Society Stakeholders Research Articles

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Disparities and Spatial Spillover Effect of a Low-Carbon Economy in Chinese Provinces Under Green Technology Innovation

This research, set against the backdrop of rapid global advancements in green technology innovation and aligned with China’s sustainable development strategy, conducts an in-depth analysis of the spatiotemporal disparities and spatial spillover effect of a low-carbon economy in Chinese provinces. Following empirical analysis and data testing, the study draws the following conclusions: (1) China’s low-carbon economy is subject to significant regional differences. Over time, the development level has improved annually, with the number of provinces above the middle level of low-carbon economy rising from 11 in 2010 to 22 in 2022. However, regional differences persist. The eastern region has shown the most significant progress, while the central area encountered its initial challenges first, and the development of the western area has unfolded in a more segmented manner. (2) In this paper, the low-carbon economy in China shows notable characteristics of spatiotemporal agglomeration, with the number of high–high agglomeration provinces rising from four in 2010 to seven in 2022, an increase of 78% year-on-year. The number of provinces and provinces in the low–low agglomeration mode increased from two in 2010 to six in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 200%. (3) China’s low-carbon economy demonstrates notable spatiotemporal evolution. The development process tends to remain stable during transitions, with a high likelihood of sustaining the current state while gradually advancing, avoiding abrupt changes across levels. (4) Innovations in green technology exert a positive influence on the advancement of the low-carbon economy, with a clear spatial spillover effect. In light of these findings, the research offers targeted recommendations for society, enterprises, and government stakeholders.

Renewing hope for Cyprus peace: a novel approach to reconcile the negotiation positions of the Turkish Cypriot side and the Greek Cypriot side

Abstract Focusing on the achievements and failures of the 2017 Crans-Montana negotiations, this study examines the research question of how and why the last talks failed to resolve the Cyprus issue. It argues that progress in the negotiations was hindered by the enduring mistrust between the community leaders and the inadequacy of their resolve to reach common ground by reconciling their respective differences about the security and guarantees issue. The study suggests the process that helped bring about the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement offers a practical and effective approach to compare with the case of a seemingly intractable situation such as the Cyprus problem. The Irish–British negotiations were open to and involved a wide range of parties including the government, civil society, and international stakeholders. Moreover, they benefited from the decision to set a firm deadline for the conclusion of the negotiations. The findings of this study stress that because the previous Cyprus talks lacked an inclusive and transparent negotiation process – one with stated deadlines complete with alternative scenarios in the event of a referendum – they failed to address the broad gap of trust between the two Cypriot communities.

Medicine needs of children not addressed in the National Cancer Strategic Framework: insights from a triangulation study

Aim A better understanding of the scope of the National Cancer Strategic Framework (NCSF) could lead to improvements aiding the framework’s ultimate objective of reducing the burden of cancer. Accordingly, this report evaluates whether the 2017-2022 NCSF adequately addressed issues related to childhood cancer treatment, in particular paediatric oncology medicines. Methods To identify determinants of current access to childhood oncology medicines in South Africa, in-depth interviews were conducted with 29 stakeholders in South Africa’s public and private healthcare sectors. Key health system stakeholders included policy makers and regulators, medical insurance scheme informants, medicine suppliers, healthcare providers and civil society stakeholders. Identified barriers were categorised according to the components of the pharmaceutical value chain, and combined with a health systems approach to acknowledge the linkages of medicines with other building blocks of the health system. Identified barriers were then compared to the limitations and interventions as discussed in the 2017-2022 NCSF to identify areas for improvement in the framework. Findings Three recurrent gaps in the NCSF in relation to childhood cancers were identified, representing a range of issues throughout the pharmaceutical value chain: 1) childhood cancers are neglected compared to adult cancers, in both the policy arena and the organisation of healthcare services; 2) there are particular challenges for childhood cancers due to their rarity, thus requiring targeted interventions (e.g., regulatory incentives, tailored pricing solutions, and customised evidence requirements by decision-making bodies); and 3) children must be accompanied by a caregiver during treatment, causing several social and financial issues for their families. Conclusions There is a pressing need for a strategic cancer plan that makes proper provisions for children. Such an endeavour must commence with acknowledging the areas in which childhood cancers are different from adult cancers, and which demand targeted intervention in an update of the NCSF.

사회적 가치 측면 ESG 전략 활성화를 위한 디자인 역할

This paper proposes the role and direction of the design industry through a discussion of the context in which the ESG concept is expanding beyond the corporate management aspect for investment to the idea of social value. Through the literature review method, it was found that the pursuit of social value, which reflects the business management concept from the corporate perspective, is limited to the corporate competitive environment, such as CSR, CSV, and sustainable management strategies. This corporate-centred approach needs to be improved in addressing fundamental social issues. The insight is that CSR and CSV strategies are helpful in the areas related to sustainable management strategies. Still, social value strategies associated with identifying and solving social problems that are less relevant to companies require a new approach that reflects the concept of social innovation. In conclusion, we propose a social value strategy framework that evolves from traditional corporate management strategies to social value strategies. The intervention and role of design in the proposed framework emphasises the need for ‘System Design Thinking’ to look at the interconnectedness of all objects, rather than considering each element of ESG alone, to respond to social value change and drive sustainable economic innovation. It also suggests the importance of a design-led ESG strategy based on a ‘Design Thinking’ approach to identify experiences that reflect meaning and values among stakeholders in society.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP ASSESSMENT USING FUZZY LOGIC

Sustainability is an important approach for all organizations. Social responsibility is also included among the important principles of sustainability. This responsibility involves activities for employees, customers, society and other stakeholders. Communication with customers is important in transport companies. This research evaluates the quality of customer communication within a transport company and proposes improvements following fuzzy logic modeling. The results obtained show that customer relations must be constantly improved. Research limitations refer to the sample of companies involved in the present research.

Dividend omissions and dividend cuts behaviour: a dynamic random-effect probit panel regression analysis

PurposeThe study aims to examine the dividend omissions and dividend cuts behaviour of manufacturing and non-financial services firms to identify the determinants of dividend omissions and dividend cuts.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyses the financial data of 3,546 firms from 2011 to 2020 (35,460 firm-year observations) using a dynamic random-effect probit panel regression model.FindingsThe results suggest that profitability, growth opportunity, leverage, liquidity, risk, extraordinary income, shareholding pattern and buyback are major determinants of dividend omissions. Similarly, dividend cut in the previous year, profitability, operating cash flow, risk and extraordinary income are major factors leading to dividend cuts.Research limitations/implicationsFirms which omit the dividend are less likely to start paying dividend in subsequent years, whereas firms which cut the dividend may increase dividend in later years. Also, profitability decreases for a significant number of firms post dividend omission and cut. This indicates that dividend omission is a more prominent signal than a dividend cut for the financial health of a firm.Practical implicationsThe determinants identified in the study enable analysts and portfolio managers to decide the propensity of dividend omission and cut even before actual announcements and can alleviate the significant loss in the portfolio. Also, managers and the board of directors would be able to monitor the firm’s financial performance to avoid the situation leading to dividend omissions and cuts.Social implicationsThe study strongly recommends that firms should voluntarily pay dividends to shareholders to encourage the healthy participation of retail shareholders in the equity market and create a long-term win–win situation for all stakeholders in society. If a large number of firms continue not to pay the dividend, the study appeals to the regulators to intervene to protect shareholders' interests for the greater good of society.Originality/valueTo the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first study to empirically identify the determinants of dividend omission and cut in the unique setting like India where dividend taxation had undergone a significant change.

Energy transition as a way to improve the welfare of Indonesian society

The shift towards energy is now a priority in Indonesia's efforts to promote sustainable development. With a growing recognition of the effects of climate change and the limitations of energy sources, the urgency to transition to clean and renewable energy options is on the rise. This study aims to investigate how transitioning to energy can enhance the well-being of communities. We aim to highlight critical insights by examining and thoroughly reviewing the literature. Firstly, ensuring energy practices is crucial for attaining development objectives. Energy plays a role in providing services like electricity, transportation, and household heating. Secondly, challenges related to infrastructure and energy accessibility remain hurdles in Indonesia's journey towards an energy transition. Despite advancements in energy initiatives, many remote areas still need access to electricity. Lastly, governmental intervention plays a role in steering a transition towards sustainable energy solutions. Private sector investment in renewable energy sources must be supported and directed through relatively strict policies, fiscal incentives, and regulations. Finally, the energy transition is an essential social and economic event, and appropriate policies need to be developed to promote a just transition and ensure the best outcomes for all stakeholders and society. To conclude, the energy transition in Indonesia requires a combination of government, private sector, civil society, and international stakeholder involvement. By working together across sectors, investing in renewable energy gen technology, and implementing advanced policies, Indonesia promotes transitioning to a more sustainable energy system and improving the overall welfare of society.

Problematika Pendidik dan Tenaga Kependidikan Islam di Bojonegoro

: Islamic education has an important role in shaping the character and morality of individual Muslims, as well as ensuring the continuity and dissemination of Islamic religious values. In Islamic educational institutions, the role of educators and education personnel is crucial in carrying out this mission. However, in practice, Islamic educators and education personnel often face various challenges and problems that affect the effectiveness of Islamic education as a whole. One of the problems that often arise is the lack of qualifications and competence of Islamic educators and education personnel. Many Islamic educational institutions face difficulties in obtaining educators and education personnel who have a deep understanding of Islamic teachings, as well as skills in applying them in the context of modern education. This can hamper the process of Islamic education and reduce the quality of graduates produced. In addition, the problem of inadequate infrastructure and educational facilities is also one of the main problems in Islamic education. Many Islamic educational institutions still face limitations in terms of educational facilities and infrastructure, such as inadequate school buildings, lack of books and learning materials, and lack of other supporting facilities. This condition can hamper the learning process and create a learning environment that is not conducive. Another challenge is the low motivation and commitment of Islamic educators and education personnel. Lack of motivation and commitment can result in low teaching quality, as well as a lack of innovation in the delivery of learning materials. In addition, differences in understanding and interpretation of Islamic teachings can also cause conflict and disharmony among educators and education personnel.Seeing the complexity of the problems faced by Islamic educators and education personnel, serious and comprehensive efforts are needed to overcome these problems. The role of the government, educational institutions, society and other stakeholders is very important in efforts to improve the quality of Islamic education and ensure the realisation of the vision of quality, inclusive and progressive Islamic education.

Influence of policymakers and civil society stakeholders on sewage sludge management strategies: Empirical results from European utilities

Sewage sludge management is crucial for water utilities to move towards a circular valorisation of resources. The current literature focuses mainly on the technological aspects of sludge management strategies. However, the current discussion of these strategies does not consider possible pressures arising from the utilities' civil society stakeholders and from policymakers. To fill this gap, this paper develops a conceptual framework, based on the current literature, that identifies the utility's key decisions on sludge management strategies (valorisation route, overperformance and vertical integration), and links them to possible pressures arising from civil society and existing regulations. Subsequently, the study validates the framework through a multiple explanatory case study, investigating the empirical relevance of such pressures in six water utilities across Europe. The influence of citizens and municipalities is found to be crucial in the choice of sludge valorisation routes. Economic instruments, command and control instruments and, new to the literature, regulatory uncertainty are found to be key policy features influencing utilities' decisions on sludge management. The paper provides a first-of-its-kind investigation that highlights the mechanisms through which policymakers and civil society stakeholders shape utilities' sewage sludge management strategies. The results complement and extend existing theoretical knowledge on the role of institutional pressures in the implementation of sustainable environmental systems.

Impact of AI on Communication Relationship and Social Dynamics: A qualitative Approach

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social media platforms has ushered in a new era of digital communication, offering unprecedented opportunities for content curation, relationship-building, and information exchange. Through this qualitative study, we have explored the multifaceted impact of AI-driven algorithms and natural language processing (NLP) technologies on user experiences and societal dynamics, addressing key research objectives and questions. Our findings underscore the transformative potential of AI in enhancing content curation and user interaction on social media platforms. Participants highlighted the benefits of personalized content recommendations and AI-enabled features such as chatbots, which streamline user interactions and provide instant support. Furthermore, AI algorithms play a crucial role in facilitating relationship-building through friend suggestions and group recommendations, fostering community engagement and social connections among users. However, alongside these benefits, our study also revealed significant challenges and ethical concerns associated with AI integration in social media. Participants expressed concerns about the proliferation of echo chambers and misinformation, fueled by algorithmic biases and the spread of false information through social bots. Privacy considerations emerged as a prominent issue, with participants emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in AI implementation to safeguard user data and mitigate risks of algorithmic surveillance. In light of these findings, it is evident that the responsible deployment of AI technologies is paramount in ensuring positive user experiences and preserving the integrity of digital information ecosystems. Ethical considerations must guide the design and implementation of AI-driven algorithms, prioritizing transparency, fairness, and user empowerment. Platform operators, policymakers, and civil society stakeholders must collaborate to develop robust regulatory frameworks and governance mechanisms that uphold ethical standards and protect user rights in the digital age.

The principles and guidelines on human rights and public health emergencies

Launched by the Global Health Law Consortium and the International Commission of Jurists in 2023, the Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Public Health Emergencies (the ‘Principles’) clarify and affirm international law and correlative standards on human rights and the rule of law in the context of public health emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The Principles were developed through a three-year deliberative and consensus-building process between more than 150 individuals from around the world, including international legal scholars and practitioners, human rights defenders, civil society advocates, public health researchers, health workers, and others bearing relevant insights and expertise. Spanning 28 interrelated provisions, they aim to guide the decisions and actions of governments, civil society, and other stakeholders who are at the forefront of efforts to address public health emergencies.

Facilitators and barriers for creating a sustainable working life for first-generation immigrants – perceptions of multiple stakeholders in Sweden

ABSTRACT Employment is of high priority in the Swedish integration policy, but immigrants are disadvantaged when it comes to pathways into the labour market, and also to stay in the labour market. This study aimed to explore various stakeholders’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers for a sustainable working life among first-generation immigrants and to understand their reasoning regarding how a sustainable working life might be achieved from their perspectives. It is a qualitative study based on seven focus group interviews with participants representing various stakeholders in society. The data were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. The main theme identified that creating a sustainable working life is a matter that concerns several stakeholders. Aspects related to both society, workplace and the individual have been highlighted in order to promote a sustainable work participation. By increasing collaboration between different stakeholders and providing support to both individuals and workplaces, a sustainable work participation can be facilitated. This study highlights the workplace as an important arena for preparing first-generation immigrants for a sustainable work participation. There is a need to develop supportive solutions to be used at workplaces, formalise long-term support to first-generation immigrants and strengthen the collaboration among involved stakeholders.

Indian Experience of CSR and Corporate Governance in the Post-liberalised Era

Corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have gained considerable space in business management literature in recent times. Both these concepts share many commonalities and overlap in the day-to-day operational and strategic life of business organisations. The purported aim of both CG and CSR is to ensure that corporations behave ethically and responsibly and are governed strictly according to the law while interacting with and empowering all the stakeholders. Therefore, it is important to explore the potential commonalities and hurdles in achieving synergy between CG and CSR in the Indian context. Indian CG serves the monopoly corporations by tweaking the basic principle of a free market economy. It leaves workers, customers, the environment, society and other important stakeholders in the vagaries of predatory market forces. Similarly, CSR in India, like elsewhere, is used to hide the systematic vices of the corporate sector. The unholy nexus of corporates, politicians and bureaucrats is killing the essence of CG and CSR synergy. Therefore, a strong, effective, non-partisan, transparent and independent policy-making, institutional, regulatory, accounting and audit mechanism must be implemented to insulate all stakeholders from the tyranny of monopoly corporations. This article uses an argumentative analytical method to conceptualise and theorise the different aspects of CG and CSR in the Indian context.

Organisational Enablers of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Public Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review

Purpose: The purpose of the presented study was to develop a set of recommendations for decision-makers (policymakers and public managers) and public employees to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of organisational elements in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in public institutions. Design/methodology/approach: Utilising a systematic literature review following the PRISMA protocol, the study examines the organisational enablers of AI adoption in public institutions. Comprehensive search queries in the Scopus database identified relevant literature focusing on the intersection of AI technologies and various organisational elements. The analysis was facilitated by NVivo 12, enabling a structured examination of key organisational facets for people, culture, structure, processes, and technology within public institutions. Findings: Previous studies on AI adoption in public institutions identified numerous enablers of AI adoption associated with organisational elements like people/employees, structure, culture, technology, and processes. Several surveys and case studies stress the importance of concentrating on the introduction or transformation of these organisational elements prior to or concurrently with the adoption of AI. Academic contribution to the field: By applying a systematic literature review protocol, the study represents the first holistic and systematic review of specific organisational elements that can serve as enablers of AI adoption in public institutions. Research limitations/implications: This systematic literature review was subject to several limitations. Firstly, the division of AI literature between natural and social sciences, with the former focusing on technical aspects and the latter on broader organisational themes, may have resulted in an incomplete depiction of the intersection of AI and organisational change. Secondly, despite the broad search queries, inherent limitations of keyword-based searches may have excluded some relevant studies. Thirdly, considering the rapid evolution of AI technology, our review may not fully encapsulate the very latest developments in the field as it covers literature published until May 2023. Finally, the interpretation and coding of literature, despite the use of NVivo 12, involved subjective elements that could affect the study’s outcomes. Practical implications: Drawing from experiences in the private sector, public institutions are increasingly adopting AI technologies across various subsectors such as public finance (taxation), research, healthcare, law enforcement, defence, education. This requires a transformation in both hard (structure, processes etc.) and soft aspects (people, organisational culture etc.). Therefore, the enablers identified in the study can serve as guidelines for decision-makers and implementers of AI at all levels of public institutions. Social implications: If adopted effectively and efficiently and used professionally and ethically, the use of AI in public institutions can bring many benefits to society, such as transparency, justice, cost and time efficiency, high quality services, and improved collaboration between different stakeholders in society. Originality/significance/value: Our study makes a distinct contribution by shifting the focus from technological barriers to organisational enablers of AI adoption in public institutions. It bridges a critical gap in the literature by integrating both technical and social science perspectives, providing valuable insights for theory and practice in the fields of organisation and management.

Sustainability, the Athens Marathon and Greece’s sport event sector: lessons of resilience, social innovation and the urban commons

Increasingly, a confluence of challenging global forces have precipitated sport sector change. While responses vary, a discernible trend has been the growing extents to which sport organisations and events have transcended typical participatory, performance and/or spectator focused logistics and embraced social responsibility acts that embed sport more deeply into communities. These manoeuvres have also become fundamental to organisation and sector capacity building and sustainability. Accordingly, this paper examines the example set by the Athens Marathon, Greece’s leading sport sector entity, towards sustainable event development through its strengthened volunteer and civil society practices and stakeholder relationships. Drawing data from key Athens Marathon informants and building upon conceptual models of sustainability that emphasise the interplay of resilience, social innovation and an urban commons, we demonstrate how the Athens Marathon affords a useful exemplar of how key organisational events may inform sustainability and sector strengthening.

Democracy for Sale: Examining the Phenomenon of the Cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for Major Parties in Nigeria’s 2023 General Election

Elections in Nigeria are increasingly turning democratic practice into a bazaar for the highest bidder. Preparations for the 2023 General Election, especially the purchase of statements of interest and nomination forms, as well as party primaries, threaten to squeeze non-super-rich candidates out of participation. This study examines how Nigerian democracy is being manipulated into a business of the highest bidder by examining the costs of the entire process of nomination and party primaries in the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. The study draws on face-to-face in-depth interviews selected on the basis of criteria such as accessibility, relevance, and quality of information. The informants were classified into different categories. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Clientelism is adopted as a framework to explain this phenomenon. The study found that APC and PDP deliberately drive up the cost of nomination to displace poor and non-rich competitors. The impact is evident in the reckless use of money during the parties’ primaries where the process was conducted in dollars. Transparency is being circumvented and to restore integrity to nomination and party primaries in Nigeria, reforms that go beyond politics to include civil society, the electorate, international partners, and other stakeholders are needed.

Pengaruh Leverage, Profitabilitas, Likuiditas, Dewan Komisaris, Dan Ukuran Perusahaan Terhadap Environmental Disclosure (Studi Empiris Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur Yang Terdaftar Di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2020-2022)

This study investigates the effect of financial factors (leverage, profitability, and liquidity), internal company factors (board of directors), and company size on environmental information disclosure in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2020-2022. The research approach used is descriptive quantitative. Data were collected from the company's financial statements and annual reports published on the Indonesia Stock Exchange website. The results of the analysis show that leverage, profitability, liquidity, board of directors, and company size individually have a significant influence on environmental information disclosure. Overall, these factors have a contribution of 32.7% to the disclosure of environmental information, while the rest is influenced by other factors. These results indicate that companies tend to pay more attention to environmental information disclosure when they have better financial ratios and internal structures that pay attention to environmental responsibility. In conclusion, the findings of this study confirm that financial factors and internal factors of the company have an important role in the disclosure of environmental information. The implication of this study is the importance of attention to environmental responsibility in corporate managerial decisions, especially in the context of information disclosure that is increasingly important to stakeholders. Thus, the results of this study provide a better understanding of the factors that influence environmental information disclosure in manufacturing companies, providing a foundation for companies to increase transparency and environmental responsibility in an effort to meet the expectations of society and other stakeholders.

Western Balkans: It’s Complicated An Inter-ethnic Communication Interdisciplinary Examination

The western Balkans are persistently grappling with its unfavorable inter-ethnic reputation. Although political toleration has been consistently proposed as a solution for inter-ethnic tensions, this paper argues for the adoption of the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) framework, offering a fresh perspective to an old problem. Rooted in the 'communication perspective', CMM provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to interact meaningfully. This study aims to present compelling reasons for embracing dialogical methods in interethnic disagreements. The CMM model focuses on empowering participants with knowledge to collectively shape their social realities. To illustrate, we introduce a visual communication model seamlessly integrating political toleration and CMM concepts. This model establishes a dialogical platform, ensuring equal participation from public and civil society stakeholders, and fostering a harmonious social world. In conclusion, CMM offers an alternative communication perspective crucial for those involved in interethnic dialogue. By adopting this approach, individuals and groups can overcome challenges, opening new avenues for understanding and collaboration in the pursuit of peaceful co-existence.

Navigating the Urgency: An Open Innovation Project of Protective Equipment Development from a Quadruple Helix Perspective

This study empirically explores the Quadruple Helix model’s potential in facilitating an urgent open innovation project. By examining the life cycle of the project, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Brazil, it reveals complex interactions among government, academia, industry, and civil society stakeholders, while also shedding light on the various risks arising from their dynamic collaboration. Employing an approach that combines case study analysis, risk assessment, and theoretical framework development, we unravel the project’s evolution, highlighting pivotal elements such as trust, collaboration, communication, agile mindset, stakeholder partnerships, scale, and logistics. Additionally, the study underscores concerns related to finance, time, reputation, and health, which warrant consideration. Risk analysis uncovers internal and external risks and categorizes thirty-two risks, with one deemed unacceptable, thus revealing valuable insights into stakeholders’ partnerships, institutional image, public equipment, manufacturing, project management, human resources, intellectual property, regulation, and sanitation risks. Building on these findings, we develop a new framework illustrating the management of the urgent open innovation project through the fast-paced Quadruple Helix formation. By exploring stakeholder collaboration and risk management, this research provides insights into the adaptability and speed required to successfully execute an emergency project, as well as presenting practical strategies for risk management and mitigation, significantly contributing to the domains of the Quadruple Helix and project management research.

Bringing to light the shackles of the past: reflections on labor under conditions analogous to slavery in the context of SDG 8

The effective implementation of the SDGs requires coordinated action among governments, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders, along with comprehensive mobilization of financial, technological, and human resources. It is crucial to integrate economic, social, and environmental aspects to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. This qualitative article, utilizing literature review and document analysis, examines challenges and progress related to SDG 8 fulfillment in the Brazilian context, identifying factors impacting the effective eradication of slave-like labor and proposing potential strategies to achieve these goals. The targets of SDG 8 (Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all) have regressed in Brazil and worldwide. Forced labor, exploitation, and precarious working conditions persist, necessitating the implementation of stricter laws, strengthening of monitoring mechanisms, and a unified commitment from all involved actors for the effective eradication of this abhorrent practice.