Cryptocurrency integration: A blessing or a curse for economic development and stability?

This research delves into the pivotal role of Financial Technology (FinTech) in advancing the financial sector, sustainable development, and financial inclusion. Employing a descriptive-qualitative approach and the systematic literature review (SLR) method, the study investigates FinTech's interplay with Sustainable Development, Financial Inclusion, and Economic Development globally. A meticulous Scopus search utilizing keywords like "Fintech," "SDGs," "Financial Inclusion," and "Economic Development" ensures a thorough review of pertinent literature. The results underscore FinTech's substantial impact on Sustainable Development, Financial Inclusion, and Economic Development, acting as a crucial catalyst for financial inclusion and mediating sustainable growth through financial literacy. Furthermore, FinTech exhibits the potential to underpin sustainable economic growth, financial inclusion, and Economic Development by enhancing financial service accessibility, reducing poverty, and fostering gender equality. Challenges persist, particularly in the Pacific region, where issues of accessibility, awareness, literacy, and trust impede FinTech adoption. The study advocates for awareness campaigns, financial education, and infrastructure development to surmount these obstacles. In conclusion, while FinTech significantly influences financial inclusion and economic growth, its broader impact on Sustainable Development, Financial Inclusion, and Economic Development necessitates careful consideration. The research emphasizes the imperative for interdisciplinary collaboration, global cooperation, and vigilant strategies to address challenges and leverage opportunities arising from the rapid integration of digital financial services for inclusive and sustainable Economic Development.

This study offers a comparative analysis of Singapore and Lebanon’s progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Singapore, a high-income island city-state, has demonstrated significant advancement due to its stable political environment, strong institutions, long-term strategic planning, and sustained economic prosperity. Ranking 65th globally in the 2024 Sustainable Development Report, Singapore has made good or fair progress in over half of the SDG targets, particularly in Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). However, it still faces challenges in areas such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), along with data gaps. In stark contrast, Lebanon, a middle-income nation, faces immense challenges that have significantly hindered its SDG progress. Ranking 110th globally in the 2024 Sustainable Development Report, Lebanon grapples with poverty (SDG 1), hunger (SDG 2), a strained healthcare system (SDG 3), a severe energy crisis (SDG 7), high unemployment (SDG 8), and damaged infrastructure (SDG 9). Persistent political instability, weak governance, recurring economic crises, and the enduring impact of internal and external conflicts, including the Syrian refugee crisis, have severely impeded Lebanon’s ability to achieve the SDGs. To make substantial progress, Lebanon requires fundamental legal and political reforms to address deep-rooted systemic issues hindering its development.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the contribution of Regional Development Banks (BPDs) to Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and poverty reduction in Indonesia during the 2014–2023 period, with a focus on the role of third-party funds (DPK) and loan disbursement as financial intermediation mechanisms. The study is framed within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Theoretical Framework: Grounded in the theory of financial intermediation and regional economic development, this study employs both supply-leading and demand-following approaches. Concepts of financial assets and macroeconomic indicators are used to explain the relationships among financial intermediation, economic performance, and poverty outcomes. Method: Using a quantitative approach, panel data from 34 provinces were analyzed through regression to assess the influence of DPK, total assets, and total loan on GRDP and poverty levels. Data were sourced from the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK), Statistics Indonesia (BPS), and BPDs financial reports (2014–2023). Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that DPK positively influences loan distribution, while total assets show no significant effect. BPD loans have a positive impact on regional economic growth and contribute to poverty reduction. Economic growth also plyas a significant role in decreasing poverty, hihglighting the strategic role of BPDs in promoting inclusive and sustainable regional development in line with SDG targets. Research Implications: This study supports the institutional strengthening and digital transformation of BPDs to enhance financial efficiency, inclusion, and their contribution to sustainable development. The results offer policy insights for aligning regional banking practices with Indonesia’s national development agenda and the global SDGs framework. Originality/Value: This research presents comprehensive empirical evidence from all Indonesian provinces, revealing the causal relationships between BPD performance, economic growth, and poverty alleviation. By situating these findings within the SDGs context, the study contributes to the discourse on the role of subnational financial institutions in sustainable regional development.

In the last 30 years, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a powerful tool in the promotion of the well-being of women and sustainable development. This article conducts a systematic bibliometric review of 387 peer-reviewed articles between 1994 and 2024 to track trends, influential contributions, and thematic evolutions in SHG research. With reference to the Scopus database, utilising Bibliometrics and TCCM (Theory–Context–Characteristics–Methodology) frameworks, the paper presents a map of the intellectual structure and conceptual patterns of the literature. Results reveal SHGs’ influence on various dimensions of well-being such as economic empowerment, social cohesion, access to health services, leadership, and psychosocial resilience. Research on SHG has increasingly been associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty); SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being); SDG 5 (Gender Equality); SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Four major themes emerged from this study:’ financial inclusion and empowerment’, ‘maternal and child health’, ‘social support and good health, and gendered leadership and collective agency’. The structured TCCM analysis of 91 high-quality ABDC-listed articles was performed to obtain qualitative insights into the SHG–SDG-development nexus. The results uncover a theoretical fragmentation, geographic concentration of research, insufficient methodological diversity, and under-explored themes such as digital inclusion and multi-dimensional development impacts. This review highlights the potential of SHGs as a bottom-up approach to achieving the SDGs, gender-inclusive development, and the increased agency of women in sustainable and context-specific ways.

Purpose FinTech is increasingly recognized for its role in accelerating economic growth; however, a significant gender gap in financial inclusion persists, particularly in developing countries like India. Women entrepreneurs continue to face substantial barriers in accessing financial services due to inequalities in income, education and socio-cultural norms. This study aims to examine how FinTech adoption (FA) affects women’s entrepreneurship (WE), with a focus on the mediating role of financial inclusion (FI) and the moderating influence of gender gap in educational attainment (GGEA). Design/methodology/approach The study leverages a data set covering Q1 2008 to Q1 2023, drawn from various sources, including the World Development Indicators, Financial Access Survey, micro, small, and medium enterprise database and Global Gender Gap Report. A moderated mediation model is tested using SPSS and the PROCESS macro. Findings The results show that FA significantly enhances WE. This relationship is mediated by FI. However, the direct effect of GGEA on WE is negative, suggesting that higher education may lead to non-entrepreneurial career paths or reflect systemic barriers. Importantly, the positive effect of FI on WE is stronger in contexts with greater educational equality. This emphasizes the need for integrated policies that combine financial and educational inclusion. Originality/value This study offers a novel framework by exploring the moderated mediation effect of educational gender equality between FinTech, FI and entrepreneurship pathways. It provides actionable insights aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) such as SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).

Purpose This study aims to investigate how Islamic financial standards can be reformed to better promote equity, justice and inclusion in support of sustainable development. Drawing upon the Maturidi creed, which emphasizes rationality, ethical conduct and moral responsibility, the research seeks to realign Islamic finance with the foundational objectives of Shariah, fostering a just and inclusive economic system. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) following the PRISMA protocol, analysing peer-reviewed literature from 2012 to 2023. Text-mining techniques, including topic modelling and heatmap analysis using Python, were employed to uncover key themes and trends related to Islamic finance reform and its intersection with sustainable and inclusive development. Findings The study identifies critical pathways for enhancing equity and justice within Islamic finance. Key themes include the role of Islamic FinTech in improving financial inclusion, the need for regulatory innovation to support underserved communities and entrepreneurs and the integration of Maqasid al-Shariah to ensure fairness and sustainability. The findings emphasize the behavioural transformation needed to shift from profit-centric capitalism towards a more inclusive and ethically grounded financial system. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to secondary data and literature published between 2012 and 2023. Further empirical research is needed to validate these insights in diverse regional and institutional contexts. Practical implications Policymakers and practitioners are provided with a faith-based yet forward-looking framework to reform financial systems, making them more inclusive and just. The integration of theological ethics into financial governance offers tools to combat inequality and promote responsible economic behaviour. Social implications By advocating for values-driven financial practices, this research contributes to broader societal goals, including poverty reduction, equitable wealth distribution and social cohesion. It aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 10 (Reduced Inequality). Originality/value This paper presents a novel interdisciplinary approach by bridging Islamic theology, behavioural economics and sustainable development. The use of the Maturidi perspective provides a unique ethical and rational foundation for reforming Islamic finance to better serve the goals of equity, justice and inclusion.

Research background: The realization of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 hinges on the sustained growth of both the economy and the global employment outlook. In order to ensure progress in fostering inclusive and equitable growth and employment opportunities, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the SDG findings across all relevant subtargets. Purpose of the article: This study provides an in-depth analysis of the research surrounding SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), emphasizing its pivotal role in sustainable development. Methods: Utilizing the PRISMA framework and BERTopic method, it explores the intricate interconnections between SDG 8 and other goals, such as reducing inequalities (SDG 10), clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), poverty alleviation (SDG 1), and innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9). Findings & value added: The findings emphasize the importance of subtarget 8.1 (sustained per capita growth) and subtarget 8.5 (full employment and decent work for all). Additionally, the study underscores the need for policies supporting resource efficiency and sustainable consumption (subtarget 8.4), while green innovation and the digital economy are strongly linked to subtarget 8.2 (enhanced productivity through technological upgrading). Ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and equitable, as outlined in subtarget 8.3, is crucial for reducing inequalities. Policymakers must balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, promoting decent work conditions (subtarget 8.8) and adopting green technologies. These findings offer valuable insights for advancing SDG 8, ensuring that economic progress benefits all segments of society while safeguarding natural resources and fostering long-term prosperity.

This study investigates the role of financial inclusion in enhancing the effectiveness of microfinance programs in reducing poverty in Burundi, with a particular focus on their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Employing a mixed-method research design, the study collected data from 420 microfinance beneficiaries across four provinces through surveys and semi-structured interviews. Using multiple regression and structural equation modeling (SEM), the findings reveal that financial inclusion significantly mediates the relationship between microfinance participation and household welfare improvement. Access to financial services—such as savings, credit, and mobile banking—positively influences income generation, consumption stability, and business expansion among low-income households. However, the study also identifies barriers including high interest rates, limited outreach in rural areas, and low levels of financial literacy, which constrain the inclusiveness of microfinance initiatives. The results suggest that microfinance alone is insufficient to achieve sustainable poverty alleviation without complementary strategies such as financial literacy enhancement, gender-sensitive credit policies, and digital financial innovation. The study concludes that strengthening financial inclusion is essential for transforming microfinance into an effective instrument for inclusive and sustainable development in Burundi.

The article explores the relationship between geopolitical security and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in countries with different levels of economic development, with a special focus on transition economies. Geopolitical security is assessed through the Voice and Accountability, Control of Corruption and Government Effectiveness indicators from the World Governance Indicators (WGI) 2023, while progress on the SDGs is measured by the SDG Index Score and individual goal scores from the Sustainable Development Report 2024. Using a multi-level methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative methods, the study finds a strong positive correlation (r=0.78, p<0.01) between political stability, including civil liberties, and overall SDG progress. Countries with high Voice and Accountability scores, such as Finland (1.6326, SDG 86.8) and Denmark (1.6647, SDG 85.7), are leading the way, while countries with low scores, such as Afghanistan (-1.8529, SDG 49.0), are lagging far behind. Regression analysis based on the corresponding model confirms the significant impact of controlling corruption on Goal 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions, β1=0.65β1=0.65, p<0.01) and Goal 8 (Decent work, β1=0.38β1=0.38, p<0.01), as well as good governance on Goal 3 (Health, β2=0.42β2=0.42, p<0.01). A qualitative analysis of transition countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Kazakhstan shows that governance reforms, including anti-corruption measures, EU integration, and judicial reforms, contribute to SDG progress despite limited civil liberties. For example, Ukraine (SDG 76.5) and Moldova (SDG 78.6) perform better than expected on their Voice and Accountability indicators. The thematic analysis of the reports and the content analysis of public sentiment emphasize the importance of combining domestic reforms with international support. The results show that sustainable development strategies in transition countries should focus on strengthening civil liberties, digitalizing government services, and engaging the public. The study fills a gap in the literature by offering differentiated recommendations for countries with different institutional contexts, and lays the groundwork for further analysis of the long-term dynamics of geopolitical security and the SDGs.

This article explores the critical role of education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 4: Quality Education. Through an analysis of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the current educational landscape, this paper highlights the need for innovative, inclusive, and contextually appropriate educational strategies. The discussion extends to the impact of education on other key SDGs, including SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Drawing on a conceptual and literature-based analysis of interdisciplinary scholarship in education, development studies, and public policy, the article argues that education’s impact on sustainable development is contingent upon the alignment between pedagogical approaches and the socio-economic, cultural, institutional, and technological contexts in which learning takes place.

Quality education is an effective instrument for promoting economic development. It equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure improved employment, achieve higher earnings and contribute to the economy. This study critically analyses the relationship between economic development and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education within the context of education for sustainable development. It aims to explore the dearth of traditional economic development paradigms in promoting holistic human well-being and propose alternative approaches that prioritise high-quality education to achieve sustainable development. This study draws on the sustainable development concept articulated and expanded by various scholars in the literature that was reviewed. It further explores the principles of education for sustainable development (ESD) as outlined by UNESCO and analyses various economic frameworks such as the Green Economy, Well-being Economics and Doughnut Economics. As a conceptual study, the researcher reviewed existing literature on economic development, sustainable development and education. The study synthesises findings from various studies to critically analyse the interplay between economic growth and quality education. Furthermore, the findings emphasise the potential of ESD in promoting sustainable development. The analysis reveals that traditional economic development paradigms, which focus heavily on GDP growth, often neglect social equity and environmental sustainability, thereby resulting in a failure to advance holistic human well-being. In contrast, integrating quality education as a core component of development strategies may significantly contribute to the progress towards sustainable development. Education empowers individuals, by equipping the with knowledge and skills, encourages critical thinking and promotes environmental stewardship. As a result, education helps to align economic operations with broader social and environmental objectives. This study emphasises the need for policymakers to embrace holistic and inclusive approaches for economic development that give priority to quality education. Reforms in educational systems are necessary to prioritise critical thinking and sustainability. Additionally, investments should be made in teacher training and interdisciplinary learning. The findings support the need to transition from growth-centric development models that prioritise economic growth to models that consider and balance economic, social and environmental objectives, ensuring a future that is both sustainable and equitable.

Purpose: Kenya's strategic position on Africa's eastern coast makes its blue economy essential for national development. This study analyzes the relationship between sustainable maritime logistics and the potential of the blue economy to promote social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted, synthesizing scholarly research, industry reports, and policy documents on maritime logistics and its contribution to Kenya's blue economy. The analysis focuses on key dimensions such as port infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and technological innovation. Results: The study finds that efficient maritime logistics enhance trade efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and support sustainable practices, thus maximizing the blue economy's potential. However, challenges remain, including limited port capacity, inefficient customs processes, insufficient cold chain infrastructure, and gaps in workforce training. Addressing these issues requires policy reforms and investments in modern infrastructure. Theoretical Contribution: This research contributes to the sustainable development theory by positioning maritime logistics as a central element of blue economic resilience and environmental stewardship. It introduces a conceptual model viewing maritime logistics as an enabler of sustainable blue economy growth in Kenya. Practical Implications: The study recommends targeted investments in green technologies, improved maritime training, and the formation of multi-stakeholder partnerships to foster collaborative and resilient maritime logistics systems. It also highlights the need for more comprehensive data and encourages future research to include primary data for deeper insights. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Background Participation in society is the cornerstone to living a meaningful, connected, and healthy life. Persons with complex communication needs, however, often have restricted opportunities to participate in everyday contexts and situations. Reasons for this include societal attitudinal barriers, as well as limited knowledge and skills about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to enhance participation. Enhancing participation of persons with complex communication needs requires a holistic and multi-faceted approach. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their disability-inclusive agenda provide an impetus for shaping the approach of the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (CAAC) in enhancing participation of persons with complex communication needs in South Africa. Purpose This paper aims to provide a reflective description and application of the work conducted by the CAAC in addressing the SDGs in South Africa. Result Research and training conducted by the CAAC is shown to be aligned to five SDGs, namely zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16), with a focus on reaching these goals in order to benefit persons with complex communication needs. Conclusion The paper demonstrates that, despite some gains in addressing the SDGs, research and clinical practice still needs to be on these and the remaining SDGs. Furthermore, there is a need to also find ways to integrate the SDGs to ensure participation of persons with complex communication needs in major life activities and society.

Microfinance made possible through FinTech has become an effective catalyst of financial inclusion to last-mile communities and a plausible route to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through digital payment solutions, mobile banking, AI-based credit check, and data analytics, FinTech can minimize the structure, i.e., geographic isolation, the absence of formal credit history, and elevated transaction rates. This digitalization enhances the ability of the microfinance institutions to provide affordable, scalable and inclusive financial services, which contribute to livelihood creation and economic resiliency of locals. Although the world is making strides in financial inclusion, last-mile communities are still overrepresented in the informal financial framework. Microfinance models Traditional models of microfinance are inefficient in their operations, have limited reach, are characterized by high default risk, and rely on manual processes. These limitations limit access to credit, savings, and insurance products on a timely basis and therefore limit entrepreneurial activities and sustainable production of employment. The existing literature tends to separate FinTech innovation and the development of microfinance, with little conceptualization of the two at an SDG-based level of critique. Evidence of the linkage of FinTech-enabling models of microfinance with quantifiable results on poverty alleviation and decent work in underserved areas is lacking. The current paper suggests a hybrid FinTech-microfinance model that builds on mobile apps, digital identities, risk scoring based on artificial intelligence, and real-time tracking to improve its outreach and financial sustainability. It contributes to the fact that technological innovation was aligned with the SDG indicators, showed better outcomes in income stability, growth of micro-enterprises, job creation, and inclusive economic development, thus contributing to SDG 1 and SDG 8.

Gender inequality remains a critical challenge in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, particularly in developing regions like ASEAN. Despite progress in closing gender gaps, disparities persist in education, labour market participation, and political representation, which can significantly impact economic development. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). This study examines the effects of gender inequalities on economic growth across nine ASEAN countries using cross-country and panel regression analyses. We utilize data from the World Bank Development Indicators database for the years 2012–2022. ASEAN was selected due to its notable advancements in gender-related policies and the region's growing economic influence. The findings demonstrate that gender equality in tertiary education has a significant positive impact on economic performance. Similarly, reducing the gender gap in labour market participation fosters economic growth. However, our results reveal a strong negative relationship between women’s parliamentary representation and economic growth, suggesting that despite increased female political participation, structural barriers may hinder their ability to drive economic policies effectively. This study highlights the importance of narrowing gender gaps in education and employment to enhance economic expansion. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need to implement gender-inclusive strategies that support sustainable development across ASEAN economies. By addressing gender disparities, ASEAN countries can accelerate progress toward long-term economic resilience and sustainable development.