United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Research Articles

Analysis of the global marine biodiversity security assessment

PurposeThe study aims to assess marine biodiversity security, which is closely linked to a healthy planet and societal well-being. It defines marine biodiversity security, identifies threats such as climate change, marine debris and invasive species and explores mechanisms impacting this security to aid in achieving Aichi Targets and enhancing ecological sustainability.Design/methodology/approachUsing spatial statistical methods, the research analyzes the temporal and spatial distribution of marine biodiversity. It provides a comprehensive multi-layered perspective on the current state of global marine biodiversity, facilitating the identification of threats and the understanding of their mechanisms.FindingsThe findings indicate significant threats to marine biodiversity, with an emphasis on climate change, marine debris and invasive species. The report reveals the spatial distribution of endangered species and underscores the need for urgent actions to address these threats and improve marine biodiversity security globally.Originality/valueThis report serves as a critical reference for promoting healthy, productive marine biodiversity that supports societal welfare. It underscores the importance of establishing a protective framework for marine biodiversity, contributing to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14.

From classrooms to global impact

In today's fast-changing environment, the need for quality education is more crucial than ever. Therefore, this article examines how quality education can transform society and contribute to a sustainable, interconnected world. It highlights the essential role of quality education in navigating global complexities, asserting that it can drive sustainable development and promote responsible global citizenship. The study redefined the scope of quality education by advocating for a holistic approach that goes beyond academic excellence, emphasizing the development of essential 21st-century competencies, critical thinking, and creativity. The article aligned educational practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. It discussed how quality education nurtured intercultural understanding, empathy, and civic engagement, thereby cultivating a sense of global responsibility among students. Furthermore, the article identified quality education as a catalyst for sustainable development, preparing learners for the green economy and equipping them with future-ready skills to address complex global challenges through interdisciplinary problem-solving. The implementation of transformative quality education was examined, focusing on policy frameworks, inclusive curricula, and empowering educators as agents of change. The article concluded with a call to action, showcasing successful models and inspiring case studies, while mobilizing stakeholders to prioritize quality education as a means to empower global citizens and shape a better future.

Enhancing Building Information Modeling Effectiveness Through Coopetition and the Industrial Internet of Things

The construction industry plays a crucial role in the global economy but faces significant challenges, including inefficiencies, high costs, and environmental impacts. Although Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been widely adopted as a solution to these issues, its practical impact remains limited. This study investigates how manufacturers can enhance their contributions to improve BIM’s effectiveness, proposing that coopetition practices—combining competition and cooperation—can positively influence these contributions, thereby enhancing the benefits of BIM. To explore this hypothesis, an Experimental Coopetition Network was implemented in the Portuguese ornamental stone (POS) sector, utilizing Industrial IoT technology to facilitate collaboration among selected companies. The study assessed the impact of coopetition practices on key performance indicators related to BIM, including on-time delivery, labor productivity, and CO2 emissions. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in scheduling, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability, validating the hypothesis that coopetition practices can enhance manufacturers’ contributions to BIM. These results suggest that coopetition practices contribute to better project outcomes, increased competitiveness, and sustainability within the construction industry. Despite the promising results, the study acknowledges limitations such as the scope of the sample size and observation periods, indicating areas for future research. This research contributes to the theoretical framework of coopetition, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and provides valuable insights for industry practitioners and policymakers seeking to implement more sustainable construction practices.

Advancing Global Pharmacoequity in Oncology.

Limited availability and affordability of cancer drugs contribute to staggering disparities in cancer survival between high-income and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As infrastructure for cancer care rapidly develops, there is an urgent need to reduce prices and improve access to cancer medicines in LMICs to advance pharmacoequity globally. Prior strategies to expand access to cancer medicines in LMICs have primarily relied on charity or differential pricing and have yielded limited results. Policymakers at the World Health Assembly recently proposed several strategies to increase global access to cancer drugs. Reviewing empirical data and lessons learned from medication access programs for HIV, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases, 3 strategies that multilateral organizations can use to reduce prices of cancer drugs in LMICs are discussed herein. These include (1) building regional technology transfer and manufacturing hubs, (2) expanding and streamlining use of compulsory licenses, and (3) implementing global standards for drug price transparency. Counterpoints to the critiques of these policies are critiqued and how programs can use these strategies to build on existing disease-centered initiatives is discussed. Lessons learned from the global response to HIV and COVID-19 show that international collaboration and support from the World Health and Trade Organizations can ensure a unified, coordinated agenda for advancing access to care in LMICs. Building on these lessons and implementing similar approaches for cancer drugs can play a critical role in expanding accessibility and affordability of cancer medicines in LMICs. With a growing burden of cancer morbidity and mortality in LMICs, redoubled efforts to deliver essential cancer medications to LMICs would have an immense impact on global cancer control and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

A text analytics study on the alignment of an Indonesian Muslim community’s municipal corporation policy with Sustainable Development Goals

PurposeThis study analyses the supervision policy of Municipal Corporations (MCs) in the Indonesian Muslim community regarding its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachAs a single case study, purposive sampling was adopted to select a municipal corporation policy issued by Ciamis Regency, West Java, Indonesia. A novel mixed methods approach, combining computer analytics and human intelligence, was introduced to perform text analytics.FindingsText mining identified the most frequently occurring words — e.g., ‘perumda’ (municipal corporation), ‘daerah’ (regional), ‘pengawas’ (supervisor), ‘peraturan’ (regulation) — from the sample but found no single word indicating business alignment with SDGs. Further qualitative inductive analysis was conducted, revealing the critical role of MCs’ supervisory boards in business planning, execution, and reporting to align the MC businesses with local SDG initiatives.Originality/valueAligning MC business activities with local SDG actions is entirely within the authority of supervisory boards which demands transformational leadership. This research pioneered an innovative blend of computer-assisted techniques and human reasoning to investigate the supervision policies of MCs concerning local SDG actions, with evidence from a Muslim community in Indonesia.

How Does Mangrove Restoration or Reforestation Change Trace Metal Pollution in Mangrove Ecosystems? A Review of Current Knowledge

In recent years, mangrove restoration has gained significant attention due to its carbon storage capacity, role as a pollution sink, and ecological and economic benefits. Moreover, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ strategies include mangrove restoration. This review investigates the status of mangrove restoration research and the influence of restoration on trace metal accumulation, speciation, and associated risks in mangrove sediments. Our analysis reveals that research on mangrove restoration is increasing globally, with a notable surge in publications after 2017. However, fewer than 25 articles published between 2007 and 2024 address trace metals in restored mangroves, indicating limited focus from researchers on this topic. Research shows that mangrove restoration can quickly alter sediment properties, such as texture, salinity, and pH. As a result, restored sediments tend to accumulate higher organic carbon content than barren areas. Most studies also suggest that trace metal accumulation is higher in restored sites than in non-restored areas. However, metal speciation varies considerably between sites due to local environmental factors. Furthermore, many studies suggest that restoration may increase the risks posed by trace metals to aquatic biota. The challenges of mangrove restoration research include short study timeframes, low success rates, poorly defined targets, small-scale efforts, conflicts with local communities over resources and benefits, insufficient government funding, and a lack of historical data on community health and pollution status.

Exploring the Realization Level and the Obstacles Affecting Different Types of Ecological Product Value—A Typical Case from Zhejiang, China

The realization of ecological product value (EPV) is a crucial pathway for green economic development and the practical implementation of both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and China’s “Two Mountains Theory”, which emphasizes the need for harmony between ecological protection and economic growth. While China has initiated several pilot projects, there remains no consensus on the classification of ecological products or the measurement of EPV realization levels, largely due to limitations in the existing accounting systems, which fail to address EPV’s complexity. This study introduces a novel framework for measuring EPV realization, categorizing ecological products into pure public, quasi-public, and operational types. It demonstrates the economic value of ecological conservation, providing viable economic incentives for green development. This framework allows governments and businesses to see that protecting and sustainably utilizing natural resources can also yield economic benefits, thus offering a new feasible pathway for green development. Using Zhejiang Province as a case study, the authors present an improved coupling coordination model and a mechanical equilibrium model to assess EPV levels, emphasizing the importance of tailored regional strategies. Additionally, an obstacle degree model is employed to identify and analyze the factors limiting EPV realization. The results show that (1) different types of ecological products follow distinct value realization paths within the “economic–ecological–social” system; (2) EPV realization varies significantly across regions, with a trend of being lower in the southwest and higher in the northeast; (3) obstacles to value realization differ across subsystems, with particular attention needed to improve quasi-public ecological products in the ecological and social domains; (4) factors such as pesticide use and the number of tourist attractions affect EPV realization at the provincial and municipal levels, respectively. This study presents a new EPV measurement framework and highlights the spatial–temporal variability of EPV realization across regions. It provides valuable insights for developing countries and ecologically vulnerable areas seeking to optimize their EPV realization, supporting sustainable development and advancing “Two Mountains Theory” transformation.

Leveraging TikTok and Technology-Enhanced Peer Assessment

Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) is a crucial element of contemporary higher education. This Pecha Kucha explores innovative TEL strategies to enhance student engagement and self-directed learning. This abstract outlines a technologically innovative education design in an Australian university’s commerce course. Within this course, students created TikTok videos to promote awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The selection of TikTok as the social media tool of choice was informed by its demographic alignment, with 36.7% of its users aged 18 to 24 (Statista Search Department, 2024). The efficacy of short-form video content in fostering engagement, particularly among higher education students, is well-documented (Wong, 2023; Perez et al., 2023). Moreover, Khechine et al.’s (2020) research shows that the adoption of social media tools in education promotes the value of enjoyment and interest in performing an activity, thereby fostering intrinsic motivation - a critical determinant of effective learning (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Students also engaged in peer assessment of their TikTok videos, which centred on the creation of TikTok content tailored for first-year students. Given that the assessors themselves belonged to the first-year cohort, they were deemed to possess an inherent understanding of the target audience. Thus, they were best positioned to evaluate whether TikTok videos communicate the information clearly and stimulate audience’s interest and engagement. Peer assessment is reflexive and allows students to apply learning by assessing in the current context (Bloxham & West, 2004). Li et al. (2020) suggest peer review of assessment leads to significantly improved assessment performance. It also promotes ownership and accountability, encouraging self-directed learning (Ryan & Deci, 2020). Qualtrics, a technology platform, was employed to collect and collate evaluation scores to facilitate the peer assessment process. The peer assessment used Qualtrics with rubric sliders, thereby emulating the evaluative framework typically employed by instructors. This approach adhered to best practices in TEL (Chernikova et al., 2020). Qualtrics also provides additional advantages, including streamlining score collection from large student groups and efficiently generate descriptive statistics to examine whether students give higher scores to their own groups compared to others, and whether there's more variability in scores for their own group versus peer groups (Bloxham & West, 2020). Promoting UN SDGs using TikTok successfully supported TEL and enhanced self-directed learning. The course engagement score has increased by 9 basis points from the previous teaching period. Some examples of student feedback included: “Rehearsing for the video and interviewing students was fun and insightful.” “I was genuinely curious about the university’s sustainability approaches.” “TikTok makes learning about real-life UN SDG efforts approachable.” “Watching other students' TikTok videos was interesting.” Feedback from the teaching team also suggests the quality of the videos were well-reflected in the peer assessment scores. This Pecha Kucha presents an innovative education design that leverages TikTok and peer assessment to boost engagement. It provides a valuable model for academics seeking to integrate TEL strategies within their disciplines, like performing arts and medicine (Nicolaou et al., 2019; Cheston et al., 2013).

Leveraging digital infrastructure for sustainable grain production: evidence from China

IntroductionAgriculture faces significant challenges in ensuring global food security while minimizing resource costs and environmental impacts. The development of digital infrastructure offers transformative potential for agricultural systems and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study examines the role of digital infrastructure in enhancing grain production capacity in China, a key player in the global food system.MethodsWe analyzed data from 277 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2021. A double machine learning model was employed to empirically assess the impact of digital infrastructure on grain production capacity, allowing for robust insights into causal relationships.ResultsResults reveal that digital infrastructure significantly enhances grain production. Mechanism analysis results indicate that digital infrastructure construction drives agricultural technological advancements and farmland scale, contributing to increased production capacity. Heterogeneity analysis results show that the impact of digital infrastructure construction is significant in major grain-producing regions and the central-eastern regions, while its effects are relatively limited in grain production-consumption balanced regions, main grain consumption regions, and the western regions.DiscussionThe results underscore the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure in rural areas to improve grain production capacity. Tailored policy implications are suggested to enhance sustainable food production and contribute to global food security, particularly in regions with varying agricultural dynamics.

Designing Immersive Reality Environments in Healthcare Education

This paper presents a proposed research framework aimed at addressing the critical need for innovative approaches in healthcare education by exploring the implementation of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies across Australasia. Utilizing an Educational Design Research (EDR) methodology, the proposed study seeks to develop a comprehensive, context-sensitive framework for the effective integration of AR and VR in healthcare curricula. The study navigates the unique challenges posed by Australasia's diverse cultural landscape, varying resource availability, and distinct institutional policies. Through iterative cycles of analysis, design, development, and evaluation, the proposed research intends to create and assess contextualized AR/VR experiences, their impact on student learning outcomes, and their potential to enhance healthcare education quality. The resulting framework and guidelines are intended to serve as a robust foundation for healthcare institutions across Australasia, potentially revolutionising healthcare professional training and ultimately contributing to improved patient care and public health outcomes. This proposed research not only addresses a significant gap in the current literature but also provides practical, evidence-based solutions for the successful adoption of cutting-edge technologies in healthcare education. Finally, the proposed framework generalisability to a global context focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of quality education and good health for all.

Inclusive Opportunities: Vocational Training and Employment for Women with Disabilities in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province

In Vietnam, the number of persons with disabilities constitutes a significant proportion of the total population. The unemployment rate among women with disabilities is particularly high. Access to employment for women with disabilities is a social problem that needs to be addressed due to its long-term effects on individuals, their families, and their communities. This paper describes the characteristics of women with disabilities in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province before examining vocational training programs designed for individuals with disabilities and explores the pathways through which women with disabilities in this locality can access employment. In addition to secondary sources, this study collected primary data in 2022 through 33 semi-structured in-depth interviews with women with disabilities, representatives of local government from Ward 5, Ward 6, Dao Thanh and My Phong, a representative of the Women’s Union, and a representative of Department of Labor, Invalid, and Social Affairs from within the city. Based on the research results, the paper offers several recommendations to enhance employment opportunities for this group, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Coastal Ecological Carrying Capacity in the Context of Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Shandong Province

The research on coastal ecological carrying capacity holds great significance for the sustainable development of coastal areas and is a focal point of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study coupled multi-source data and ecological analysis models to construct a multi-level evaluation system and analysis method for the coastal ecological carrying capacity of Shandong Province so as to realize the dynamic monitoring and evaluation of the coastal ecological carrying capacity of Shandong Province from 2010 to 2020. The results indicated: (1) The ecological carrying capacity of the coastal zone in Shandong Province showed a “U”-shaped development trend, with 2016 being a turning point. (2) The economic development–social support system gradually became the main force driving the overall improvement of coastal ecological carrying capacity. (3) The system coupling coordination degree of ecological carrying capacity in the coastal areas of Shandong Province showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing, with a high level of internal coupling coordination of carrying capacity. (4) Per capita GDP, environmental protection investment, per capita water resources, and other indicators were the main factors driving the changes in the ecological carrying capacity of the coastal zone. This study aims to provide methodological reference and data support for coastal ecosystem monitoring, assessment, and climate change response.

Community beliefs and practices about diabetes and their implications for the prevention and management of diabetes in Southeast Ghana

BackgroundDiabetes is a major public health issue, and over half a billion people are estimated to be living with diabetes, with 6.7 million deaths reported in 2021. The global diabetes burden has been recognised and included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a zero increase in diabetes cases and reduce one-third of premature diabetes deaths by 2030. However, local beliefs about the causes of diabetes have affected its prevention and management. This study examined community beliefs and practices about diabetes and how they affect the prevention and management of diabetes in the community.MethodsThis study was carried out in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana. We conducted 33 in-depth interviews with 18 patients with diabetes, 5 carers (caretakers of patients with diabetes), 3 traditional healers, 2 religious leaders, 3 community elders, and 2 assembly members who were purposefully selected from urban and rural areas across the municipality. The interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data using QRS NVivo 20.ResultsDiabetes was described locally as sukli dɔ (sugar disease), which affects humans. Diabetes is believed to be caused by spiritual forces (juju, bewitchment, and punishment from gods) and physical factors (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, eating fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides and insecticides, sugary and starchy foods, smoking, and abuse of alcohol). In terms of the management of diabetes, participants said traditional remedies are performed for spiritual interpretation, deliverance, fortification, and cleansing before biomedical and physical remedies are sought. Diabetes was likened to HIV/AIDS, and the sufferers were described as bringing the condition upon themselves as a result of their bad deeds. They were stigmatised, coupled with delays at the hospital, and poverty has also affected the prevention and management of diabetes.ConclusionThe local belief that diabetes is caused by spiritual forces, likened to HIV/AIDS, delays at hospitals, and poverty, has affected the prevention and management of diabetes. Incorporating local beliefs and practices into the intervention design using culturally sensitive health education programmes and improving social determinants of health may help improve the prevention and management of diabetes in communities.

Developing a Cloud and IoT-Integrated Remote Laboratory to Enhance Education 4.0: An Approach for FPGA-Based Motor Control

Remote laboratories are essential in addressing access and quality challenges in technical education. They enable students from various locations to engage with real equipment, overcome geographic and economic constraints, and provide solutions during crises, such as pandemics, when in-person learning is limited. As a key element of Education 4.0, remote labs promote technical skill development, enhance engineering education, and support diverse learning approaches. This study presents a remote laboratory based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), developed using a waterfall methodology integrating IoT and Cloud Computing technologies to facilitate close interaction between hardware and software. The lab focuses on controlling DC, servo, and stepper motors, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts such as digital signals, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and data representation in bits in a practical setting. The testing phase involved 50 robotics and mechatronics engineering students who participated in hands-on sessions for one month, followed by a structured survey evaluating their experience, interaction, and the educational relevance of the platform. The survey shows high student satisfaction, highlighting the platform’s strengths and identifying areas for improvement. The results also underscore the system’s potential to significantly enhance the educational experience in remote environments, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Where there is a thriving, there is a green way: cultivating employee green creativity through green HRM and creative leadership

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate the mechanisms through which green HRM practices foster green creativity among employees. Specifically, it tests a conceptual model linking green HRM practices to green creativity, with employee thriving at work as a mediator and creative leadership as a moderator strengthening the links.Design/methodology/approachThe study collected survey data from 319 employees working in the financial, internet and IT sectors in the developed coastal regions of China. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested using this sample focused on sustainability-oriented sectors based in regions with imperative ecological needs and priorities.FindingsThe findings indicate that thriving at work (characterized by vitality and learning) mediates between green HRM practices and green creativity. In addition, creative leadership was found to moderate the impact of green HRM on both thriving and green creativity, including the indirect effects through thriving.Originality/valueThe study breaks new ground by being the first to examine the mediation of thriving at work and the moderation of creative leadership in connecting green HRM to green creativity. It develops and tests an integrated theoretical framework that combines insights from self-determination theory and creative leadership theory, situates the research in the timely and relevant context of China’s developed coastal areas and key industries and offers new insights and practical implications for fostering green creativity and aligning organizational strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Crack Development and Electrical Degradation in Chromium Thin Films Under Tensile Stress on PET Substrates

The mechanical and electrical deterioration of chromium (Cr) thin films sputtered onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates under tensile strain was studied. Understanding mechanical and electrical stability due to imposed strain is particularly important for device reliability, as the demand for flexible electronic devices increases. Cr thin films, widely spread across the field of electronic and sensor applications, face crack propagation with electrical degradation with tensile stress that can seriously compromise the performance. Accordingly, this study offers new findings on how Cr film thickness might influence crack formation and electrical resistance differently and also the general guidelines for flexible electronic component design with respect to long-term durability. Electrical resistances were measured while mechanically stretching 100- and 200 nm thin sheets. The study focused on crack development and propagation mechanisms in both film thicknesses and their effects on percentage change in electrical resistance (PCER). Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize surface morphology and observe cracks as the strain rose. Early crack formation in 100 nm Cr films led to rapid PCER increases due to quick crack propagation and fast electrical degradation. Thicker 200 nm films, however, showed a more gradual PCER rise with fewer but deeper cracks, indicating a regulated strain response. Unlike the sharp PCER spike in 100 nm films, 200 nm samples were more variable, with three out of four showing a slight PCER decrease at the end, hinting at partial crack repair or conductive realignment before full failure. These results underscore the role of layer thickness in managing crack propagation and electrical stability, relevant for flexible electronics and strain sensors. This paper is aligned with the ninth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Target 9.5: Enhance Research and Upgrade Industrial Technologies.

Ten Simple Rules for Incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Environmental and Natural Science Courses

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combat poverty, inequality, and climate change. Recently, integrating these goals into higher education curricula has emerged as essential for fostering positive environmental and civic engagement. Challenges persist, particularly the prioritization of social and economic concerns over eco-centered principles and ecopedagogy. Education must emphasize the politics of environmental issues, advocating sustainable practices that benefit both humans and nonhuman species. This article proposes ten simple rules for incorporating the SDGs into undergraduate courses in ecology, evolution, and environmental science. We conducted a literature review, analyzing 940 publications from 2014 to 2024 using ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar. We focused on fields like Green Sustainable Science and Technology and Environmental Education to identify the best practices for integrating SDGs. Our findings link pedagogical successes to the SDGs, facilitating effective educational strategies. For practical sustainability education, students must grasp the interplay between the environment and societal elements such as diversity, justice, and resilience. Connecting course topics to the SDGs offers a powerful framework for teaching undergraduates about complex environmental challenges. Our research highlights a novel approach to embedding SDGs in environmental education, promoting critical thinking and literacy across various settings.

Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Through Digital Health Research: 25 Years of Contributions From the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Through Digital Health Research: 25 Years of Contributions From the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

Corporate sustainability commitment in the Middle East and North Africa region: Impact on innovation and firm performance

AbstractThis study examines the effects of corporate sustainability factors (CSFs)—specifically gender diversity, energy practices, and environmental practices—on innovation and their subsequent impact on firm performance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By integrating Absorptive Capacity Theory, we explore how these CSFs drive innovation, contributing to broader sustainable development goals. We analyze the impact of innovation on firm performance using the resource‐based view (RBV). Utilizing secondary data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES), we employ a two‐stage instrumental variable regression (IV‐2SLS) to address endogeneity and establish causal relationships. Our findings reveal that stakeholder engagement through gender diversity, energy practices, and environmental practices significantly enhances innovation, which, in turn, drives firm performance. Diverse leadership fosters creativity and innovation, while energy‐efficient and environmentally sustainable practices reduce costs, improve brand reputation, and align with sustainable development goals. These insights underscore essential policy implications for promoting environmental policy, clean production, and sustainable innovation ecosystems. Encouraging MENA firms to engage stakeholders and adopt sustainable practices can drive economic prosperity and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into the Career Curricula

The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for addressing global challenges, linking environmental sustainability to individual and social well-being and social justice. This article explores how embedding the SDGs into career development can enhance career exploration and contribute to a sustainable future. Drawing on experiences from teaching a senior career capstone course, it highlights strategies for integrating the SDGs into career interventions. Key components include developing personal mission statements, researching organizations, analyzing future work trends, and conducting informational interviews. The article also presents evidence of the course's impact on students' thinking and provides practical advice for implementation.