SDGs

High-rise buildings, commonly referred to as skyscrapers are economic buildings that provide numerous amounts of dwellings for residential and business purposes; also it saves substantial portions of lands for use in developing other important projects. Meanwhile as these buildings projects up " scraping " into the skies, wind directions arguably change as a result and move towards other places causing aero-distractive effects. In the past dating back as 1960s where there were no or less high-rise buildings in parts of the globe, the weather presumably follows an order of the universe, thus, the rotation of the earth and its revolution around the sun, accompanied by the impacts of other celestial bodies such as that of moon on sea tidal effects and wind directions, these contributed to the weather patterns of summer, rains, winter and others forms of weather conditions forming the climate of geographical locations. But as the years goes by, human developments have caused changes in parts due to an increasing amount of infrastructure developments according to this paper, constructed skyscrapers each year. It is hypothesized that these high-rise building may be a contributing factor for global climate change. This research dive into to how these could be possible by looking at streamlined and wind resistivity of these buildings to wind flows, the degree of change in wind directions upon hitting these buildings and its effects of displacement from the normal flow on such mega structures.

Bioeconomy is a new, powerful opportunity for sustainable growth in Latin America and it has been incorporated in several strategies in the region.  The book summarizes case studies for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Young entrepreneurs in LA, and a chapter for public policies and institutionality

The mountain cryosphere provides fresh water and other ecosystem services to half of humanity. The loss of the mountain cryosphere due to global warming is already evident in many parts of the world and has direct implications to people living in mountain areas and indirect implications to those who live downstream of glaciated river basins. Despite the growing concerns, the relationship between cryosphere change and human society has yet to be assessed systematically. A better understanding of how cryosphere change affects human systems and human security would provide much needed support to the planning of global and regional actions to mitigate impacts and facilitate adaptation. This paper synthesizes the current evidence for and potential impacts of cryosphere change on water, energy, food, and the environment in different mountain regions in the world. The analysis reveals that the changes in the cryosphere and the associated environmental change have already impacted people living in high mountain areas and are likely to introduce new challenges for water, energy, and food security and to exacerbate ecosystem and environmental degradation in the future. The effects of cryospheric changes are also likely to extend to downstream river basins where glacier melt contributes significantly to dry season river flows and supports irrigation, fisheries, and navigation, as well as water supply to many big cities. Appropriate adaptive and mitigative measures are needed to prevent risks and uncertainties from being further compounded.

In recent years, the rise of women entrepreneurs and their participation in the growth of the national economy is crucial for a developing country like Bangladesh. Women have now started to contribute to the economic growth by their distinctive jobs. They have altered their typical roles of housewives into a substantial business figure having enough ability and enthusiasm to run a business alone and to face any of its threats in order to make a profit out of it. The growing ICT environment is offering new opportunities for women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and become more effective. Purpose of this study is to seek the motivational factors that encourage women to become entrepreneurs and to explore how their entrepreneurial activity can contribute to the SDGs. The study has been conducted by using convenience sampling technique on 203 women entrepreneurs of different districts of Bangladesh. Through factor analysis, the study has found several factors that lead women to be entrepreneurs and the major challenges faced by them in Bangladesh. The paper provides better insight about how women entrepreneurship and economic empowerment of women are contributing significantly to achieve SDGs.

I presented the situation of energy from energy mess to energy management as following: Firstly, the energy problems in Jordan and the situation in Jordan before issuing the legal and institutional frameworks of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEE). Secondly, laws and institutional framework related to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEE). Thirdly, the situation in Jordan after issuing the legal and institutional frameworks of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEE). Finally, I mentioned three examples about Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEE) technical solutions adopted in Jordan.

Wetlands are often vital physical and social components of a country’s natural capital, as well as providers of ecosystem services to local and national communities. We performed a network analysis to prioritize Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for sustainable development in iconic wetlands and wetlandscapes around the world. The analysis was based on the information and perceptions on 45 wetlandscapes worldwide by 49 wetland researchers of the Global Wetland Ecohydrological Network (GWEN). We identified three 2030 Agenda targets of high priority across the wetlandscapes needed to achieve sustainable development: Target 6.3—“Improve water quality”; 2.4—“Sustainable food production”; and 12.2—“Sustainable management of resources”. Moreover, we found specific feedback mechanisms and synergies between SDG targets in the context of wetlands. The most consistent reinforcing interactions were the influence of Target 12.2 on 8.4—“Efficient resource consumption”; and that of Targe...

Research on sustainability is new and emerging, therefor a lack of agreement on framework and implementation guidelines is apparent. This explores the process of implementing sus- tainable methods, raising awareness of sustainability inside organizations and the role lead- ership plays in this, viewed through the lenses of experts. To achieve this, interviews with seven different sustainability experts from organizations within Europe were conducted. The subject is examined through complexity theories; complex adaptive systems and complex leadership theory, as well as the approaches of creating shared value and triple bottom line. The interviewees agree on the process of sustainable change centering around human re- sources. The results also revealed a common agreement of the interviewees in that sustaina- bility needs to be treated not as a silo, but rather as a ubiquitous factor, driving every decision. Allowing employees to exchange and create in a designated space, such as networks, groups, and cross-department meetings to gather ideas has been highlighted in multiple interviews, underscoring the need to educate people. Furthermore, the research findings suggest that while ideation happens at the bottom, the role of sponsorship amongst the highest leadership is pivotal to drive decision-making and implementation and to further develop a sustainabil- ity-oriented mindset inside the organization. The leaders are supposed to recognize the ur- gency of sustainability, which leads to the organizations creating space for adaptability, inno- vation, and novelty. Further research is needed to be able to generalize these findings.

Illicit financial flows (IFFs) have become a serious threat to the attainment of global development goals. On February 28th, 2020, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, and the President of ECOSOC, Mona Juul, have announced a high-level panel on international financial accountability, transparency, and integrity (FACTI) as a means to address this challenge, which inhibits financing for the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the challenge of IFFs by looking at their magnitude in different world regions, namely: Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. It further probes the source and destination of most IFFs by looking at developing and developed countries. It discussed the international architecture to curb IFFs and points out gaps. It concludes by calling for global cooperation and collective action between states and other national and international stakeholders in order to combat IFFs and bridge the current gaps.

Research on sustainability is new and emerging, therefor a lack of agreement on framework and implementation guidelines is apparent. This explores the process of implementing sus- tainable methods, raising awareness of sustainability inside organizations and the role lead- ership plays in this, viewed through the lenses of experts. To achieve this, interviews with seven different sustainability experts from organizations within Europe were conducted. The subject is examined through complexity theories; complex adaptive systems and complex leadership theory, as well as the approaches of creating shared value and triple bottom line. The interviewees agree on the process of sustainable change centering around human re- sources. The results also revealed a common agreement of the interviewees in that sustaina- bility needs to be treated not as a silo, but rather as a ubiquitous factor, driving every decision. Allowing employees to exchange and create in a designated space, such as networks, groups, and cross-department meetings to gather ideas has been highlighted in multiple interviews, underscoring the need to educate people. Furthermore, the research findings suggest that while ideation happens at the bottom, the role of sponsorship amongst the highest leadership is pivotal to drive decision-making and implementation and to further develop a sustainabil- ity-oriented mindset inside the organization. The leaders are supposed to recognize the ur- gency of sustainability, which leads to the organizations creating space for adaptability, inno- vation, and novelty. Further research is needed to be able to generalize these findings.

Quality improvement approaches can strengthen action on a range of global health priorities. Quality improvement efforts are uniquely placed to reorient care delivery systems towards integrated people-centred health services and strengthen health systems to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This article makes the case for addressing shortfalls of previous agendas by articulating the critical role of quality improvement in the Sustainable Development Goal era. Quality improvement can stimulate convergence between health security and health systems; address global health security priorities through participatory quality improvement approaches; and improve health outcomes at all levels of the health system. Entry points for action include the linkage with antimicrobial resistance and the contentious issue of the health of migrants. The work required includes focussed attention on the continuum of national quality policy formulation, implementation and learning; alongside strengthening the measurement-improvement linkage. Quality improvement plays a key role in strengthening health systems to achieve UHC.

Background The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments shou...

Wetlands are often vital physical and social components of a country’s natural capital, as well as providers of ecosystem services to local and national communities. We performed a network analysis to prioritize Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for sustainable development in iconic wetlands and wetlandscapes around the world. The analysis was based on the information and perceptions on 45 wetlandscapes worldwide by 49 wetland researchers of the Global Wetland Ecohydrological Network (GWEN). We identified three 2030 Agenda targets of high priority across the wetlandscapes needed to achieve sustainable development: Target 6.3—“Improve water quality”; 2.4—“Sustainable food production”; and 12.2—“Sustainable management of resources”. Moreover, we found specific feedback mechanisms and synergies between SDG targets in the context of wetlands. The most consistent reinforcing interactions were the influence of Target 12.2 on 8.4—“Efficient resource consumption”; and that of Targe...

Many low- and middle-income countries use national eye-care plans to guide efforts to strengthen eye-care services. The World Health Organization recognizes that evidence is essential to inform these plans. We assessed how evidence was incorporated in a sample of 28 national eye-care plans generated since the was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2013. Most countries (26, 93%) cited estimates of the prevalence of blindness and 18 countries (64%) had set targets for the cataract surgical rate in their plan. Other evidence was rarely cited or used to set measurable targets. No country cited evidence from systematic reviews or solution-based research. This limited use of evidence reflects its low availability, but also highlights incomplete use of existing evidence. For example, despite sex-disaggregated data and cataract surgical coverage being available from surveys in 20 countries (71%), these data were reported in the eye health plans of only nine countries (32%). Only three...

الحكومة الفلسطينية وبعد مضي أكثر من عامين على قرار مجلس الوزراء بتشكيل فريق وطني لقيادة تنفيذ أجندة الأمم المتحدة للتنمية المستدامة 2030 لا زالت غير قادرة على تحقيق نتائج واضحة وملموسة تجاه تطبيق بعضاً من الأهداف المرجوة. يعود ذلك بالأساس لوجود احتلال استيطاني يفرض واقع سيطرته على الأرض وينهب الموارد الطبيعية ويدمر أي محاولات تنموية على الصعيد الفلسطيني، ناهيك عن واقع حصار غزة وتقطيع أواصل الضفة الغربية.

تنظر الحكومة الفلسطينية إلى أجندة 2030 كخطة مكملة للخطة الأساسية التي عملت عليها ضمن أجندة السياسات المسماة “المواطن أولاً”والاستراتيجيات الحكومية المختلفة لكنها لا تعمل على إتخاذ توجهات تنموية جديدة تغير من واقع التنمية في فلسطين المحتلة، على العكس تماماً فان الفريق الوطني يعمل على إعادة إنتاج ذات السياسات والممارسات الموجودة أساساً، ولا يتطرق إلى تغيرات جذرية في قضايا التشغيل والعمل، الحماية الاجتماعية أو التنمية الزراعية والصناعية في محاولة لبناء واقع تنموي جديد، بل يتم تعزيز مصالح الشركات الكبرى والسيطرة على القضاء على حساب المجتمع الفلسطيني.

The new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Education for All Programme (EFA) are being developed without looking back in depth at the previous global agendas – Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and EFA. This article serves as a reminder of the various analyses of the failures and omissions of the past programmes, which may raise questions as to whether or not the new plans are based on wrong premises and the real challenges are being ignored.

Vestas was to start delivering 132 V90-3.0 megawatt (MW) turbines in the second quarter of 2012. The turbines were to be installed in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region of Oaxaca, a southern state in Mexico. However, on 17 October 2012, Vestas’s deliveries were put on hold when social organisations and 40 indigenous Zapotec and Huave people held rallies in front of the Danish Embassy in Mexico City. With banners and placards, the protestors demanded Vestas’s exit from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The indigenous people suggested that although European companies had traditionally been present in Mexico and were among the most experienced wind developers in the world, “their capitalist model” failed to take into account, “the spiritual and social ties between the indigenous rural communities and the land”. According to local residents, the basic problem was a clash of cultures. This case can be analysed taking into consideration different perspectives, such as: 1) social movements, 2) development, 3) business models, 4) international business, 5) institutions and governance, and 6) corporate social responsibility. An additional angel that could be considered is the communication process and stakeholder involvement between MNCs, governmental officials and local communities, when implementing large-scale investment projects. The case presents a conflict which involves four actors: 1) Indigenous communities in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region in Oaxaca, Mexico: Zapotecas, Huaves or Ikoot, 2) The Mexican Government 3) VESTAS, and 4) Mareña Renovables.

Complementary material from the case study “Dimensioning a Drinking Water Distribution Network in Collique (Lima): Introduction to the Human Right to Water and Sanitation”, part of the book “Case Studies to Integrate and Promote Global Issues in STEM Education”.

The United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a worldwide call for action to eradicate poverty, to eliminate inequalities, to protect the planet, to achieve sustainable economic growth, and to warrant that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. However, there is ethical disquiet in achieving these goals. Yet, there is not much deliberation over the role of information ethics in achieving these goals. This study sought to examine the relevance of IFLA Code of Ethics for librarians and other information workers in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. A pragmatism paradigm was adopted by which 71 responses were attained through the use of an online survey tool (Google forms). The data collected were both qualitative and quantitative. The study findings revealed that librarians conduct various activities in an effort to uphold the IFLA Code of Ethics to enhance attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. These activities include non-censorship, training in ICTs a...

Wetlands are often vital physical and social components of a country’s natural capital, as well as providers of ecosystem services to local and national communities. We performed a network analysis to prioritize Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for sustainable development in iconic wetlands and wetlandscapes around the world. The analysis was based on the information and perceptions on 45 wetlandscapes worldwide by 49 wetland researchers of the Global Wetland Ecohydrological Network (GWEN). We identified three 2030 Agenda targets of high priority across the wetlandscapes needed to achieve sustainable development: Target 6.3—“Improve water quality”; 2.4—“Sustainable food production”; and 12.2—“Sustainable management of resources”. Moreover, we found specific feedback mechanisms and synergies between SDG targets in the context of wetlands. The most consistent reinforcing interactions were the influence of Target 12.2 on 8.4—“Efficient resource consumption”; and that of Targe...

1. The most important factor influencing education is income: A doubling in income could raise enrolment by some 34%.

2. Income, job location and education of the head of the household significantly affect the duration of schooling of children.

3. Families educate their children  as they get relatively affluent. However, the magnitude of elasticity is rather small, implying that there is a base demand for education, which tends to vary only slightly around this base. In the ultimate analysis, people should have a minimum standard of living (minimum income) to ensure entry and continuation in education, and a forward-looking life for their children.

4. As long as there is poverty and/or the benefits of development do not reach the larger masses, the demand for education will stay limited. Consequently, a significant proportion of the next generation will remain ill/un educated/schooled and socio-economically weak, resulting in perpetuation of poverty through generations.

5. Deprived children are not a homogeneous group. Different groups require different policy and programme responses.

There have been paradigms of international development cooperation, such as the Millennium Development Goals (Millenium Development Goals, MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Plan (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). MDGs has been affected in various ways to support the development of North Korea, and changed paradigm, SDGs will also affect the development of cooperation in various aspects of North Korea. This paper certainly applies North Korea to recently announced SDGs. According to discussions, international donors will basically focus on No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Clean Water and Sanitation as they did in the past, and they also work for Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure and Responsible Consumption and Production for North Korea's Development.