleagues. The overall low burnout levels suggest that hybrid working could be an effective arrangement for educators in the long run. Contributions: The insights gained on work burnout among language lecturers will be particularly useful in maneuvering work effectively in academia, with the hope to address issues within the UN SDG Goal 3 where good health and well-being would be the focus. Keywords: Work-life balance, hybrid workplace, burnout, academia, language lecturers. Cite as: Azizan, M., Shafie, H., Mohd Jaafar, N., Komarudin, N. E., & Samud, N. N. (2024). Burnout in the hybrid workplace: Examining the struggle of language lecturers in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 577-602. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp577-602

The Role of Women to Program Agribusiness Driving in Air Talas Tourism Village (ANGGREK DEWATA)

This research method takes the form of a qualitative field study or field research. The data collection techniques were carried out using observation with active participation, in-depth interviews, documentation and focus group discussions. The research results show: In the Agribusiness Program Driving Talas Air Tourism Villages (ANGGREK DEWATA) there are 3 (three) programs carried out by PT Pertamina EP Limau Field, namely: BU JUSI (Organic Cultivation of Siamese Oranges), BUDE ARTA MAJU (Women of Air Talas Village Managing Oranges) and PUTERI JELITA (Liquid Fertilizer from Air Talas Orange Waste. The economic impact of this program for women is an increase in family income by IDR 2,500,000/person/month or 20% from the previous year from product sales. This program also has a positive social and environmental impact. This is in line with the fifth SDG goal, namely gender equality Talas (DEWATA ORGANGREK) from the Social Return on Investment (SROI) Report shows that the calculated SROI value of the program is 1.66, indicating that every rupiah of program costs produces a positive change worth IDR 1.66. Meanwhile, from the results of the Community Satisfaction Index assessment, the Anggrek Dewata Program obtained Community Satisfaction Index (IKM) results with the predicate "Very Good", with an index value of 3.44 with a conversion value of 86.07%. The Commitment aspect received an average SME score of 3.80 and is included in the Very Good category. And the community has optimism to continue the program after the intervention is carried out.

Disparities in achieving SDG goal of ‘no poverty’ for developing countries: technical efficiency estimates across Asian, African and American nations

ABSTRACT Globally, people acknowledge poverty as the greatest tragedy in human history, a serious threat to sustainable living, and a barrier to the development of human capital. Realising the importance of lowering global poverty, the United Nations incorporated ‘End poverty in all its forms everywhere’ as the first of the 17 SDGs for Sustainable Development. This background motivates us to look into how different lower-middle- or lower-income countries are achieving the first SDG goal. Consequently, the study primarily investigates the efficiency of 43 lower middle- or lower-income countries in Asia, Africa, and America in reaching the SDG goal of ‘No poverty’ by using the Stochastic Production Frontier from 2019 to 2020. Concurrently, the analysis pinpoints the causes of the nation’s inefficiency in accomplishing that objective. According to the study’s findings the Korea Republic is the most efficient nation at reaching the objective of ‘No poverty.’ Guinea is the least efficient. In conjunction with inefficiency issues, the analysis demonstrates that rising CO2 emissions paradoxically promote efficiency in the battle against poverty; conversely, rising corruption increases inefficiency. Conflict significantly impedes any constructive goal, such as poverty reduction. Corruption and intentional homicides serve as proxy indicators of conflict in this context. A rise in conflict variables reduces the nation’s efficacy in lowering poverty rates. The article ends by outlining future research goals and making pertinent policy recommendations.

Exclusion of the female child from primary education: exploring the perceptions and experiences of female learners in northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Despite efforts at achieving the SDG goal of education for all, a critical issue remains an increased exclusion of female child from education. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of female learners on girl-child exclusion from primary education. The study employed a concurrent parallel mixed methods research design. The study's population are all female learners in Kastina State primary schools. Data was collected using In-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and a questionnaire tagged: ‘Perceived Exclusion from Education Questionnaire’ (α = 0.84), and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis via the SPSS and ATLAS.ti respectively. Findings indicate positive perceptions of female learners towards education of the female child; female learners’ experiences in being educated were recounted; factors necessitating the exclusion of female children from primary education were cultural, economic, environmental and personal. Strategies for mitigating the exclusion of female children from primary education were highlighted. Some recommendations are discussed.

Impacts of Climate Change in Afghanistan and an Overview of Sustainable Development Efforts

Afghanistan is ranked fourth of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Climate change impacts livelihoods, food insecurity, and displacement caused by human induce-activities like deforestation and land pasture degradation. Drought is the major shock affecting 64% of household in 2024. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of climate change in Afghanistan and the country’s sustainable development efforts. This was done through an integrative literature review using database like Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science with a total of 80 articles spanning from 2015 to 2024. The study indicated that sustainable development efforts is impacted by climate change with agricultural sector projected to decline in wheat, rice, and barley (28%, 4.92%, 387kg respectively) by 2050. This not only impacts the country economy but also had an impact of SDG (Goal 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8). The temperature is expected to reach 1.5oC and 3oC by 2050 and rainfall by 25%. Precipitation will decline by 12-25m by 2050. Even though sustainable development efforts have been implement in area of health and agriculture with focus on reducing temperature that affect grain crops, 59.5% of people still experience food insecurity. Reforestation, conservation, and community awareness through community base programs has been enhanced. However, these initiatives are hampered by lack of regulations, government instability, and limited finance. To counter the impacts of climate change in Afghanistan, the study proposed recommendations such as international cooperation, funding for sustainable infrastructure in health, agriculture, and water resource management.

Smart City Conceptual Framework in the Context of Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract The article presents the conceptual assumptions of the Smart City in its different phases of development - Smart City 1.0, Smart City 2.0, Smart City 3.0, Smart City 4.0, Smart City 5.0 and Smart Sustainable City. With reference to „Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” containing 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the article specifically presents the assumptions and practical solutions for SDG Goal 11. A critical analysis of the literature on the subject and a content analysis of the SDG reports revealed a juxtaposition of the diverse capabilities of smart technologies and their insufficient implementation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in Smart Cities. The reality is not encouraging. The population of people living in slums is growing rapidly, social inequalities are widening, and there is a lack of access to convenient urban transport. There is chaotic urban sprawl, air pollution and insufficient public open spaces. Solutions to urban problems are often interventionist rather than preventive. The rational and sustainable use of modern technology can change this.

THE ROLE OF SOCIALIZATION IN FORMING SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

Sustainable consumption behavior, namely making decisions that ensure the environment will not be damaged by SDG's goal 12. This research explores the relationship between respondent characteristics and sustainable consumption behavior and the influence of teacher socialization, parental socialization, and social media on consumption and sustainability values. This research was conducted cross-sectionally on 218 elementary school students using cluster random sampling. The data was processed using SPSS 25 and Smart-PLS 3. The results showed that sustainable consumption behavior among male students tended to be better and also tended to be better among children who had working mothers. The results of the SEM analysis showed a significant influence of parental socialization on sustainable consumption behavior. In addition, a significant positive indirect effect was found between teacher socialization, parental socialization, and social media exposure on sustainable consumption behavior through consumption values. Therefore, parents need to provide positive socialization to children regarding consumption values to encourage sustainable consumption behavior in children.

Analysing Visual Information (Colour, Symbol) of Waste Recycling Through the Principles of Gestalt Theory: Closure, Similarity and Continuation

This study provides an insight into the visual information (colours, symbols) of waste classification based on the three principles of closure, similarity and continuation of Gestalt theory. A field survey of Xiamen University Town in China and a survey of 1,000 local and international university students in the area were used to understand the level of awareness of visual information on waste recycling and segregation. The study found that the current level of awareness of visual classification information (colours, symbols) in the Xiamen University Town urban area and among students is low. Visual messages must convey accurate and standardised information such as colours and symbols. In addition, the purpose of this study was to illustrate the need for accuracy in visual information. This study concludes the need for uniform colour and symbol standards for waste recycling and segregation under the Gestalt theory to help achieve SDG goal 12, responsible consumption and production, as this study highlights the potential ripple effect on future stakeholders, especially considering the international mobility of university students, who epitomise global diversity. As users travelled across countries, ambiguous visual messages about waste classification became a key issue in responding to UN advocacy for a sustainable future. Addressing and correcting these visual discrepancies is critical to effective waste management strategies on a global scale.

Does Self-Control and Over-Confidence Influence Investment Decision: The Mediating Role of Fundamental and Technical Analysis

This study investigates the influence of self-control and over-confidence on investment decision-making, with a focus on the mediating role of fundamental and technical analysis. The respondents of the study are institutional investors operating in the Pakistan Stock Exchange Market (PSX), which includes the Lahore Stock Exchange, Karachi Stock Exchange, and Islamabad Stock Exchange. The behavior of these investors is assessed to determine the impact of stock market fluctuations on their investing decisions. The unit of analysis in this research is the institutional investors themselves. The study aims to examine the behavioral consequences of integrating self-control and overconfidence variables in investment decisions, particularly in relation to market instability and variations in fundamental and technical analysis. To select the sample, both stratified sampling and cluster sampling techniques were employed. Cluster sampling was used to save costs, while stratified sampling ensured that the sample accurately reflects the population. The states were divided into clusters to facilitate the use of cluster sampling. In terms of sample size, the study solely focuses on institutional investors in the Pakistan stock exchange PSX. Therefore, the sample consists of 375 institutional investors. Data collection for this study utilized a 5-point Likert scale, which is a commonly used measurement instrument for determining the relationship between variables. The scale allows respondents to provide their opinions on a continuum from strongly disagree to strongly agree. This approach enhances the originality and reliability of the data while minimizing respondent annoyance. Overall, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of how self-control and over-confidence influence investment decisions, with fundamental and technical analysis serving as mediators in the context of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Market. The findings from this research can provide valuable insights for institutional investors in their decision-making processes. Integrating self-control and over-confidence in investment decision-making aligns with SDG Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by promoting responsible and sustainable investment practices.

Tingkat Keberlanjutan Permukiman Pesisir Kelurahan Kota Karang Raya, Kecamatan Teluk Betung Timur, Kota Bandar Lampung

Spatial planning in coastal settlements must be conducted comprehensively and integratedly. This can be achieved through the application of sustainable coastal settlements in line with SDG goal number 11, which emphasizes sustainable cities and communities. Kota Karang Raya Sub-District has a total area of 0.26 km2 with a population of 1,296 households. The settlement extends from inland towards the coast and is characterized by dense, irregular housing arrangements with inadequate facilities. Being directly adjacent to Lampung Bay's coastline, there is a potential for disasters that can threaten the local community. This research aims to determine the level of sustainability of coastal settlements in Kota Karang Raya Sub-District by identifying the existing conditions and analyzing the level of sustainability. The research adopts a deductive-quantitative approach using descriptive analysis and Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis with assessment categories based on Kavanagh and Pitcher. Based on the MDS analysis, the level of sustainability in the coastal settlements of Kota Karang Raya Sub-District falls into the category of less sustainable with an index value of 47,16. This value represents the coverage of sustainability aspects, with environmental and economic sustainability categorized as less sustainable, while social sustainability is considered relatively sustainable.

Slow Fashion: Between Environment Sustainability and Business Sustainability

Slow fashion is a topic that is currently still being widely discussed because it is considered as an environmentally friendly alternative in the fashion industry. Even though this concept is accepted by academics and practitioners, how slow fashion can generate sufficient profits is still a question considering the selling price is quite high and the emphasis is on quality over quantity. This research seeks to close this research gap by using the Consumer Orientation to Slow Fashion (COSF) framework and the perceived customer value of slow fashion products. The analysis of 200 Indonesian consumer data using PLS-SEM revealed that (1) providing authentic, local, and exclusive product attribute are very important in developing customer value in slow fashion products, and (2) perceived value ultimately has a positive impact on purchase intentions. This result provides a business strategy for slow fashion brand owners to be able to focus on these attributes to create a sustainable business model that includes the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) and contribute to achievement of SDG Goal no 12: responsible consumption and production.

Breaking Barriers: A Policy Brief on Advancing Gender Equality for Economic Resilience in Afghanistan

The current political uncertainty casts doubt and critical issues of gender inequality in Afghanistan has a harmful impact on the economic resilience of the country. With limited national economic data and limited access to education, employment, and financial resources, it is difficult to provide full-scale policy practices in the new economic resilience. Despite a significant drop in per capita income, half of the country's 40 million population, girls and women, have been deprived of basic rights and freedom. Following the takeover Aug 2021, the economy contracted by 20.7 percent, with another 3.6 percent contraction followed in 2022. Afghanistan has become one of the poorest countries in the world, with a population growth of around 2% and a peak decline in the economy due to strict gender-based employment policies (UNDP, 2023), (UNDP, 2016). With the return of the DFA government women rights participation in work force and education dramatically regressed(HRW, 2022), (BBC, 2021) . These brief findings suggest that how equal gender participation will be effective and can build more resilient and inclusive economy for sustainable future. This policy brief emphasizes the critical components of success, such as political will, active participation of civil society organizations, adequate funding, and international support. Furthermore, the brief advocates for entrepreneurship to ensure equal gender representation in economic growth. Recognizing the urgent need for transformative change, this comprehensive approach focuses on SDG goal 5 gender equality, understanding that economic growth cannot be achieved if half of the population is unable to work. This roadmap leads to women's empowerment in the socioeconomic landscape(COD, 2022),(UNDP, 2019). By providing an overview, this brief fully supports the initiatives of women's participation in public and private spheres. In summary, this policy brief envisions a future in which women's empowerment serves as a catalyst for transformative change, providing Afghanistan with a sustainable and inclusive path forward.

A Statistical Analysis of Greece’s Recovery From The 2008 Financial Crisis and Their Progress in SDG Goal 8

The 2008 Financial Crisis heavily impacted the Greek economy due to economic mismanagement, poor bailout measures, structural weaknesses already present in the economic system of the Greek economy, and government failing to accurately report debt levels in the country. This resulted in a large amount of poverty following 2009, and a large recession in the country. However, in 2015 Greece also committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, which was set by the United Nations, and Goal 8 was achieving Decent Work and Economic Growth. Utilising the 10 sub-goals set by the United Nations, it was found that Greece was on track to achieve 7 of the goals, however still needed to do more action regarding 3 of the goals, for them to be met.

Examining The Economic Value and Awareness for Recreational Fishing: A Study Case of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

In numerous countries, recreational fishing is a favored leisure activity. Recreational anglers employ conventional fishing methods, including pole-and-line, nets, and traps, in salt and fresh water. In Malaysia, the recreational fishing sector engages around 2.2 million individuals, with nearly half of this population participating in oceanic recreational fishing activities. Meanwhile, recreational fishing activities in Malaysia are unregulated. This means that neither a license nor a permit is required to carry out such activities, in addition to the lack of guidelines and rules surrounding the industry. Considering its open-access nature, there is no limit to how much one can fish. This may lead to overfishing and the subsequent collapse of certain fish species. As a result, this study aims to determine fishers’ willingness to pay and awareness of conservation and rehabilitation for recreational fishing. We distributed a face-to-face survey to 210 recreational fishermen in Kuala Terengganu. However, only 200 questionnaires were available for analysis. Using a contingent valuation method (CVM), recreation fishers are only willing to pay RM10 for conservation, and most of the fishers are aware of environmental conservation and the rules and regulations of recreational fishing. The findings of this research will provide insightful information for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to decide whether it is necessary to establish a license for recreational fishing in the future, which together will help to achieve SDG Goal 14 and avoid overfishing.

Implementation of SDGs 11 and LEZ Policy toward Visitor Satisfaction in Kota Tua Area Jakarta

Sustainable tourism can be achieved by executing the action of SDGS 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) policy is a translation of SDGS 11 implemented in cities worldwide. In 2021, the Special Capital Region Government of Jakarta chose Kota Tua Area Jakarta (KTA) as LEZ pilot project area to try out a form of restriction of motorized vehicles in an area in many ways. However, as LEZ policy was executed, visitor reviews were still unknown. This research aimed to evaluate SDGS 11 and LEZ implementation in KTA and weigh the contribution toward tourist satisfaction. A descriptive quantitative study from November 2022 until January 2023 was taken using primary data from 100 questionnaires used on a purposive sample of tourist aged over 18 who was repeat visitor of KTA. The data analysis used the explanatory method, multi-regression, Pearson Correlation Product Moment, and determinant coefficient analysis. The result showed that the implementation of SDGS 11 in KTA was compatible with the target of SDG Goal 11. LEZ policy has been very well executed. Visitors claimed they were strongly satisfied with tourist spots in KTA. Implementation of SDGS 11 and LEZ policy simultaneously and partially influenced visitor satisfaction. The SDGS 11 and LEZ policy in KTA contributed 23.4 percent to tourist satisfaction, and the remaining 76.6 percent was supported by other factors. It is recommended to pay attention to the safety aspect of KTA, organize parking, and increase the quality of tourist facilities.

Developing Green Waqf Model for Environmental Issues

The discussion on strengthening environmental issues for sustainable development is summarized in SDGs goal fifteen. On the other hand, waqf is an Islamic social fund instrument that has a sustainable nature and has relevance to SDGs, so it has the potential to be developed in its role in maintaining a more sustainable environment. This research seeks to look at waqf models that are relevant to the SDGs by prioritizing waqf models that can be implemented in Indonesia in line with SDGs goal 15 from the Maqasid al-Shariah perspective. Furthermore, this research proposes a model for realizing the 15th SDG goal, namely the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems based on waqf through a modified Green Waqf scheme