Water, food and energy are three interconnected fundamental needs. Climate change potentially hinders the security of all of them, acting as a threat multiplier. Accordingly, this paper addresses the consequences of two climate scenarios in the 2030 horizon: specifically, it addresses the highest and lowest representative concentration pathway (RCP), 8.5 and 2.6; the relative changes in freshwater availability; and their sectorial and macroeconomic impacts. Furthermore, it addresses the importance of developing the simulations through a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE), which, uncommonly, explicitly considers the water endowment as a factor for both the irrigated agriculture and the energy sector. The results highlight that both the activation of the water–energy link and climate-induced freshwater availability changes have significant impacts on the simulation outcomes, even in the short-term horizon of 2030. Moreover, it reveals that water scarcity issues are expected to arise in the Middle East, leading to significant food security issues, as well as to significant consequences for the behaviour of the energy sector. Indeed, while we would expect that dependency on a scarce resource would lead to security issues, the Middle East energy sector appears to not straightforwardly behave as a resource attractor, likely due to its economic relevance both within the region and internationally. Full article

West Java is known as an area with high fertility rates in Indonesia; this high fertility is due to various factors, including the area’s geological nature, which causes the soil to be rich in nutrients for various types of plants. Because of these conditions, West Java has historically been an agricultural area and has become a food granary. Some regions in West Java are critical buffer zones for big cities such as Jakarta. As a farming area, the people of West Java have an agricultural tradition with a pattern such as a permaculture, which is known by the local community as “talun-kebun”. The “talun-kebun” is a form of shifting between cultivation and wet rice production regarding location, management, and production. Along with the massive conversion of agricultural land, the rural tradition of “talun-kebun” was later replaced by an intensive agricultural pattern using pesticides. Land conversion also caused abandoned land and abandoned agricultural areas, which have become critical land. Regarding critical land, several studies reveal that around 30% of greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change come from land conversion and deforestation. Therefore, critical land rehabilitation is one form of effort that can be achieved in overcoming climate change. Departing from the problematic situation, this paper discusses the policies that the Government of Indonesia and the Government of West Java Province can undertake in reviving and utilizing the tradition of “talun-kebun” as a model of local permaculture to help increase food production in a sustainable manner, thus rehabilitating critical land. Using a qualitative approach through literature studies, this paper makes some policy recommendations to revive the tradition of “talun-kebun” in the West Java region. Full article

This study examined households’ poverty status and willingness to pay for renewable energy technologies (RETs) in Southwestern Nigeria. Three hundred and four households in Southwestern Nigeria were surveyed. Households were grouped into poor and non-poor using two-thirds of the mean per capita expenditure (MPCE), and poverty depth and severity were calculated using the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) poverty measure. The poverty line (two-thirds of the MPCE) for the households was calculated to be ₦80,412.57 and the poverty depth 0.0827. The results of Heckman’s two-stage model revealed that age, marital status, level of education, household size, house location, income and awareness about RETs are factors influencing surveyed households’ WTP and payout levels for RETs. Full article

The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) has identified a methodology with the potential to enhance resource allocation within the framework of climate technology investment. The methodology was conceptualized and tested as part of implementing the HRADF’s ESG rating tool in the ports included in the HRADF’s portfolio. The methodology aims to assess the readiness of ports to adopt climate technologies that are essential to support action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and consequently mitigate the environmental and social impacts on coastal locations and neighbouring communities. It entails the addition of “Climate Technology” key performance indicators (CT-KPIs) to the underlying questionnaire of the HRADF ESG rating tool. After ports had shared their answers in response to the expanded ESG rating tool, the sustainability team at HRADF performed a thematic analysis. The resulting analysis sheds light on the different forces shaping the organisational readiness of ports. Some of these forces are inherent to the port’s management (e.g., organisational structure), while others are shaped by the evolving landscape associated with disclosure standards. A standardised set of CT-KPIs may benefit port authorities, since they demonstrate compliance and commitment to continuous improvement through scientific evidence and quantifiable organisational measures. Their climate technology readiness can be tracked, and appropriate measures can be defined and therefore help port administrators to unlock additional funding sources and attract international financial institutions’ support. In addition, investors increasingly recognize that climate risk is an investment risk and ask for more detailed climate-related disclosure. One of the main contributions of this methodology is that it can allow investors, regulators, and other decision-makers to recognise climate related risks and opportunities and prioritise resource allocation, which is paramount for the achievement of climate targets and a successful pandemic recovery strategy. Full article

The Teach4Reach research project explores how teacher education programmes can be leveraged to support the Sustainable Development Goals by raising awareness about the SDGs in teachers and teacher educators, and crafting future-focused research agendas on quality education, gender equality, reducing inequality and good health and wellbeing. It seeks to build international collaborative networks in teacher education to support the SDGs, and to support scientific knowledge development on the SDGs in education. As a data-generative strategy, the project utilises a series of online webinars that are coupled with research colloquia and vignette research. This paper shares the experiences of teacher educators from the inaugural Teach4Reach webinar through a vignette research methodology. In doing so, the paper echoes the challenges and opportunities presented in online environments. How do teacher educators experience online environments themselves in the search for quality education? Based on the vignette findings, the paper advocates for a revisitation of the four pillars of education: Learning to know (“the educator understands”), learning to do (“the educator is able to…”), learning to live together (“the educator works with others in ways that…”) and learning to be (“the educator is someone who…”). Full article

The Global Green New Deal (GGND) has had a resurgence through calls for ‘building back better’ from COVID-19 by way of a green recovery. News headlines suggest that the world has, so far, missed this opportunity, yet close analysis of the data reveals a more subtle trend at play. An aggregate analysis of COVID-19 stimulus measures from the perspective of plurilateral summit institutions reveals that both the G7 and the BRICS countries have implemented a proportionally higher volume of clean versus dirty stimulus measures. This indicates that the GGND could indeed be ‘the new norm’ even as it continues its nascent emergence. However, a significant gap remains between the G7 and the BRICS countries in their respective proportions of clean versus dirty stimulus measures. Given the role of the same groupings as respective net carbon importers and net carbon exporters, there remains an ongoing risk of ‘carbon leakage’. In making this connection, this paper underscores the potentially crucial role that carbon border adjustment measures will play as the GGND continues to emerge as a possible ‘new norm’ of global governance. Full article

Animal pollination is economically, socially, and culturally relevant. It is responsible for ensuring the production of biofuels, fibers, medicines, building materials, and mainly for the global production of food. The zoochorous pollination syndrome is widely discussed because of the coevolution between plants and animals; so, the pollinators have bioecological characteristics that allow several plants, mainly angiosperms, to complete their reproductive cycles. Thus, this work aims to discuss and synthesize information on studies related to the importance of pollination for global food production and the guarantee of nutritional security, one of the Objectives of the Sustainable Development goals (OSD). A narrative literary review was carried out to obtain data. Pollinators are needed to achieve several OSD, such as Zero Hunger and Life on Earth. Practical activities should be implemented to increase the survival and establishment of these organisms. The commitment of different sectors of society to pollinators is fundamental, and the lack of pollinators leads to losses in productivity and environmental quality. Full article

Given the emerging challenges of climate change on the food system, alternative solutions that promote food security for the Brazilian population while conserving ecosystems and supporting smallholder farmers are needed. This study sought to explore the potential of one solution: the use of green jackfruit as a culinary alternative to meat. This study investigated consumer perception of jackfruit through an online survey completed by 330 individuals and through interviews with jackfruit entrepreneurs. The research highlighted a knowledge gap in Brazilians’ perception of the food uses of green jackfruit and the need for a change in food culture to expand its use. Full article

Land use is one of the key factors affecting the stream flow of a watershed. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of changing land use and land cover (LULC) on stream flow and water quality by applying the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to the Big Creek Lake watershed located in Mobile County, South Alabama. Digital elevation model (DEM), LULC data, weather data, soil data, observed streamflow, nitrogen, and phosphors data were used as input files to calibrate and validate the SWAT model. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated using the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI-2) algorithm in the SWAT Calibration Uncertainties Program (SWAT-CUP) software. Agricultural land increased by about 11,045 acres and urban area increased by 3350 acres, and forest area decreased by 11,482 acres, between 1991 and 2020. This changing scenario of LULC not only increased the streamflow but also the total nitrogen and phosphorus. The total streamflow was higher, at about 38 m³/s in the LU_2020 scenario, than in the LU_1990 scenario. Increases of about 1,136,919 kg of nitrogen and 324,467 kg of phosphorus were found from 1990 to 2020, and these increases can be explained by an increase in agricultural land of about 11,045 acres. The results obtained in this study are able to provide guidance to water resource management and planning for policymakers and water managers in Mobile County. Full article

Jatropha curcas (physic nut) is a promising crop in tropical countries because its seeds have a high oil content that can be easily transformed into biodiesel. The oil can also serve to obtain other bioproducts. However, several obstacles hinder the extensive application of the crop, for example, the relative low prices of petroleum and oil, the toxicity of the seeds, low crop yields and rusticity of the plant. We propose a model in which several biotechnological strategies are applied to increase the crop value of Jatropha, while maintaining the fertility characteristics of the soil, and reducing its carbon and water footprints. Full article

Despite the importance of infrastructure for climate action and sustainable development, national governments face challenges in accessing financing for the infrastructure they need. To support governments to attract finance to achieve the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we propose a novel approach using the Sustainable Infrastructure Financing Tool (SIFT). Underpinned by a growing global database of 100+ infrastructure funds, SIFT supports governments by providing an evidence-based approach to identifying and prioritizing potential sources of financing for sustainable infrastructure. We demonstrate the potential of SIFT using a national case study for the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia. Full article

The world is being upended by the COVID-19 pandemic which has posed considerable challenges—deaths, fears, unemployment, social distancing, isolation, and lockdowns. Behind the apparent negative impact of an economic downturn, the pandemic has also caused soaring levels of stress and mental health crises, especially in the elderly. Although existing digital health products, services, and platforms are making use of innovative technologies, these alone cannot ensure success, and the scaling up of application of innovative technology for social good requires overcoming numerous bottlenecks. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the integrated needs of stakeholders within the healthcare system and synthesize a holistic approach for sustainable development. Full article

Achieving climate neutrality, as dictated by international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Agenda 2030 and the European Green Deal, requires the conscription of all parts of society. The business world and, in particular, large enterprises have a leading role in this effort. Businesses can contribute to this effort by establishing a reporting and operating framework according to specific Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. The interest of companies in the ESG framework has become more intense in the recent years, as they recognize that apart from an improved reputation, ESG criteria can add value to them and help them to become more effective in their functioning. In particular, large European companies are legally obligated by the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD—Directive 2014/95/EU) to disclose non-financial information on how they deal with social and environmental issues. In the literature, there are discussions on the extent to which a good ESG performance affects a company’s profitability, valuation, capital efficiency and risk. The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically whether a relationship between good ESG performance and the good financial condition of companies can be documented. For a sample of the top 50 European companies in terms of ESG performance (STOXX Europe ESG Leaders 50 Index), covering a wide range of sectors, namely Automobiles, Consumer Products, Energy, Financial Services, Manufacturing, etc., we first reviewed their reportings to see which ESG framework they use to monitor their performance. Next, we examined whether there is a pattern of better financial performance compared to other large European corporations. Our results showed that such a connection seems to exist at least for some specific parameters, while for others, such a claim cannot be supported. Full article

Smallholders are the backbone of livelihoods in the Global South. Yet, many remain water- and energy-insecure. For this challenge, this study presents a toolkit to stimulate the sustained adoption of renewable energy-powered water pumps for smallholder irrigation. A human-centered design method was used to co-create it. It first consisted of a prototype that was tested by experts. Their feedback was crucial to further improving the toolkit, thereby making it a more robust instrument. The design posed limitations worth considering in future research. Additionally, the spread of water pumps implies environmental and economic concerns. To enhance its benefits, the toolkit still requires thorough testing in diverse contexts. Full article

The Science, Research, and Innovation Plan 2023–2027 (SRI Plan) is a national policy that will support researchers to steer Thailand towards a more sustainable path. In contrast to most existing policies, which focus on poverty reduction through economic growth schemes, and national security, Thailand Science, Research, and Innovation (TSRI) aims at balancing the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the SRI Plan. While the TSRI has been incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its policies, it realized that there is the need to cater for diverse lives across Thailand. This research aims to support the TSRI in drafting a more inclusive SRI Plan, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Through the SDGs’ lens, the researchers collaborated with regional investigators to examine the area-specific needs across six regions of Thailand. Given the COVID-19 constraints, the horizon scanning and modified Delphi technique were used to collect data from April 2020 to April 2021. The results obtained from the participants unveiled that, while several issues are shared, each region ranked mostly different issues as their development concerns. The TSRI stands to benefit from these insights by drafting a region-specific national research plan. Regarding the shared concerns, the economic slowdown was ranked as one of the most grievous matters concerning the regions. Interestingly, through the interlinkage approach highlighted by the SDGs, the participants associated this economic problem with other issues unique to their regions, such as multidimensional poverty, loss of tourists due to the global pandemic, and drug-related crimes. Unfortunately, the relevant authorities usually treat these problems as being separate issues. A silos-dominant administrative system, combined with rigid regulations, prevents efficient cooperation. In addition to the economic issues, waste management and water-related problems due to climate change were ranked as significant concerns. Lastly, the participants also viewed injustice and the lack of good governance as drawbacks to sustainable development. From these results, it is evident that TSRI can draft a more inclusive SRI Plan to support research for sustainable development through the SDGs’ lens. Indeed, the Plan would reflect a more balanced view of regional needs than those formulated through the usual technocratic techniques. Full article

Despite efforts to promote universal access to electrification, the Brazilian Amazon basin has around 82,000 families without electricity. The basin is huge, with few roads, many rivers, and conservative areas, which is an enormous challenge in terms of logistics and electrification costs. This paper describes a case study at the Nova Esperança community site in the Cuieiras River, Brazil. The community received stand-alone solar photovoltaic systems in 2018 and 2019. The process started with a survey and finished with an interview with each dweller that received a 975 W and 2-day autonomy photovoltaic system. A monitoring system was developed and deployed, and weather monitoring was performed to evaluate the impact of high temperatures on the equipment. The community does not have cell phone coverage and it is far from the main cities. We claim that the model created and adopted in the case study has interesting outcomes, even considering a small budget. Some houses, after 1 year of deployment, had their electrical demand rise by 300%, and 50% improved their income. We estimate the number of greenhouse gases annually avoided after electrification, replacing the consumed fossil fuel. The project also estimates the expenditure on energy sources that residents used due to the lack of electricity, which they stopped doing after electrification. The avoided expense can cover maintenance costs over the years. The goals of the SDG that were covered by the project are good health and well-being, accessible and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, combating climate change, and partnerships for the goals. Full article

Systems thinking is a mechanism to robustly consider the interconnected world we live in and move away from a ‘siloed’ approach to policy. Similarly, the SDG goals and targets contained in the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development require an integrated approach to diverse human and planetary health challenges. This paper contemplates these efforts and then looks to one of the SDGs considered the least interconnected in SDG analyses: that of ‘life below water’. It examines the Oceans Goal as part of the SDGs and considers in more detail the process of nexus thinking, in particular as it relates to the ocean-climate nexus. This highlights that there are risks in relying on SDG interaction analysis due to skewed results or a failure to accommodate rapid transformation or knowledge gain in certain fields. We suggest that greater recognition of planetary boundary tipping points will enhance the inclusion of oceans in climate considerations, and improve the likelihood of achieving both SDGs 13 and 14. Full article

This research with primary school teachers in the Vhembe district of South Africa investigated the role of Tshivenḓa as an Indigenous language of instruction in developing learners’ capabilities in education. Interviews with 12 teachers found numerous ways in which teachers drew on their learners’ funds of knowledge in Tshivenḓa to connect with their culture, family and community, ensure their emotional well-being and to explain abstract concepts in an inclusive way while enhancing engagement in learning. These findings are significant for addressing Sustainable Development Goal 4 for Quality Education in Vhembe and ensuring Indigenous and minority language children have equitable access to their learning. Full article

The Circular Economy (CE) is an economic system that integrates economics and the environment to offer a model of sustainability and business opportunity. Whilst the CE has the potential to benefit society, there is a lack of the social aspect being integrated into the current framework. Combining the CE with additional concepts, such as the Doughnut Economy (DE) and Permaculture, creates a more holistic, sustainable approach that aligns with the three pillars of sustainable development: social, environmental, and economic. Bringing together the concepts of the CE, the DE, and Permaculture offers a potential framework that acts as a guideline for businesses and future economic policies to be both environmentally sustainable and socially beneficial. Combining these relevant concepts leads to the development of a future CE that has strong ties to the socially focused Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and offers a holistic economic model that is more sustainable for future generations. Full article

Community green gardens in urban areas provide cultural anchors as well as fresh, inexpensive food for many city dwellers. Furthermore, green gardens offer an opportunity to educate young people about health, the environment, sustainable practices and animal lives. Unquestionably, more city and public resources should be allocated for expanding a network of city green gardens, especially in both private and public schools. Full article

This paper explores the possibility of achieving SDG 6.5 by 2030 in the Nile Basin by exploring the hydro-politics between the three main riparian states, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Through a literature review of relevant sources, it is ascertained that, historically, Egypt has maintained a hegemonic control of the Nile through disputed treaties negotiated by Great Britain. However, the state-financed construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has the potential to shift this hegemonic control of the Nile Basin in favour of Ethiopia. While this construction may act as a source of political tension and low-scale conflict in the region, this paper critically examines how the implementation of a sustainable dam filling rate, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), and the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) can foster transboundary water cooperation between the three major players. In line with previous research, we argue that the GERD’s main effect is mostly positive, especially if the three main riparian states are actively cooperating and are considering advice from the scientific community. Full article

Building energy consumption is affected by several factors, including its physical characteristics, indoor/outdoor environment, and appliances. However, the occupant’s behaviour that governs and controls the building’s energy consumption must not be forgotten. In most of the earlier studies, occupant behaviour is modelled as static or fixed occupancy profiles. These profiles are acknowledged as the main source of discrepancy between the predicted and actual building energy performance. Several studies have been performed to identify the occupant’s sustainable energy behaviours related to social, climate, economic, regulations, and personal aspects. However, building indoor configuration such as space-layout planning has various impacts on occupant sustainable energy consumption behaviour as indoor space layout might affect occupant’s movement and presence. Furthermore, it may link to the occupant’s particular activities or actions that happen at a specific position within an indoor space. So, this study used an Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) approach to understanding the influence of indoor layout configuration on occupant energy consumption behaviour in residential households in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The study has shown a considerable amount of building energy savings while using a sustainable space layout configuration. The simulated energy consumption data from the ABM model was further validated using the real data collected from the available smart meters in the case study location. Thus, the study will assist in recognizing the proper space layout arrangements with occupant choice and their behavioural intentions of residential building energy savings for low-income economies. Full article

Concrete contributes 8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The development of a concrete EPD is a critical “missing” piece to having all key infrastructure and building products represented by an EPD in Australia. The publication of the first EPD for ready-mix concrete in Australia has led to exciting new opportunities to improve the way low-carbon concrete is specified in tenders and contracts. With the ability to provide mix-specific third-party verified data, EPDs are leading the way for construction contractors and clients to send a clear signal of intent for embodied carbon reduction in the concrete supply chain. Full article

University–enterprise partnerships foster great opportunities for sustainable development by enabling the translation of research into viable commercial solutions. However, how do we measure the relative “success” of such a partnership? This paper critically considers traditional evaluation methodologies to identify relative merits and shortfalls. Common themes include measuring against predominantly economic criteria and an over-reliance on global metrics at the expense of capturing regional impact. Potential consequences include undervaluation of local impact, disproportionate prioritization of economic impact, and the subsequent sidelining of environmental benefits. A place-based evaluative approach is proposed for future research to alleviate shortfalls. Full article

Mainstream sustainability education in India is at a nascent stage, with a small and gradually growing number of institutes offering it at a graduate level. There is a need for a community of educators skilled to teach sustainability and who have the ability to utilize technological capabilities for the same. In this paper, we explore the journey of our pilot project—Strategy and the Sustainable Enterprise for Teachers (SSET)—a blended learning program. We detail the steps that went into designing this program to create a national community of sustainability educators. This program makes a case for the potential of using blended learning as an effective method to create a community of practice beyond physical boundaries. Our study will focus on the role this program’s design has in the current scenario, which calls for a keen focus on digital media. Full article

Missionary development organizations across all denominations are vital to providing quality inclusive education in developing countries, often being the only providers of quality education for marginalized people. Research conducted by Misean Cara shows how the Missionary Approach to Development Interventions (MADI) enables missionaries committed to social justice and the realization of rights to contribute to equitable quality education, especially reaching those at risk of being left behind. In their unique approach, missionaries address the immediate needs of learners worldwide by providing inclusive and equitable access to safe and quality education, while also supporting local authorities in the strengthening of their education systems, ultimately enabling them to fulfil their role as the primary provider of education. Full article

This study investigates the roles of digital technologies in promoting inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development in Nigeria. The study surveys relevant literature and concludes that the agricultural, e-commerce, financial, and transportation sectors majorly use digital technologies to promote inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development in Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that the Nigerian government and leaders of industries should work together and address the factors hindering the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies in Nigeria to minimize the possible effects of future internal and external shocks on the Nigerian economy. In addition, it is imperative that an incentive system that promotes digital innovations is developed to keep the country on the path of growth and sustainable development. Full article

Eradicating extreme poverty and achieving food security is still one of the greatest challenges of our time. Attracting and retaining youth in the agricultural sector is critical for alleviating hunger and malnutrition. The present study hypothesized that the provision of formal agricultural education, whether through direct involvement in farming practices with an emphasis on environmental sustainability or in entrepreneurial work, increases rural youth’s connection to their local environment, their perceptions of agriculture’s impact on their local community, and their aspirations for a career in the agricultural sector. To test the hypothesis, 577 students from a high school in Cambodia took two questionnaires following their participation in formal agricultural education provided by a technology park. Factor and linear regression analyses were conducted, and significant results were observed, highlighting the benefits of providing age-appropriate programs that are designed to raise awareness and build capacities in the agricultural sector. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of literature that seeks to guide future policies and training agendas to adopt effective approaches in engaging youth in productive, profitable, and sustainable agriculture as active partners in the sustainable development efforts to achieve inclusive and stable societies. Full article

Societies are facing major and worsening environmental, social and health crises. In order to deal with these challenges, a major socio-ecological transformation is required. Sustainable innovation (SI) is one of the means to achieve this goal. We propose in this article a new definition of SI for sustainable development purposes, guided by the SDGs and setting the context, along with comprehensive literature. The article then highlights the concepts to which SI is related, such as the theory of sociotechnical systems and transitions, as well as its fields of application, such as the circular economy, regenerative design and transformative social innovation. Full article

We proposed an approach to evaluate ecological efficiency of an economy as the ratio of the created output of non-primary goods and services to the input of consumed resources (labor, capital, raw materials, environmental costs) using the DEA. The eco-efficiency of an average Russian region has been growing since 2003. Using econometric calculations, we have established it grew faster in densely populated areas with a high share of high-tech services, investment attractiveness, and intensive technology implementation; it decreased in most northern and Siberian regions. The simultaneous growth of GRP per capita and ecological efficiency in a region was considered as a model of sustainable development. We observed this pattern more than half of the period 1998–2017 in most Russian regions although the Russian economy mainly developed due to the extraction of raw materials. Full article

Sustainable Development Goal 4 emphasizes creating lifelong learning opportunities and imparting needed practical skills through quality technical and vocational education. TVET holds great potential for economic mobility and development in India, which has a large working-age, unemployed population. Although rapid strides have been made in creating a network of formal institutions providing a wide range of skills, TVET, in India, is currently limited, and plagued with several issues, worsened by the current COVID-19 pandemic. The paper undertakes a comprehensive review of these issues, offering a comparative analysis with successful TVET systems of Germany and China, and exploring opportunities for repairing TVET in India. Full article

The RAMPAO: ‘le reseau regional d’aires marines protégées (AMP) en Afrique de l’Ouest’ (the regional network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in West Africa) covers two million marine and coastal hectares; there are more than 27 sites which are protected members of this network, through protection of species which occurs in different marine territories where the network actively operates. The RAMPAO was officially created within the framework of the implementation of this regional strategy. The establishment is the result of joint efforts responding to the various recommendations and international commitments taken by them as part of biological conservation. Full article

A growing literature constructs SDG interlinkage networks in order to understand the interplay between goals, co-benefits, and trade-offs present in Agenda 2030. Networks are constructed from a variety of sources including historical correlations, expert analysis, and literature surveys. However, beyond simply constructing such interlinkage matrices, it is important to explore their implications and to compute quantities that describe the system-level response of the network so that we can shed light on the overall network structure and its implications for policy decisions. In this paper, I review fundamental ideas of centrality and hierarchy that may prove useful in these system-level analyses, and I illustrate the ideas on two specific SDG interlinkage networks. Missing data is particularly problematic in such analyses, pointing to the ongoing need to improve data collection on the SDGs. In terms of the results for the specific SDG interlinkage networks that I consider, the network analyses reveal an asymmetry between the support for SDGs 1, 2, and 3 that the remaining goals provide, and a lack of influence in the other direction from SDGs 1, 2, and 3 to the other goals. These are much harder to observe in the absence of such system-level methodologies. In particular, the analyses highlight the possible lack of integration of SDGs 14 and 15, which may point to the need for additional policy interventions to support progress on these two goals in particular. Full article

In Brazil, especially in the State of Rio de Janeiro, an environmental, health and humanitarian crisis is becoming evident due to the water supply crisis in the region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of consumers regarding the quality of water in the State of Rio de Janeiro, during the COVID -19 pandemic. A survey was conducted with 289 participants, who were residents of the State of Rio de Janeiro, after approval by the Research Ethics Committee of Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), from 26–30 of April 2021. Of the respondents, 40.83% reported that the drinking water is of low quality. Full article

The pandemic in 2020 called for developing a recovery plan and action in designing a robust and sustainable supply chain worldwide. In developing the models in the context of sustainable development, a holistic approach is needed. Hence, the stakeholders’ value chain, the impacts of policies, and short/medium- and long-term planning horizon should be integrated into developing and analyzing the models. This work in progress research proposes a system dynamic approach for addressing the impacts of the pandemic on goal 12. First, the subsystems and causal loop diagram of the main elements of sustainable production and consumption are provided. Then, the scenarios and the perspective of application are discussed. Full article

Community radio can serve as a crucial channel to disseminate information in rural locations. This is the case of the Ekialo Kiona Community Youth Radio (EK-FM) on Mfangano Island, Kenya. EK-FM has been a platform for communicating health information during the outbreak of COVID-19. Now, over one year into the pandemic, our MDP student team alongside EK-FM staff are assessing community needs and EK-FM’s opportunities and limitations in meeting them. Motivated by the current negative impacts of COVID-19 on less privileged communities, we are developing organizational, financial, social, and strategic routes to enhance the radio’s ability to uphold its community resilience goals. By engaging Mfangano’s communities to understand the context surrounding EK-FM, we facilitate the discovery of community aspirations for the radio to connect Mfangano residents regardless of their location, whether about local Suba culture, health, or ecological issues. We also explore possible social entrepreneurial pathways and partnerships toward EK-FM’s lasting financial viability. Full article

SDG11–Cities and Communities aims to renew and plan cities and other human settlements so that they offer opportunities for all, while improving resource use and reducing environmental impacts. This research examines the regeneration of urban blocks as a means for improving the overall quality of life in Greek cities. The objective of the research is to determine the energy and economic efficiency of four building renovation interventions, including conventional energy upgrading—such as building shell thermal insulation—and more intensive solutions, such as phase change materials, green roofs, and passive solar system integration. The research methodology combines dynamic simulations with Energy Plus simulation software and an economic evaluation of the interventions as well. The results prove that the reduction in energy demand can vary between 55.7% and 59.1% according to the renovation scenario, while the cost of each intervention varies from 73 to 347 EUR/m², proving that the payback period of each scenario largely depends on urban block form. The findings of the research can be useful in defining the most efficient renovation strategies at the urban block scale and to promote urban sustainability. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on Ecuador’s Government and affected its ability to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals. This literature review shows the impacts of the pandemic and lockdown measures on SDGs 1, 3, 4, and 8 in Ecuador, with an individual focus on poverty, health, education, and the economy. The timeline used to analyze the impacts of COVID-19 in Ecuador is the period 2015–2020. The results show that measures were not effective in controlling the pandemic, according to the ECE (Epidemy Control Efficiency) indicator. Unemployment, poverty, and extreme poverty increased. Ecuador faced Dengue disease at the same time as the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to establish tracking and early diagnosis of COVID-19 were hindered due to a shortage of testing. Furthermore, effective learning through virtual education was difficult for the 74.7% of households without an internet connection. In general, the pandemic set back Ecuador’s progress towards the SDGs analyzed. Full article

Tourism is a significant contributor to the economy of some countries. There are multiple countries, especially in South Asia, whose economies are largely reliant on tourism. The World Tourism and Travel Council estimates that the tourism sector contributed USD 234 billion, or 6.6% of the region’s GDP, in 2019 in South Asia. Countries such as Maldives and Mauritius have faced huge issues since the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a complete shutdown of their tourism industries. The revival of tourism is a must for these counties; otherwise, their post-pandemic economic recovery will be majorly affected. This paper analyzes the effect of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in South Asia and sets out solutions for rebuilding it. This paper elaborates on the solutions mentioned above by emphasizing certain aspects. Firstly, this paper recommends that governments use the general equilibrium model as suggested by the report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The UNCTAD report concerns the effect of COVID-19 on tourism. The general equilibrium model can be used to assess the implications of COVID-19 on the tourism sector effectively. Using this model, countries can accurately evaluate the effects of the tourism shock on the economy. Particular attention should be placed on developing countries wherein social progress has faced issues by the fall of tourism revenues. This paper suggests using the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as a platform for setting up tourism bubbles to deal with this issue. Full article

In Morocco, the project was aimed at reducing plastic pollution and increasing the local craftwomen’s income. Design thinking and Facebook were used to support craftswomen in the search for solutions. The research question was: What is the relevance of the craftswomen’s solutions, when they are supported with design thinking and Facebook? A total of 37 evaluators analyzed the participants’ prototypes with creativity criteria. The craftswomen created innovative manufacturing techniques: stuffing objects with plastic scraps, assembling compact discs to make decorations, etc. Several prototypes contributed to reduce the plastics thrown into the Sea. The adaptation criterion was given a good score. The criteria of novelty and originality were fairly reached. The elaboration criterion received a lower score. Full article

Planeta is a community-based company located in Chocó (Colombia), a place marked by profound social, economic, and political contrasts. Planeta is developing a business model on the açai’s and jagua’s value chain that is sustainable and inclusive. This paper introduces central elements to its path and reflects on its learning and difficulties over time. It results from a joint reflection between researchers, community leaders, and professionals from organizations that support Planeta’s relationship with the markets. Full article

Aiming to address climate change, management plans for monuments and archaeological sites should be upgraded in order to increase the resilience of historical sites. Adaptation to the SDG 11.4 and SDG 13 (Sustainable Development Goals 11.4 and 13) is necessary to mitigate climate change impacts on heritage structures. Proper protection against climate change may be achieved by adjusting the microclimatic conditions of the archaeological site by using shelters that perform as regulators. Artificially created environments depend on the construction of shelters that will be capable of performing as intermediate barriers between the outer climate and the interior, having different temperature and humidity conditions. The shelter determines the interior climate and also interacts with the surrounding environment. Full article

A corporate social responsibility initiative has been proposed as a development plan by CPB-Usobio srl, an Italian bioplastic packaging manufacturer active in the food industry. The project aims to launch a food rescue initiative to increase food security and reduce food waste in Milan. Similarly, it focuses on building community solidarity through inclusiveness and partnerships. The plan is expected to fight food insecurity of the vulnerable members in the community (SDG 1: end poverty); match the food supply excess with the demand for food of the poor (SDG 2: zero hunger); and make the city more inclusive by involving the community and creating partnerships (SDG 11: make city inclusive). Full article

The Apartadó River Master Plan seeks to intervene 135 hectares and 4.5 miles along the river. The area is marked by the presence of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities and is deemed a biodiversity hotspot. Severe flash flooding events occur in the river basin approximately every 6 to 10 years, exposing almost half of the city of Apartadó and its neighborhoods. With extreme weather events becoming more common due to climate change, the Master Plan seeks to increase resilience to flooding by replanting the river basin and using nature-based solutions to mitigate risk in the city’s urban area. Full article

This study is a descriptive account of participating teachers from Central America during a professional development program designed to support the curriculum integration of education for sustainable development (ESD). The analysis of the collected data provides insights on the participants’ initial perceptions and understandings of ESD-associated mechanisms and of social, environmental, and economic sustainability issues. The findings suggest that the majority of the participants (N = 42) made efforts to incorporate sustainability issues into the curriculum regardless of previous ESD training or experience. The participants also demonstrated a need to receive training on the processes, strategies, design tools, and mechanisms for delivering learning about and for sustainability in daily instruction. Full article

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognized the interconnectedness of sustainable development, with peace and health emerging as highly influential. Challenges to peace and health have been linked from a systems approach by existing research; however, the potential for positive peace and positive health to be connected in a self-sustaining system has been investigated with less rigor. The present research argues that recentering a systems approach on capacities rather than challenges at the community level may present useful opportunities to both understand and pursue sustainability, which this paper explores through the lens of peace (SDG 16) and health (SDG 3). Full article

This paper analyzes the gaps in opportunities for the youth between the global north and the global south for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) and the challenges they encounter in their journey to support this goal. Data gathered from the Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) program application and members distribution are studied in this paper and inform us about the demand for urban planning knowledge in these two regions. Additionally, this paper analyzes a conducted interactive exercise where youth from 24 different cities come together to analyze one of the targets from SDG11 and reimagine how cities can achieve SDG11 by 2030. This exercise helps us understand how the youth re-imagine their own social world and notably their urban spaces in times of crisis. Additionally, following the above pattern, this paper answers the following research question: Given the presumptions that youth in the global north have access to more opportunities than young people from the global south, one should ask: to what extent can we observe that young people globally, regardless of their city of residence, share common obstacles and opportunities when implementing SDG 11-related projects? Full article

In 2018, the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia was affected by the violent Storm Vaia, which hit Italy in late October and early November. In response to the emergency situation, a commissioner was appointed by the Italian Government to manage post-emergency interventions. The Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia set up a Support Office: an internal structure of the Civil Protection Department with the task of coordinating the post-emergency phase, organizing access to funds, strengthening synergies with local authorities, and raising awareness about the importance of implementing planning measures to reduce the risks resulting from climate change. One of the main tools for work and dialogue between stakeholders has been an online platform, the use of which has encouraged the spread of digitization, together with good practices, even in smaller municipalities, ensuring effective and constant monitoring and the transparency of procedures. Created to cope with an absolutely extraordinary condition and supported by tangible high-quality results, this system, designed to cope with exceptional events, has become a replicable model of administrative support to fragile areas. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a health crisis with profound economic impacts that served to amplify disruption in the travel and tourism (T&T) sector. Sustainability, health, and business are intimately entwined in T&T such that pandemic risk mitigation measures, from social distancing and closure of airports, resorts, and hotels, materially damaged the sector. While reduced T&T activity may have alleviated some of the negative impacts of T&T on people and the planet, it presented an opportunity for businesses and destinations to consider how they would come back. The sector can ‘build back better’ by pursuing sustainability. More sustainable T&T could help fragile ecosystems to recover and enable the fullest contribution of the sector to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many leaders of T&T business are now looking beyond improving operational sustainability to think more about strategic matters and the systems in which they operate. This latest pandemic could prove to be an important accelerator in T&T’s pursuit of sustainability and the SDGs. The ‘Culture of Health’ framework could help the sector advance sustainable T&T, drawing out the trade-offs and dilemmas presented by its activities. Full article

This paper examines the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in formal education through the lens of existing literature. In Ghana, special education for disabled children began in 1936, and a school for the blind opened in 1946 in Akropong-Akwapim. The review revealed that interventions targeting inclusive education in Ghana are disjointed and sporadic. It was also discovered that the developmental plans of successive administrations have ignored the needs of vulnerable children, particularly children with impairments. As a result, the report suggests that educational stakeholders consider including the needs of disabled children into standard educational planning and provisioning. Full article

The 2030 Agenda represents a natural framework to guide the post-COVID recovery process. However, the assessment of the effectiveness of sustainable development-oriented policies is still a challenge, and addressing this problem is now more urgent than ever. Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and the Autonomous Region of Sardinia launched a research project aimed at developing a model to assess the extent to which the operational programs co-financed by the EU under the Cohesion Policy are sustainable in terms of SDGs. The method developed allows policymakers to direct spending toward investments to better pursue the 2030 Agenda targets. The paper presents the key features of the model and its results applied in the Sardinian context. Full article

A vast number of studies have focused on urban health, but less have focused on rural areas that host indigenous communities. Understanding the different contexts of these communities is key to building healthy environments that are exacerbated in a pandemic such as COVID-19. Additionally, when their population is mainly elderly, the levels of vulnerability and precariousness increase, especially where there is an absence of policies and resources to protect these surviving groups. This research sought to reflect on and critically analyze the social and environmental challenges of these Andean communities in developing healthy environments, such as Conayca, located 3642 m.a.s.l. in the province of Huancavelica, Peru. Full article

The state of climate emergency threatens oysters, which are species that provide immense development–environment benefits in the world’s coastal regions, including the global south. Currently, extreme climate change combines with toxic chemicals to alter ecosystem services by 70%, resulting in oyster decline, habitat shifts, school dropouts, poverty and ecological job loss. This poses complex transformative challenges for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response, GreenOyster Opportunities for Development (GOOD) integrates a GOOD Eco-Entrepreneurship Model (GEEM) into oyster conservation as a Sustainable Nature-based Solution (SNbS) for providing food and scientific ecotourism services. This article succinctly elaborates the GEEM-SNbS concept and theory of sustainable change in favour of the SDGs and to inspire in-depth research into SNbS financing, new carbon policies and reframing biodiversity conservation and sustainability actions. Full article

Africa GreenCo is challenging the existing model of how new private-sector-funded grid-scale power is brought online. By introducing the first non-government-owned buyer of renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa—a region with few creditworthy public utilities—GreenCo will act as a bankable counterparty for independent power producers. The company aims to catalyse private investment and boost the growth of additional clean generation capacity in support of climate change mitigation, adaptation, and energy access. The paper reviews modelled investment- and climate resilience impacts. Full article

This paper presents the outcomes of the project titled: ‘’Feasibility Study for a Black Sea SDGs Observatory’’, financed by the Black Sea Project Promotion Facility. The project was assigned to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Financial University of Russia. The Observatory will constitute one of the main divisions of the regional UN SDSN (United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network) Black Sea. The paper presents the need for establishing a Black Sea SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Observatory, the methodology followed, and the expected results of its creation. Full article

This article draws heavily on my PhD thesis (as the last reference), which was published after the ICSD 2021 conference took place. The study investigates how local traditional knowledges are informing Indigenous women entrepreneurs (IWE) in promoting sustainable economic development in their communities during the 2020–2021 Covid-19 pandemic. The research is grounded in Indigenous guided participatory approaches with collaborators/participants from six Tseltal communities located in Chiapas, Mexico. The research findings offer deep immersion into the critical aspects of Tseltal knowledge, including environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. These aspects leverage local capacity in developing sHachel jwohc’ a’tel (Tseltal entrepreneurship initiatives) while enabling opportunities for gender transformative collaborative work and sna’el ya’beyel stuc te bin ay ma’yuc (Tseltal economic development grounded in community wellbeing). Full article

Environmental justice (EJ) in urban construction is lacking, and it is a major concern towards achiving some of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, sex, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and policies. This study employs the concept of EJ in explaining the fairness in the distribution of green spaces (GS) with regard to urban construction in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. The study revealed that GS distribution is more a function of the pattern of unplanned and uncontrolled physical developments than of a deliberate effort by the people or government to maintain the GS. Full article

This research discusses the results of the Russian Youth Solutions Report 2021 that demonstrates Russian youth-led non-profit and pro-profit solutions working within the SDGs arena. It aims to investigate the challenges, practices, and trends of youth-led initiatives toward tackling critical issues under the SDG umbrella in Russia. Solutions included in the Report are based on the following criteria: youth-led/youth-focused solution, alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and publicly expressed commitment toward achieving SDGs in Russia. Full article

The success of the existing Mayan Biosphere Reserve (MBR) model depends in large part on the resilience and sustainability of forest livelihoods within MBR communities. Concession livelihood strategies include and often depend on the trade of non-timber forest products, within and outside the region. Of particular interest is Ramón seed, which is used as a food crop and an ingredient in food and beverages in national and international markets. This research focuses on strengthening community forest enterprises and on supporting and expanding market opportunities that contribute to local livelihoods by presenting an export-readiness assessment for the Ramón seeds’ export to the US market. We explore the resiliency of community forest enterprises in response to economic and environmental vulnerability, such as the variability of wild-sourced Ramón seeds. Variability in supply, in the ability to harvest, and in post-harvest processing have substantial effects on market success. Considering this, understanding the resilience of these Agri-forestry enterprises will support community desires to sustain and improve their livelihoods. Full article

An integrated approach, including statistical data elaborations and microclimate simulations, was presented in this paper to assess the impact of increasing the urban greenery cover in two communities in Ontario on the urban environment, air quality levels, health, and economic responses. The study also aimed to prove the association between ambient temperature and air quality. The correlations between meteorological parameters and air pollutants showed that the ozone and fine particulate matter daily mean concentrations are positively correlated with the mean temperature. The increase in the urban greenery cover confirmed a reduction in mean air temperature of 2 °C and daily average energy savings of 0.16 kWh/m². With the linkage to other responses, the results demonstrated a potential enhancement in all-cause mortalities and economic benefits. Full article

As the population grows, the deteriorating quality of ecosystems and the increased area of urban environment are correlated affected by climate change and affecting public health. It becomes critical to reach a balance between demographics and the natural environment to reduce pressure on our ecosystems. Creating improved conditions for sustainable urbanization is vital for supplying greater protection of biodiversity and people. This semi-urban project development represents a possible scalable model of sustainable development in an arid coastal environment. It is aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and country NDCs (National Determined Contributions) towards the reduction of emissions and mitigating climate change. It aims to support socio-ecological relationships and energy transitions towards low emissions and economic, ecological, resilient, and inclusive urbanizations. More than one hundred landfills, dune erosion, and their impacts on a coastal environment are some of the issues related to human behavior identified through observation in the project site. Viable solutions that were researched include landfill sanitation, landscape regeneration sustainability, and accessibility. Full article

What is proposed is the construction of a gender agenda in the implementation of climate adaptation projects for Latin America, whose fundamental characteristic is the consideration of a double transversalization between gender equality and adaptation to climate change. To this end, a case analysis is used for the main climate adaptation initiatives in the region, with the objective of constructing our proposal from that implied by public policies and, above all, the socio-cultural norms and exclusions existing in the region. Full article

The University of Strathclyde’s Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development (VIP4SD) programme has grown to become a key vehicle of Research-based Education for Sustainable Development at the institution. The programme enables students from different disciplines and levels of study to work with experienced researchers on diverse projects which address the real-world problems outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper discusses the challenges encountered in transforming VIP4SD into a mainstream activity, and explores how this has inspired a whole institution approach to embedding ESD throughout Strathclyde’s curricula. Full article

Guatemala has proven an informative case study into the many barriers which inhibit the establishment of comprehensive national water policies (NWPs) in low- to middle-income countries (LMIC). The country has formally established the right to adequate sanitation and drinking water many times over: through the ratification of three international treaties, two water-specific constitutional articles, and regulatory bodies for infrastructural projects. Despite these measures, the existing water policy is piecemeal, and each of the at least 13 attempts to establish an NWP over the last century has stalled in Congress. As a result, poor infrastructure and industrial abuse of waterways have made water accessibility and sanitation constant concerns for generations of Guatemalans. Here, we investigate the many factors which have led to the recurring failure to establish an NWP in Guatemala. Following this investigation is a comparative analysis between barriers inhibiting the establishment of an NWP and those which face another Central American sector historically rife with human rights abuses: mining. Notably, major gains have been made with regard to the mitigation of harms enacted by the mining industry in several Central American countries, with the closing of several major mines in Guatemala, a pit-mining ban in Costa Rica, and the world’s first blanket ban on metal mining in El Salvador. We identify factors which have led to the success of the mining ban in El Salvador—namely, coordinated community involvement from campesinos to the traditional oligarchy, grassroots strategizing which snowballed from local referenda to national policy, and the leveraging of international attention—and make suggestions for their implementation with respect to the establishment of an NWP in Guatemala. This project is part of an ongoing, mixed methods research endeavor examining factors impacting water security in Northern Triangle countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras), especially as the region’s weather patterns become more erratic and intensified under climate change. Full article

NorDan AB in Sweden has, over the last years, actively used the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of its strategy for sustainable development. The company has focused on selected SDGs and carried out a high number of improvements and innovations within additive manufacturing. Furthermore, it has actively applied the Swedish business excellence model, the SIQ Management Model, to assess its current sustainability status, identify areas for improvement, and develop in a systematic and sustainable way. Today, the company and its product offering have a clear sustainability profile, recognised by many customers and stakeholders within the industry. Full article

Research has shown that the digital finance transformation has a significant impact on supporting multiple SDG goals. These effects are especially profound within geographic areas where traditional banking infrastructure has historically remained under-developed, including Sub-Saharan Africa. Innovations in digital financial technologies create opportunities to connect people, communities, and organizations without traditional banking infrastructure, bypassing physical geographic restrictions through using the internet and mobile networks. In this study, we thus seek to identify existing gaps in support necessary for stakeholders within an African context to engage with developing digital financial tools in an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable manner. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred global discussions around a sustainable recovery that could build back better economies by mitigating emissions while bringing to light the Green Deal frameworks led by the U.S. and the E.U. from 2019. This article presents the main points embedded in the existing Green Deals and offers proposals to serve as templates for Latin America and the Caribbean: the Big Push for Sustainability and the Social-Ecological Transformation. By contrasting the American and European Green Deals with more recent proposals, this article explores the main political, economic and social constraints in LAC to recommend a way forward. Full article

SDSN Greece, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, supported by SDSN Europe, have established the Sustainable Euro-Asian Seas Initiative (SEAs) to accelerate science-driven blue growth and SDG implementation in the Euro-Asian Seas and beyond. IntelComp (H2020 project) seeks to build an innovative Cloud Platform that will offer AI-based services to public administrators and policymakers across Europe for data- and evidence-driven STI policy design and implementation. One of IntelComp’s main focus areas is the climate change challenge, targeting the Blue Growth perspective. Within the project’s framework, Living Labs will take the role of implementing a co-creation approach and engaging all relevant stakeholders to explore, experiment with and evaluate STI policies at all stages. Full article

This paper presents a stakeholder engagement framework, which is built on the systems innovation approach (SIA). The framework is developed to facilitate a decision-analytic platform, structured on a multi-level integrated WEF (water-energy-food) model in order to better understand the multi-sectoral WEF trade-offs, capitalize on potential synergies, and explore the interdependencies as well as feedback across a hierarchy of three spatial scales: (i) micro level, the demonstration site, (ii) meso level, the Nile River basin, (iii) macro level, the Mediterranean region. Operating in the space of multi-actor working groups (MAWGs), stakeholders are guided to identify and examine the WEF Nexus drivers of change, while considering the local ecosystem services and validating project findings. Full article

Sustainability and quality have many connections and commonalities. Conceptually, they are ambiguous and subject to interpretations. They multi-disciplinarily relate to many application areas. Quality relates to products, organizations, people, and societies, whereas sustainability to societies or the entire planet. The development of sustainability and the quality of society take place through the actions and diffusion of people and organizations. Organizations apply sustainability in their business by social responsibility. Problems in sustainability are born from its conceptual ambiguity and broad economic and political interest. The article examines sustainability as a subset within a societal quality, and society as a scale-free network. Full article

Water is a fundamental human need. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals were made to end poverty, safeguard our planet and guarantee government assistance across the planet. This paper will dissect targets SDG 6.1 and 6.2 comparable to the state strategy and mediations in Nigeria, looking at the frameworks that have neglected to add to accomplishing a fair admittance to protected and safe drinking water for all, neglecting to address the weaknesses experienced by women and children. The lack of access to adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Nigeria has been credited to a huge level of diarrheal and intestinal diseases in the country. The discoveries from this exploration paper show that poor policy making in Nigeria is compounding the difficulties connected with hygiene, water insecurity, wellbeing and security, prompting potential issues like hunger, illness, misgovernance and conflict. To address these issues, Nigeria’s administration needs to execute some key policies that reconsider their water availability to guarantee the implementation of SDGs 6.1 and 6.2. Full article