The Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in “BRICS” Countries

Poverty is one of the central elements in the transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda: leave no one behind. Ending poverty in all forms and everywhere is the first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and much can be discussed about its impact on several other sustainability elements. In this context, this paper explores the role of poverty and why it poses a central barrier in the implementation of the SDGs in developing countries. The research questions intended to assess: i) to which extent poverty is seen as a sustainability challenge and properly included in governance actions, ii) which are the SDGs most negatively affected by poverty, and iii) which are the main challenges for the implementation of SDG 1. An international survey was performed with researchers, professors, and representatives of administrative sectors in universities from 34 countries round the world. The vast majority of those taking part in the study consider poverty to be a threat to the implementation of the SDGs in their countries. Practically all goals are seen to be hampered, especially SDG 2 ‘Zero Hunger’, SDG 3 ‘Good Health and Well-being’, SDG 4 ‘Quality Education’ and SDG 6 ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’. The implications of this paper are twofold: it illustrates the need to pay a special attention to poverty reduction which may pose a central barrier to the implementation of the SDGs and describes a set of items needed, in order to foster the implementation of one of the key goals.

This research aims to find out the right financing scheme so that the implementation of SDGs is more optimal and beneficial for small communities. inclusive financial contributions (zakat, infak and alms) in realizing SDGs and their relevance in realizing SDGs from a sharia maqashid perspective. This study uses a combination of qualitative-quantitative methods and approaches. Quantitative data analysis used is a method of tabulation, composing coding and score of variables. While qualitative data analysis includes the stage of data reduction, presentation and withdrawal of conclusions The results of this study show that the implementation of SDGs is carried out by a joint financing scheme through government and non-government budgets, one of which is through the distribution of zakat. The contribution of zakat in the implementation of SDGs has been carried out by the National Zakat Agency (Baznas) in the form of independence programs, religious education, health and social care. The relevance of zakat in realizing SDGs with Sharia Maqashid is shown in aid programs organized by Baznas such as the Program (1) eliminating poverty, (2) ending hunger, (3) good health and well-being, (4) quality education, and (5) clean water and sanitation relevant to the SDGs Program.

Aim. To determine the processes of formation and implementation of sustainable development goals in Russian regions.Tasks. To consider the strategy of sustainable development in the Russian Federation (RF); to analyze the state of Russian regions based on the principles of environmental, social and corporate governance; to identify the centers of implementation of sustainable development goals in Russian regions; to develop the processes of formation and implementation of sustainable development goals in Russian regions.Methods. The research is based on the dialectical method of cognition. Using the abstract-logical method, theoretical generalization and the formation of conclusions are provided; using system and comparative approaches, as well as using statistical data, the elements of the concept of formation and implementation of sustainable development goals at the regional level are investigated. The graphic method was applied to reflect analytical information and separate processes.Results. An assessment of the state of Russian regions based on the principles of environmental, social and corporate governance is given. The system of elements of the processes of formation and implementation of sustainable development at the regional level is presented. The conclusion about the economic development of the regions taking into account the implementation of the principles of environmental, social and corporate governance is made.Conclusions. Depending on the extent to which the region adheres to the goals of sustainable development, determine the position of the region as a subject of the Russian Federation, taking into account the application of the principles of environmental, social and corporate governance. Currently, the regions of the Russian Federation have different positions based on the priorities of sustainable development. The presented processes of formation and implementation of sustainable development goals in the region will contribute to its promotion at the environmental, social and corporate levels.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have emerged as a global agenda to address challenges such as social inequality, environmental degradation, and the quality of education. Higher education plays a strategic role in achieving these goals by fostering students’ critical thinking, academic literacy, and social responsibility. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of scholarly publications from 2025 to examine the integration of SDG values into Indonesian Language courses in higher education. The review identifies key themes, including the role of higher education in SDG implementation, academic literacy development, character formation, social awareness, and strategies for integrating the SDGs into language learning. The findings indicate that Indonesian Language courses possess significant potential as a medium for SDG integration because of their emphasis on academic literacy, critical thinking, and scientific communication. However, the review also reveals that SDG integration remains partial and unsystematic, highlighting the need for a structured conceptual framework. This study recommends the planned incorporation of SDG values into learning objectives, instructional materials, teaching strategies, and assessments, as well as the development of SDG-based learning guides for lecturers. The results provide theoretical and practical implications for enhancing Indonesian Language instruction in alignment with sustainable development.

Sustainability has become an indispensable core consideration when nations formulate their development policies. This study delves into the dynamic correlations between ecosystem services (ESs) and localized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a typical hilly region in southern China. Various ESs were computed using the InVEST model, while spatial econometric models were employed to assess ES responses to SDG targets at the county, sectoral, and overall spatial levels. The findings revealed the following. (1) From 2005 to 2020, there were differences in the development rates of various SDG targets in Ganzhou. Except for SDG 15, which declined, the development of the other targets showed an overall increasing trend. The development of the various SDG targets was relatively balanced, but SDG 9 and SDG 7 had the highest growth rates, ranging from 9.4% to 10.7% and 9.4% to 10.3%, respectively. The comprehensive SDG assessment index exhibited significant spatiotemporal variation, with a general trend of higher values in the north and lower values in the south. (2) The local ES showed a delayed response to SDG 1 and SDG 2, but there was a significant positive response to SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 6, SDG 8, and SDG 9. However, responses to SDG 7, SDG 11, SDG 13, and SDG 15 showed regional differences. This study not only provides valuable insights for sustainable development in Ganzhou and other regions of China but also offers Chinese perspectives and experiences that may inform global efforts towards SDG implementation. This study fills the gap in existing research by constructing a localized SDG indicator system and quantifying each SDG indicator, further exploring the response of the ES to each SDG in the region. Looking ahead, we anticipate further research to deepen the understanding of the relationship between ESs and SDG targets on a broader geographical scale and over longer timeframes, aiming to provide a more robust scientific foundation for building a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in the future.

On influencing factors for Sustainable Development goal prioritisation in the automotive industry

Study purpose. The purpose of the study was to investigate the need for physical education and sports specialists to acquire competencies for the organization of educational activities for sustainable development and their understanding of the involvement of the field of physical education and sports in the implementation of sustainable development goals. Materials and methods. The study involved 106 specialists in physical education and sports from various regions of Ukraine (73 women and 33 men). The participants comprised representatives of general secondary education institutions (schools, lycées, gymnasiums) – 70.7% of the respondents (75 persons), representatives of higher education institutions (universities and academies) – 11.3% of the respondents (12 persons), representatives of sports institutions (youth sports schools and sports complexes) – 10.4% of the respondents (11 persons), representatives of vocational education institutions (schools, colleges) and out-of-school youth work centers – 7.5% of the respondents (8 persons). The respondents’ work experience in the field of physical education and sports ranged from 1 to 45 years. The study used the methods of surveying, analysis and synthesis of information, and mathematical information processing. Results. The survey revealed that most of the respondents are not sufficiently familiar with the issues of sustainable development. 51.89 % of the respondents indicate partial awareness of the concept and sustainable development goals, 5.66 % claim that they are not familiar with such information at all. The majority of the physical culture and sports specialists who participated in the experiment do not understand the essence and depth of Sustainable Development Goals and only link physical education and sports to such Sustainable Development Goals as good health and well-being (Goal 3), quality education (Goal 4), and gender equality (Goal 5). Conclusions. It was found that only 3.8% of the respondents can find a correlation between the field of physical education and sports and the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. 62.26% of the respondents indicate that they need to expand their knowledge and skills on sustainable development, 46.23% of the respondents want to deepen the knowledge and skills in the methodology of implementing education for sustainable development. Most of the surveyed physical education and sports specialists need advanced training to acquire the competencies necessary for the implementation of educational activities for sustainable development.

Purpose: This study aims to propose a method, analyzing the feasibility and implementation of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) in Brazilian municipalities, examining the reality of each one. The central question is: what is being done to put the 2030 Agenda into practice in Brazilian municipalities? Methodology/approach: DSR (Design Science Research) was used as a methodological basis, as it allows the creation of artifacts, which, during their development, can build theories that describe, explain and predict how reality is defined, in general. In this case, the objective of the method is to analyze local characteristics, verifying the practical implementation of the SDGs in Brazilian municipalities. Originality/Relevance: this research resulted in Bah! Method, also developing Bah Seal! which plays an effective indicator role, with the aim of improving the present situation and future performance, creating a pioneering certification method/system. Key findings: It is concluded that there is a lack of implementation of the SDGs in Brazilian municipalities, thus creating the method called BAH, an acronym that means Environmental and Humanized Benefit (in Portuguese), once the implementation of the SDGs generates benefits for the environment and for people, aligning and proposing public policies to municipalities. Theoretical/methodological contributions: This study intended to contribute academically to the development of DSR in management, demonstrating its importance in helping to solve problems through artifacts, as in the managerial area and other applied social sciences encouraging the development of strategies to collaborate in the Agenda 2030 process.

Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels is the German publishers and booksellers association. Sustainability and working towards achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are top priorities for the organization. This includes the aim of reducing carbon emissions. Börsenverein is a member of the International Publishers Association, the Federation of European Publishers and the European and International Booksellers Federation as well as a corresponding member of STM and collaborates with all these associations in its work on sustainability. At the domestic level, Börsenverein has established a Sustainability Working Group with three task forces to lead its efforts, focusing on promoting the book sector’s achievement of selected SDGs, such as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). At the same time, the book sector has an outstanding role and opportunity in promoting other SDGs through the works it publishes, distributes, and makes accessible to readers. Börsenverein strives to foster the positive impacts of this “carbon handprint” on SDGs such as SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Concrete first steps include an external sustainability audit, member-facing events, and a conference.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provided brand new goals and action targets for human well-being and development, but the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is therefore essential to provide a reference for making policy adjustments and transformations to promote the realization of SDGs in the post-pandemic era. Based on a literature review of the progress and policies of SDGs across countries worldwide, we find that research on sustainable policies has rapidly increased since the SDGs issued in 2015 with particular focuses on eco-environment, sustainable policies, green economy, sanitation and health, and water sanitation. Most countries are in the process of nationalization, institutionalization, and universalization of the SDGs through incorporating the SDGs into national development frameworks, enabling extensive participation and negotiation mechanisms, and promoting the SDGs’ national publicity. Countries of different economic and institutional backgrounds demonstrate divergent development pathways, priorities, measures, and progress in the implementation of SDGs. Despite significant global progress during the last five years, the North–South divide emerges in the policy action and achievement of SDGs. The least developed countries in sub-Sahara Africa and South Asia appear to be difficult or even unable to implement the SDGs and monitor the progress. In the post-pandemic era, particular attention shall be given to integrating SDGs and achieve synergy among goals, concretizing short-and medium-term priorities toward the SDGs targets for all countries, strengthening multilateralism and global cooperation among countries and continents, providing reliable data and approaches for real-time impact assessment and process monitoring, and promoting an inclusive engagement and integrative implementation with multiple stakeholders and consortiums.

This article calls for the need for integration of physical literacy into Physical Education (PE) curricula in Africa to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and climate action (SDG 13). Traditional PE often emphasizes competitive sports and physical benchmarks, overlooking inclusive, ecological, and lifelong development. Physical literacy defined by motivation, confidence, competence, and knowledge for lifelong physical activity offers a transformative approach to align PE with sustainability goals. The proposed framework promotes active lifestyles, inclusive teaching practices, and environmental stewardship through curriculum redesign, teacher training, outdoor learning, community engagement, and multidimensional assessments. Despite challenges such as limited resources, lack of teacher preparedness, and definitional ambiguity, opportunities exist through technology, cultural relevance, and alignment with global Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals. By embedding physical literacy, PE can become a vehicle for nurturing health-conscious, environmentally aware, and socially responsible individuals. This article reimagines PE as a critical tool for addressing modern health, education, and environmental challenges, advocating for systemic reforms that position physical literacy at the core of sustainable development strategies. The urgency of this transformation underscores the need for equity, inclusivity, and intersectoral collaboration in educational practice.

This paper highlights several challenges that the adoption and implementation of the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pose for South African Higher Education institutions’ (HEIs) curricula design. It also reflects on the experiences of some institutions who have embraced SDGs in their teaching and learning, research, management (governance and operations), and public engagement strategies (Sustainable Development Solutions Network, 2017). SD4 seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. This paper is intended to contribute to policy debates on issues that are seemingly being given little attention in curriculum design, in the advance towards the target 2030 date for achieving SDGs. The research is motivated by the absence of guidelines and frameworks from South African education governing bodies regarding SDGs, leading to knowledge and capacity gaps that frustrate academics who are increasingly being required to include SDGs in their courses. The author uses a qualitative methodology (document review) and focuses on literature published between 2019 and 2023 on the implementation of SDGs into South African curricula. This study recommends that private HEIs be included in the development of SDG governing frameworks and policies. It also recommends that HEIs develop a South African ranking system to track progress towards SDG attainment.

PurposeIn line with the growing trend of companies focusing on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), this research paper aims to propose a classification of values of socially responsible companies aligned with the SDGs that these companies could fulfill.Design/methodology/approachThe authors’ carried out a qualitative semiotic analysis of four companies as part of the corporate environmental communication initiative to focus on the corporate values conveyed in the messages. Using thematic analysis, the authors’ identified the SDGs achieved by their actions. By coding the values and the SDGs, the authors’ performed a top-down hierarchical classification, linking the value system to the SDGs.FindingsThis research unveils various relationships between corporate communication values and the practical implementation of specific SDGs. This paper sheds light on the central role of utilitarian values in achieving SDGs 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 and highlights the importance of existential values in reaching SDGs 8, 9, 10, 12, 11 and 17. Conversely, no utilitarian values contribute to the realization of SDGs 7, 8, 11, 13 and 17, while no existential values enable the achievement of SDGs 7, 12, 13 and 17.Originality/valueThis research makes a valuable contribution to the achievement of the SDGs by adopting a streamlined approach that aligns with specific company values. The classification of values by SDG provides an in-depth understanding of commitments toward these goals and promotes more coherent integration into corporate culture and business practices. This approach ensures that sustainable progress is aligned with the values communicated in their long-term strategy, enabling businesses to effectively address crises.

This study aims to examine the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the manufacturing sector in Indonesia, one of the largest contributors of carbon emissions. This sector needs to implement sustainability as outlined in SDG 9: Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation, and SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns. However, developing countries often experience difficulties in promoting the implementation of SDGs due to insufficient maturity in their manufacturing sector. This research empirically examines the relationship between Sustainability Management Accounting (SMA) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to determine whether these two variables can improve Organizational Performance (OP) in the Indonesian manufacturing sector. A quantitative method with data collection using survey methods through questionnaires was employed. In this study, 325 respondents were sampled and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis was used to examine the data. The study’s findings reveal a significant and positive link between SMA and EMS, as well as between these two variables and OP. The findings indicate that EMS plays a mediating role in the relationship between SMA and OP in the Indonesian manufacturing sector. This research highlights the importance of SMA and EMS as tools for promoting SDGs in the manufacturing industry in developing countries.

The adoption of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contribute to addressing the multiple and complex challenges faced by humankind. In particular, the increasing impact of climate change and globalization represent a great challenge for the sustainable development of Arctic countries and efforts are needed to measure, assess, and compare the progress toward SDGs and the trends in this region. This study used 69 indicators closely related to Arctic countries and a composite indicator approach to assess their sustainability performance. SDG interlinkages were also assessed through Spearman's rank order correlation. The results showed that the sustainable development of Arctic countries gradually improved from 2000 to 2020, with increasing scores recorded for 82% of the goals and 73% of the indicators. Overall, significant progress was observed in the SDG 10 (reduction of inequality), SDG 3 (health improvement), and SDG 4 (quality of education). The highest-ranking scores were obtained for poverty reduction (SDG 1), SDG 3, and climate actions (SDG 13) in 2020. Over the 21-year period, Sweden reached the highest overall score for sustainable development, and Russia showed the greatest improvement. Synergies dominated over trade-offs among and within SDGs. SDGs 1, 3, 9, 10, and 11 presented a relatively higher proportion of synergies, while higher proportions of trade-offs were observed for the 8–9, 8–11, 3–12, and 10–12 SDG pairs. The associations of industry development with clean energy use and environmental conservation were strengthened during the study period. However, the performance varied greatly for different indicators, goals, and their correlations among Arctic countries. The results indicate that the main challenges for these countries in relation to SDGs consist in promoting an inclusive economic model as well as sustainable consumption and production patterns.