International Sustainable Development Research Articles

Designing a decision support system to evaluate the environmental and extra-economic performances of a nearly zero-energy building

PurposeThe cost-optimal analysis is not able to address the multi-dimensionality of the decision according to the new European objectives and International sustainable development goals in the field of the nearly-zero energy building (NZEB) design. The purpose of this paper is to study the role of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for guiding energy investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the Preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations II (PROMETHEE II) application to support the project of transforming a rural building into a NZEB. The evaluation provides an estimate of the effects of alternative energy efficiency measures, involving energy consumption, life cycle costs, carbon emissions, property value and indoor comfort criteria. The study performs a multi-actors analysis in order to understand how different consumers' point of views can influence the final choice of the best investment. Furthermore, a multi-site analysis explores the spatial variation of NZEB building appreciation in the real estate market.FindingsThe PROMETHEE II-based model ranks 16 alternative solutions for the NZEB according to energy, economic and extra-economic criteria. The multi-actors analysis highlights the configuration of the NZEB building that best meets the needs of different end-users, respecting the European directives and national standards. The multi-site analysis concludes that location does not change users' appreciation and not influence the output for the best solution.Originality/valueThe MCDA occurs as a support tool that helps to optimize the preliminary design phase of NZEB through the exploration of the optimal solution considering crucial criteria in the energy and environmental and real estate market rules.

The Subsidiarity Arrangement of Global Governance and Sustainable Development

In the post-Cold War realm of international relations, the United Nations is "overheating," overburdened by the demands of their expanded operations, in part due to its massive expansion of membership since conception, which has grown to include several developing nations. Specifically, in the realm of international sustainable development, this expansion has drastically increased the scope of UN objectives responsibilities. What we learned from the period of the 1990s, is that the “Washington Consensus” series of macroeconomic policy recommendations anchored around the mantra “stabilize, privatize, and liberalize,” which had failed to adequately instill sustainable long-term growth in Sub-Saharan African, is that this narrow field of market-oriented reforms could not uniformly solve issues of development across the world. Attempts to copy-paste policy reforms from one country often failed, and precisely this observation entails the application of subsidiarity. This paper employs a qualitative methodology to investigate the potential role of a subsidiarity arrangement in easing the burden on the UN system, through a global division of labour across local, regional, and international levels of governance, in studying sustainable development and poverty eradication efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. 

On the History of International Socio-Economic Relations of the Arctic Regions and Thirty-Year Anniversary of the «Northern Forum»

The research is a journey into a history of relatively recent establishment and development of international relations and cooperation of the Arctic regions of our country and the world. Thaw in relations between the Soviet Union taken place in the 80s of the last century and other countries affected the development of the territories of the states members of the well-known international Arctic Council, as well as a number of other countries with political and economic interests in the Arctic. This thaw created the basis for the creation of the Northern Forum in 1991, an international non-political organization of regional governors, which expressed the ambitions of the countries of the North and Arctic regions to develop international cooperation. In 2021, this organization will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Its creation is directly related to an active role of Walter J. Hickel (Wally J. Hickel), who in those years was the governor of Alaska (USA). He got elected twice to the office of governor and put enormous business and personal efforts into the creation of the Northern Forum. Unfortunately, in recent years the ability of the Forum to support and strengthen international sustainable socio-economic development in the Arctic region has substantially decreased. Despite the great efforts of the Forum secretariat, which is now located in Yakutsk, its role is declining, which is apparently caused by the growth of political and economic confrontations between the leading Arctic countries. The author puts forward his perspectives on the increasing role of the Northern Forum in the international cooperation of the Arctic countries in the light of new initiatives.

Detail Engineering Design (DED) Domestic Wastewater Distribution and Treatment System in Sampangan, Bendan Ngisor, Petompon, Gajahmungkur District

Environmental sanitation is one of the programs in the International Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Semarang Mayor Regulation No. 42 of 2013 on Semarang City Wastewater Masterplan has classified the domestic wastewater management system into two types, off-site and on-site operations. Gajahmungkur district is included in the off-site system. Sampangan, Bendan Ngisor, and Petompon are part of Gajahmungkur district that directly bordered by Kaligarang river. Most residents dispose of greywater into water bodies. This paper aims to present the results of the Detail Engineering Design (DED) domestic wastewater distribution and treatment system. The method of sampling wastewater used SNI 6989: 59: 2008. Based on the results, TSS values 236 mg/L, COD 331 mg/L, and BOD 116 mg/L. This result shows that the domestic wastewater produced is still above the Minister of Environment & Forestry Regulation No. 68 of 2016. The installation of wastewater used for the Gajahmungkur district consists of Grit Chamber, Collecting Wells, Anaerobic Baffled Reactor, Settling Tank, and Chlorination Tank. The type of domestic wastewater distribution system is a shallow sewer. This plan is divided into 11 blocks and serves a population of 20, 097 people. The planned budget for the costs required to make this plan is IDR35.016.315.000, 00.

MNEs, human rights and the SDGs — the moderating role of business and human rights governance

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ascribe specific roles to business organisations and have thus invigorated discussions on the link between the activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and international development. In the development of the MDGs and the SDGs, the human rights-related capabilities approach to development has featured prominently. Yet, so far, international business research on the links between MNEs and sustainable management has largely overlooked the human rights aspect. This paper integrates human rights into the debate on the role of business activities in sustainable development. Drawing on the business and human rights (BHR) governance approach, which analyses the governance mechanisms and structures that govern the relationships between human rights duty-bearers and rights-holders in the business and human rights field, the paper argues that BHR governance can act as moderator in the design, implementation and evaluation of business policies and practices seeking to contribute to the advancement of the SDGs. It shows how BHR governance may support, positively influence and reinforce the impact of private sector activities on international sustainable development.

Peace or War? Intelligent Development of Iran Environmental Diplomacy

The issue of environment is one of the most important axes of a country's development, in other words, Sustainable development of a country is in its environmental group. Attention to the natural environment of the country, water resources, forests and pastures, protected areas and national parks, sensitive habitats. All of them is considered as a key component of a set of neighborhoods, regional and international sustainable development. Economic, industrial and social progress in the past few decades in Iran has caused the environment to be exploited beyond its resource capacity, an issue that left devastating consequences in this area. Iran's strategic position in the Middle East and the world and its financial, economic and political relations have made it more sensitive to environmental issues. Water issues with neighbors, Issues related to environmental pollution and resource constraints, import of various products, Chemical pollution, dust and fire in the eastern, southern and western part of the country, requires strong environmental diplomacy for the country. In this regard, Iran's relations with neighboring countries are the first priority. The main question is whether we are in an environmental war or we are at peace. The purpose of this study is to express multilateral environmental issues with neighbors and create a framework for environmental diplomacy in the country. In this regard, reviewing the process of environmental diplomacy in Iran and providing scientific and strategic frameworks can be a great way for Iran's future in the region.

The future generation’s act: Wales

Abstract The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) (WFG) Act 2015 is ambitious legislation that enables a step change in the way public services tackle health and societal problems. The WFG Act includes clear requirements for public bodies to share a common purpose, by setting seven wellbeing goals focused on improving social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing. The Act requires public bodies to act collectively, plan for the long-term, involve people and communities in decision making, prevent problems occurring and take a joined-up approach to assessing wellbeing and planning. Monitoring and accountability structures include the establishment of a Future Generations Commissioner, whilst progress is monitored and reported against using National Indicators and reporting as part of the UK to the United Nations International Sustainable Development Goals. The Act represents a milestone for public health, with health and equality goals on par with goals for the environment and economy and a clearer articulation of the social and economic determinants of health. The presentation will provide a short introduction to the background and development of the legislation, but the main focus will be on what is being done to drive and support implementation at various levels of operation; for individuals, for teams, for organisations and for government and systems in order that the potential reach of the legislation is realised.

DEVELOPMENT OF INCLUSIVE SOCIETY WITH THE INSTRUMENTS OF “GREEN” ECONOMY AND EDUCATION

The article substantiates that in order to ensure the effective development of economic systems, the issues of rational use of natural resources and environmental safety are significant. Environmental problems for modern economies of the world are systematized. The aim of the research is to study the theoretical and practical experience in the formation of an inclusive society and the “green” economy of the regions in the Republic of Belarus based on the analysis of the mechanism for introducing circular technologies at the micro level, schemes for engaging vulnerable groups of the population, creating “green” jobs, creating courses on the principles of inclusion economy in the workplaces. The following tasks were set and resolved: the mechanism for the formation of the inclusive society and the “green” economy in the Republic of Belarus was identified through the introduction of circular technologies at the micro level; considered the features of involvement in employment of vulnerable groups of the population; identified and systematized features of creating “green” workplaces; specificity of courses for on-the-job training on the principles of inclusion and “green” economy is grounded. The research methodology is based on the principles of systems analysis, formal logic and an interdisciplinary scientific approach. Monographic and descriptive method was used in the formation of theoretical and practical basis for development an inclusive society with elements of the “green” economy; method of analysis and synthesis, method of statistical data analysis in the short-term analysis. The novelty of this research lies in the fact that the theoretical and practical foundations for building the inclusive society through the tools of the “green” economy and education have been studied and scientifically grounded. The conclusions are that the creation of “green” jobs, learning the principles of a “green” economy, as well as the implementation of other measures to ensure the sustainable development are necessary. And development of inclusive society and “green” economy depend on ability of government and firms to teach their basic principles and create inclusive and “green” workplaces and jobs. As recommendations it is proposed to involve older labor resources in employment, taking into account coordination of the vocational qualification structure of labor supply and technical and technological parameters of workplaces; to assess development of the international labor market and sustainable development of the labor market with created by authors list of indicators; to develop an electronic web resource with information about the skills of the workforce, indicating the geography of workplaces and schemes for building up the necessary skills contributes to the advance preparation of the workforce; and to organize and conduct courses for employers and employees in the field of inclusive development and “green” jobs.

The Transformative Power of Sustainable Development Goal 16: The Rule of Law, Controlling for Nuance, and Unlocking Potential

Today the rule of law is utilized as a critical pillar within the context of international development and the world order – defined by a multiplicity of characterizations and indicators for success. The fluidity and pluralistic approach of the concept is both necessary and problematic, because it must be able to capture the breadth of systems and cultures that exist across the globe, but simultaneously must reach measurable standards allowing the “concept” to mature and strengthen within the international order. In 2016, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) underscored the important role that the rule of law plays through SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – committing the international community “to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.” As one of 17 Goals in the 2030 agenda, SDG 16 recognized the rule of law and its institutions’ fundamental role in ensuring sustainable development and as the facilitative pathway to cultivating a more just, peaceful and inclusive world. It emphasizes the need for transparent, effective and accountable governance institutions; the need to protect and promote human rights and facilitate access to justice for all; the need enhance access to information; the need for participatory decision-making processes; the need to reduce violence in all its forms; and the need to foster citizens’ trust by building institutions and systems of integrity that respect fundamental freedoms. Put simply, by entrenching rule of law in Goal 16, the international community placed the rule of law at the forefront of discussions on sustainable international development, underscored that law and justice were the purvey of all (not just of legal practitioners and lawmakers), and sought to mainstream the concept across all other goals ranging from economic growth, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, gender equality and more. We are three years into implementation and a mere decade away from 2030, practical solutions to ensuring successful implementation of this ambitious global agenda is of the essence. At the core of addressing Goal 16 is enhancing the resilient capacity of national institutions, strengthening national and sub-regional legal frameworks, and providing sensible guidance on the implementation of these frameworks. This paper seeks to distill the historical context behind the rule of law and SDG 16, while also highlighting the relevance and parameters of the Goal in line with the United Nation’s Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. This paper seeks to make the case for stronger international collaboration, contextualized approaches and bolder supportive frameworks to implement SDG 16, beyond rhetoric and ensuring that justice sector conversations weave in institutional strengthening and multisectoral approaches to avoid SDG16 existing in silos. This paper will also highlight recommendations for the enhanced utilization and implementation of SDG16+, and will underscore initiatives and best practices already underway.

MNEs, Human Rights and the SDGs – the Moderating Role of Business and Human Rights Governance

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ascribe specific roles to business organizations and have thus invigorated discussions on the link between the activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and international development. In the development of the MDGs and the SDGs, the human rights-related capabilities approach to development has featured prominently. Yet, so far, international business research on the links between MNEs and sustainable management has largely overlooked the human rights aspect. This paper integrates human rights into the debate on the role of business activities in sustainable development. Drawing on the business and human rights (BHR) governance approach, which analyses the governance mechanisms and structures that govern the relationships between human rights duty-bearers and human rights-holders in the business and human rights field, the paper argues that BHR governance can act as moderator in the design, implementation and evaluation of business policies and practices seeking to contribute to the advancement of the SDGs. It shows how BHR governance may support, positively influence and reinforce the impact of private sector activities on international sustainable development.

Developing Sustainability Rating System for Healthcare Facilities: Focus on Egypt

Healthcare is one of the core operating sectors all over the world with a designated Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being of the international Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), while three other goals addressed the eradication of causes of healthcare problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated the increase of healthcare expenditure to be $2 - $4 Billion USD by the year 2030 as a result of Climate change. As a developing country, Egypt has a fast-growing healthcare sector, which is a good opportunity to direct the sector towards a more sustainable development scheme to reduce the cost of the service, while maintaining a high service level for the patience and reducing the environmental impacts of operation, which are the pillars of sustainable development. The aim of the work presented is to develop sustainability rating system for new and existing healthcare facilities suitable to the Egyptian context that encourages the facilities to operate more sustainably using the concept of cradle-to-cradle resources management. The rating system developed is based on a points system with the awardable levels of achievement: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The points divided among three main categories: Energy, Water and Habitat, and additionally, two general prerequisites are added for the top management commitment towards sustainability and developing an environmental management plan. The system divides the facilities into new and existing, with each type having different awardable points that take into consideration the differences in applicability between the two types of facilities.

Право Совета Европы в контексте глобальной стратегии устойчивого развития.

INTRODUCTION. The present article is devoted to considering specificity of the Council’s of Europe action on coordinating cooperation between member states in the area of research and developments as well as international technology transfer with the aim of transition towards sustainable development. In this connection, author addresses some issues concerning how this international organization promotes “green” track of modern scientific and technological progress not only in Europe, but also around the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In the course of preparation of this study, writings of foreign and Russian researches in the field of international law and law of international organizations was being used. At that, author have used materials and documents of Council of Europe, analyzed conventions of this organization, as well as sources of its “soft” law, namely resolutions and recommendations of the PACE, Committee of ministers and Congress of local and regional authorities. RESEARCH RESULTS. On the basis of conducted research author comes to the conclusion that balance – advocated by Council of Europe – between human rights and scientific progress is a significant aspect of sustainable development that should act as background of process of international scientific and technological cooperation and transfer of “green” technologies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The author comes to conclusion that the law of Council of Europe embraces multitude of international legal obligations conducive to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals including SDG No. 17 considering knowledge and technologies as tools for transition to sustainable development. At the same time, success in realization of given obligations depends on readiness of member states to follow related provisions of “hard” and “soft” law of this organization that is a part of international sustainable development law.

A systematic review of hepatitis B virus (HBV) drug and vaccine escape mutations in Africa: A call for urgent action.

International sustainable development goals for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030 highlight the pressing need to optimize strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Selected or transmitted resistance associated mutations (RAMs) and vaccine escape mutations (VEMs) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) may reduce the success of existing treatment and prevention strategies. These issues are particularly pertinent for many settings in Africa where there is high HBV prevalence and co-endemic HIV infection, but lack of robust epidemiological data and limited education, diagnostics and clinical care. The prevalence, distribution and impact of RAMs and VEMs in these populations are neglected in the current literature. We therefore set out to assimilate data for sub-Saharan Africa through a systematic literature review and analysis of published sequence data, and present these in an on-line database (https://livedataoxford.shinyapps.io/1510659619-3Xkoe2NKkKJ7Drg/). The majority of the data were from HIV/HBV coinfected cohorts. The commonest RAM was rtM204I/V, either alone or in combination with associated mutations, and identified in both reportedly treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced adults. We also identified the suite of mutations rtM204V/I + rtL180M + rtV173L, that has been associated with vaccine escape, in over 1/3 of cohorts. Although tenofovir has a high genetic barrier to resistance, it is of concern that emerging data suggest polymorphisms that may be associated with resistance, although the precise clinical impact of these is unknown. Overall, there is an urgent need for improved diagnostic screening, enhanced laboratory assessment of HBV before and during therapy, and sustained roll out of tenofovir in preference to lamivudine alone. Further data are needed in order to inform population and individual approaches to HBV diagnosis, monitoring and therapy in these highly vulnerable settings.

Ecotourism planning in a wetland of international importance and sustainable territorial development

Ecotourism planning in a wetland of international importance and sustainable territorial development

A north for Brazilian integration in the international sustainable development

A north for Brazilian integration in the international sustainable development

The Global Tobacco Epidemic, the Plain Packaging of Tobacco Products, and the World Trade Organization

In response to complaints by Ukraine, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Indonesia, the government of Australia has defended the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products in the World Trade Organization. This article focuses upon the legal defence of Australia before the WTO Panel. A key part of its defence has been the strong empirical evidence for the efficacy of plain packaging of tobacco products as a legitimate health measure designed to combat the global tobacco epidemic. Australia has provided a convincing case that plain packaging of tobacco products is compatible with the TRIPS Agreement 1994, particularly the clauses relating to the aims and objectives of the agreement; the requirements in respect of trade mark law; and the parallel measures in relation to access to essential medicines. Australia has also defended the consistency of plain packaging of tobacco products with the TBT Agreement 1994. Moreover, Australia has provided clear reasons for why the plain packaging of tobacco products is compatible with GATT. The position of Australia has been reinforced by a number of third parties — such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Canada, and others — which have also been pioneers in tobacco control and public health. Australia’s leadership in respect of tobacco control and plain packaging of tobacco products is further supported by larger considerations in respect of international public health law, human rights, and sustainable development.

Localization of SDGs through Disaggregation of KPIs

The United Nation’s Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pick up where the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) left off. The SDGs set forth a formidable task for the global community and international sustainable development over the next 15 years. Learning from the successes and failures of the MDGs, government officials, development experts, and many other groups understood that localization is necessary to accomplish the SDGs but how and what to localize remain as questions to be answered. The UN Inter-Agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goals (UN IAEG-SDGs) sought to answer these questions through development of metadata behind the 17 goals, 169 associated targets and corresponding indicators of the SDGs. Data management is key to understanding how and what to localize, but, to do it properly, the data and metadata needs to be properly disaggregated. This paper reviews the utilization of disaggregation analysis for localization and demonstrates the process of identifying opportunities for subnational interventions to achieve multiple targets and indicators through the formation of new integrated key performance indicators. A case study on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation is used to elucidate these points. The examples presented here are only illustrative—future research and the development of an analytical framework for localization and disaggregation of the SDGs would be a valuable tool for national and local governments, implementing partners and other interested parties.

Massimo LiviBacciOur Shrinking Planet Translated by David Broder Polity Press, 2017. 160p. $64.93; $19.93 (pbk.).

This volume revisits a longstanding debate about the effects of the rapidly growing human population on the planet. Livi Bacci's central concern is the adverse impact of the expected addition of nearly 4 billion people by the end of this century. Moreover, he is alarmed by the low priority policymakers assign to demographic trends as population has fallen off the global development agenda in recent decades. The discussion of these issues generally takes a sensible middle road between the pessimists and optimists who have often dominated the public debate in the past. Successive chapters describe key demographic trends that threaten sustainable development: uncontrolled population growth in sub-Saharan Africa, very low fertility in Europe and much of East Asia, and a lack of international governance of migration. In discussing these topics the author provides concise and thoughtful commentary on long-range trends, often bringing in a historical perspective. The text is supplemented with informative figures and tables to document key issues. The concluding chapter examines policy options and comments on the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. The latter are seen as impractical: “It is truly doubtful that such a wide array of objectives, lacking any prioritization and ranging from the irrelevant to the evanescent, can…mobilise awareness, resources, and actions” (p. 113). The SDGs make brief reference to the need to ensure universal access to reproductive and sexual health services, but this is considered totally inadequate and a reflection of the low priority the international sustainable development community now assigns to demography. The discussion of these vital issues is well informed, as one would expect from one of the leading experts in population studies with a thorough understanding of all corners of the field. One topic on which more discussion would have been desirable is policy options for reducing rapid population growth. The term “family planning program” does not appear until the end of the last chapter and then receives only the briefest mention. Given the volume's concern about population growth, one would have expected more discussion of past successes of these programs in Asia and in a few African countries and of the obstacles (political, religious, etc.) that still prevent more attention to these interventions at the international and national levels.

ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL RISKS OF SUSTAINABLE SEA DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE

The research objective is to define institutional risks in the process of formation of the institutional environment of the maritime economy sphere within the context of the implementation of international sustainable development policy into Ukrainian economy. The article considers the risks and threats of the emergence of institutional risks and “traps” in the economy, their influence on maintaining sustainable development of the maritime economic sphere in Ukraine. The article analyses peculiarities and causes of the crisis situations of 2013– 2017 in the Ukrainian maritime economy, discovers the existing structural imbalance of institutional environment and offers a set of measures for the integration of national objects of the maritime economy into European maritime clusters. Methodology. The research defines the essence and interrelation of institutional risks and institutional “traps” in the modern institutional theory. It was established that institutional “traps” in the maritime economy emerge due to management misjudgements in relation to new regulations suggested by policymakers and inefficient institutions without taking into account the existing economic and environmental risks for economic activities at the microeconomic level. That is to say when the state ignores the main institutional threats: resilience of shadow arrangements; a procedural overload of the management system; immaturity of the regulatory-legislative sphere, resource-intensiveness of organisations and their interrelations. Practical implications. The conducted research on the existing institutional risks (traps) of the Ukrainian maritime economy allowed discovering the level of structural deformations of the institutional environment in accordance with sustainable development methodology, to offer an action plan for improving the institutional environment that would allow removing the existing social, economic and environmental risks. Value/originality. The article demonstrates that though institutional risks are of common nature for various countries and scopes of activity, they do not work in the same way and have different symptoms of emergence in each separate sphere, in particular, in maritime economy. Thus, the recommendations for their prevention and overcoming substantially differ from each other. The research offers a set of priority tasks for overcoming the crisis phenomena in the sphere of the maritime economy of the Ukrainian Black-Sea region related to the transition of Ukrainian business structures to sustainable development. The authors have determined that institutional risks that influence various segments of economic activities are complex in nature. In this context, determination of interrelations between institutional risks and other types of risks, in particular, economic and environmental ones, becomes especially important.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals—Explaining the Legal Implementation Gap

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a system for classifying and labelling chemicals according to their intrinsic hazardous properties. The GHS is one of the cornerstones of sound chemicals management, an issue consistently on the international sustainable development agenda since 1992. In 2002, it was agreed under the United Nations that all countries should be encouraged to implement the GHS by 2008. However, to date, it is unclear where, how, and to what extent the GHS has been implemented and what factors best explain any differences in implementation coverage. The aim of this paper is to provide a global overview of current GHS implementation status in national legislation using primary and secondary data, and explain differences between countries based on theory on motivational and capacity-related factors for implementation of international standards. We conclude that there seems to be broad support from countries for enhanced international collaboration in the field of sound chemicals management. However, several drivers and barriers for national GHS implementation co-exist, and there is a clear positive correlation between the financial and regulatory capacities of a country and its GHS implementation status. At the same time, our data suggest that it is possible to increase the global implementation coverage by using a combination of motivational and capacity related strategies.