Historically, transportation projects and urban mobility policies overlook the dimension of social sustainability, mainly focusing on economic and environmental criteria. This neglect, seen enhanced in the Global South, leads to long travel times, growing congestion, reliance on motorcycles, high traffic accident rates, and limited access to public transport, jobs, and urban facilities, especially for the more vulnerable population. In light of these issues, this paper proposes the Social Sustainability of Urban Mobility (SSUM) approach as an analytical framework that assesses the state of social sustainability in urban mobility by applying a Systematic Literature Review where three gaps were found. First, by tailoring the SSUM approach to the context of the Global South, it is possible to address the population-focused gap in urban mobility. Second, in the literature review, a theoretical gap defining social sustainability in urban mobility and its three primary categories has yet to reach a consensus among practitioners and academics. Finally, more empirical research should be conducted to discuss methodological aspects of operationalizing the SSUM approach through the three main categories: accessibility, the sustainability of the community, and institutionality. The SSUM approach promotes implementing a sustainable urban agenda that builds inclusive, equitable, and just cities in urban mobility.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces unique challenges and opportunities in integrating sustainability into sovereign credit assessments. This research study examines environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors embedded in the lending policies of jurisdictional institutions in MENA. By analyzing existing literature and case studies, we identify key drivers and barriers to ESG integration in sovereign lending. Our findings suggest a growing recognition of sustainability’s importance in financial stability and credit, driven by global climate guarantees and local socio-economic development. However, challenges such as data availability, regulatory frameworks, and market acceptance persist. This paper provides an overview of current practices, highlights best practices, and offers recommendations to enhance ESG integration in sovereign debt reviews in the MENA region. The study concludes that a robust ESG framework is necessary to accurately reflect the long-term risks and opportunities associated with sovereign debt, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth regionally.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity for educators and policymakers to reconsider education systems and rethink what is essential, necessary, and desirable for future generations. A sequential generic qualitative approach was used in this study. Based on the systematic literature review, a content analysis was conducted to identify dimensions that contribute toward higher education institutions sustainability. Subsequently, the Expert Opinion method that involved five professors holding key positions in respective universities from Malaysia, the Netherlands, India, and Bangladesh was applied to propose a post-COVID-19 sustainable framework. Four themes: 1) educational reform; 2) digital transformation; 3) resilience and change management; and 4) sustainability coupled with agility and flexibility formed the framework for HEIs’ sustainability during the post-COVID-19 pandemic. We propose that the themes be examined from an integrated perspective to ensure HEIs can be sustainable in the long run. Finally, other scholars are recommended to conduct a tracer study as well as develop qualitative instruments based on the themes and dimensions identified from the systematic literature review and the Expert Opinion Method to better understand the phenomenon of HEI sustainability.

This comprehensive review examines recent innovations in green technology and their impact on environmental sustainability. The study analyzes advancements in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, waste management, and green building practices. To accomplish the specific objectives of the current study, the exploration was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines in major academic databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect. Through a systematic literature review with a research influence mapping technique, we identified key trends, challenges, and future directions in green technology. Our aggregate findings suggest that while significant progress has been made in reducing environmental impact, barriers such as high initial costs and technological limitations persist. Hence, for the well-being of societal communities, green technology innovations and practices should be adopted more widely. By investing in sustainable practices, communities can reduce environmental degradation, improve public health, and create resilient infrastructures that support both ecological and economic stability. Green technologies, such as renewable energy sources, eco-friendly construction, efficient waste management systems, and sustainable agriculture, not only mitigate pollution but also lower greenhouse gas emissions, thereby combating climate change. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to foster the widespread adoption of green technologies.

The main objective of the study is to discuss the application of a participatory approach that involves the community of a small rural area in Italy to develop and maintain a sustainable local food system based on a very ancient and high-quality typical local bean. The efficacy of the approach in terms of the active involvement of local actors (farming communities, local administration, social associations, and civil society) and knowledge transfer for preserving the local food culture has been demonstrated. Possible improvements to the approach through digital technologies for stimulating the effective engagement of teenagers have also been discussed.