Achieving sustainable development requires institutional arrangements capable of integrating social equity, economic inclusion, and environmental stewardship within coherent governance frameworks. Although Islamic social finance (ISF)—particularly almsgiving (Zakat) and charitable endowments (Waqf)—has been extensively discussed in relation to poverty alleviation and welfare governance, its role within sustainability transitions and institutional governance innovation remains insufficiently theorized. This study develops a conceptual framework that integrates institutional theory, the multi-level perspective (MLP) on sustainability transitions, and social-ecological systems (SES) analysis to examine how ISF may function as a transition-oriented institutional configuration. Drawing on a comprehensive review of 278 peer-reviewed and institutional sources, the analysis identifies four recurring institutional mechanisms: regulatory embedding, strategic resource reallocation, hybrid governance experimentation, and legitimacy reframing. These mechanisms operate across landscape, regime, and niche levels and are illustrated through documented governance models, including integrated Zakat-Waqf-microfinance systems and pilot-scale initiatives reflecting emerging environmental orientation within ISF practice and literature. The study further highlights structural constraints, including regulatory fragmentation and nascent environmental measurement approaches, that condition the extent to which these instruments may support sustainability-oriented institutional adaptation. The findings suggest that Zakat and Waqf possess institutional characteristics compatible with sustainability transitions when embedded within coherent policy and governance frameworks. Rather than assuming automatic transformative potential, the study positions ISF as a context-dependent institutional pathway that may contribute to inclusive development and, under specific regulatory and institutional conditions, to governance frameworks where environmental priorities are institutionally integrated.
Financial Inclusion (FI) can have a significant role in Renewable Energy Transition (RET) in any region. This study investigates this nexus in the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework of the resource-rich and geographically closed Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies from 2000–2024. The Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) model is applied to this relationship due to economic, geographic, and policy interdependencies in the GCC region. RET is captured by Renewable Energy Output (REO) and consumption to analyze both demand- and supply-side proxies of the RET. The results show that RET in one economy has positive spillovers in the neighboring economies. However, FI negatively influences the RET in both proxies of the REO and Renewable Energy Consumption (REC). Thus, FI could not support the RET in the GCC region. Income per capita has a U-shaped effect on the RET. Therefore, economic growth can support the RET after a threshold point. Moreover, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Trade Openness (TO), and Human Capital (HC) promote the RET. The findings have significant implications for sustainable development in the GCC region. The results suggest that the GCC governments should support the financial sector in financing the renewable energy sector. Moreover, supporting globalization and HC development can enhance the RET. The positive spillovers also suggest regional coordination on sustainable energy policies.
The transition toward sustainable urban mobility in emerging economies requires not only technological innovation but also a deeper understanding of market adoption dynamics. This study examines the behavioral determinants of the adoption of solar-assisted micro-mobility among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in urban Indonesia. Positioned at the intersection of renewable energy integration and sustainable transportation systems, the research investigates how environmental concern, performance expectancy, operational cost, and price shape users’ attitudes and subsequently influence adoption intention. A quantitative approach was employed using survey data collected from 300 MSME operators, and the relationships among constructs were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that attitude serves as a central mediating mechanism through which environmental, technological, and economic factors are significantly associated with adoption intention. Among the predictors, performance expectancy emerges as the most influential driver, followed by environmental concern, while operational cost and price play supporting but significant roles within a value-based evaluation framework. The findings highlight that adoption of solar-assisted mobility is primarily driven by perceived functional benefits and sustainability value rather than cost considerations alone. This study contributes to the sustainability literature by advancing a holistic behavioral adoption model for renewable energy-based mobility in emerging urban contexts. The results provide practical implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders in designing strategies to accelerate the diffusion of low-carbon mobility solutions, particularly among resource-constrained MSMEs.
Born global firms (BGFs) play a significant role in the expansion of sustainable industries through their rapid internationalisation and early adoption of innovation-oriented organisational frameworks. However, in emerging markets, sustainable global expansion is often constrained by organisational inefficiencies, infrastructural challenges, and intense international competition. In this context, the present study examines the influence of Global Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO) and Global Managerial Competence (GMC) on Sustainable International Expansion Outcomes (SIEO), aligned with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The study is grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT), which explain how firms develop, integrate, and utilise strategic capabilities to achieve competitiveness in international markets. The proposed conceptual framework is empirically tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) based on primary data collected from 430 executives and administrators of international firms operating in India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. The findings reveal that GEO significantly enhances GMC and positively influences SIEO. Furthermore, GMC significantly moderates the relationship between GEO and SIEO. The negative interaction effect indicates a buffering pattern, whereby the positive influence of GEO on SIEO becomes less pronounced at higher levels of managerial competence. These findings demonstrate that entrepreneurial orientation and managerial competence interact in shaping the sustainable international expansion of BGFs. This study contributes to the international entrepreneurship literature by integrating sustainability perspectives with strategic orientation, managerial capability, and international performance. The findings also provide valuable managerial and policy implications for business leaders and policymakers in emerging economies seeking to foster sustainable international growth.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development faces considerable implementation challenges in border regions, where natural and socio‑economic processes transcend administrative boundaries. This study assesses progress towards selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in two Russian border regions: the Republic of Buryatia and Zabaikalsky Krai, which share borders with China and Mongolia, and identifies directions for bilateral cooperation based on the transboundary challenges. Based on official data from the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia for 2010–2024, the authors analysed 39 indicators covering SDGs 6, 8, 11, 13, 15 and 17. Growth rates were calculated and compared with national averages. The results reveal contrasting development models: Zabaikalsky Krai shows strong economic growth (gross regional product per capita index 114.3% in 2023) but critical deficits in access to quality drinking water (58.1% vs. national 89.2%), safe sanitation (49.2%), buses for persons with reduced mobility (3.2%), and protected forest areas (0.94%). The Republic of Buryatia performs better in social and environmental spheres (urban water access 86.0%, sanitation 80.5%, equipped buses 61.9%, reforestation ratio 247%) but lags economically—gross regional product (GRP) per capita index at 101.1%—and faces unique constraints from strict Baikal environmental norms (only 2.5% of wastewater meets those standards). Both regions suffer extreme wildfires and dispose of almost all municipal solid waste in landfills without recycling. The conclusions indicate that joint bilateral actions should include harmonised environmental standards and monitoring methodologies, creation of cross‑border demonstration zones, and coordinated wildfire and water management. These findings can inform regional strategies, bilateral environmental projects, and statistical harmonisation within BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
This study aims to inform evidence-based policy for climate change adaptation in the Philippines by estimating the climate sensitivity of household electricity demand among select cities in Metro Manila during the COVID-19 pandemic. Localized climate data from 2001 to 2021 were matched to households based on their city of residence to construct measures of climate variability. Heat Index (HI), which combines temperature and relative humidity, provides a measure of perceived thermal discomfort. Cooling Degree Days (CDD), defined as the number of days when daily HI exceeds a long-run threshold of 34.82 °C (the 75th percentile of historical HI), serve as another indicator of exposure to extreme heat conditions. Correlated random effects (Mundlak) regressions reveal strong climate sensitivity of electricity use. Household electricity consumption increases when high temperature coincides with high humidity. A 1 °C rise in HI leads to a 19 kWh increase in monthly electricity use, while an additional CDD raises monthly consumption by about 6 kWh. The estimated positive relationship between temperature, humidity, and electricity consumption is consistent with increased demand for cooling services during periods of higher thermal stress. Overall, the results suggest that households adjust their electricity consumption in response to perceived heat conditions through a range of cooling-related behaviors. However, electricity demand among lower-income households is significantly less responsive to climate fluctuations, which may indicate limited adaptive capacity amidst greater thermal discomfort. Conversely, higher-income households exhibit greater responsiveness, highlighting their potential for targeted adoption of energy-efficient appliances and rooftop solar systems. The results underscore the importance of climate-sensitive energy policies that simultaneously advance climate mitigation goals and address equity concerns.
Customary forest governance is increasingly recognised as an important approach to sustaining forest ecosystems and supporting rural livelihoods. However, empirical evidence on how Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) shapes forest socio-economic conditions and governance remains limited, particularly in Indonesia. This study examines the role of LEK in customary forest governance and forest-based livelihoods in Aceh, Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, field visits, and analysis of customary regulations and forestry policy documents. Guided by a social–ecological systems framework, the study analyses interactions among customary institutions, local communities, and forest ecosystems. The findings show that customary rules, deliberative decision-making, and graduated sanctions play important roles in regulating forest access, protecting ecologically sensitive areas, and sustaining non-timber forest product–based livelihoods. LEK related to ecological boundaries, species use, and seasonal harvesting cycles supports adaptive and relatively non-exploitative forest management practices. However, increasing market pressures, overlapping regulations, and limited institutional support continue to challenge the sustainability of customary forest systems. Therefore, strengthening legal recognition and integrating customary forest governance into Indonesia’s Social Forestry programmes are essential to sustaining socially just and ecologically resilient forest management.
Open Access
ayad jumaah khalaf 
, ahmed fadhil saleh , sinan raheem jasim , ahmed mohammed khalaf , adel muwafaq kadhim 
, mohammed ibrahim al-rifai , abdulsamad sabah mahdi , abdulsattar salih al-bilawi , dheyab ahmed abdulateef |
Available online: 07-03-2026
The study aims to explore the role of the characteristics of the risk management committee (RMC) on biodiversity disclosure (BioDD), while analyzing the moderating role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure practices in the Iraqi banking sector. The importance of the study stems from the growing global interest in environmental disclosure and the role of corporate governance in improving transparency and sustainability in emerging economies. The study is based on a sample of 30 banks listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange for the period from 2022 to 2025, with a total of 120 observations. Quantitative measurement of variables and multiple hierarchical regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses of the study. The results show that RMC characteristics have a positive and statistically significant association with BioDD, and ESG disclosure is significantly associated with the moderating effect observed in the RMC–BioDD relationship. In addition, bank size is positively related to BioDD. The study contributes to the emerging literature on BioDD by integrating RMC and ESG frameworks within agency, legitimacy, and stakeholder theories. It also offers practical implications for regulators and banking executives on integrating sustainability considerations into ESG risk frameworks to improve BioDD quality. Ultimately, this study addresses a literature gap regarding emerging markets and provides empirical evidence to inform sustainable banking practices in the Iraqi context.
For many years, we have been working on a new, sustainable lubricant concept based on mixtures of glycerol, water and performance additives. This is a product family with a growing range of applications. Characteristic features include the fact that these lubricants are free of mineral oil and biocides, are based on renewable raw materials and have a high technological performance. The topic of the use of glycerol in lubricants was recently taken up by Latinović et al. and used for a comprehensive, theoretical consideration concerning circular economy and sustainability transitions. The approach seems very interesting. Nevertheless, a number of discrepancies were identified between the theoretical interpretations and the practical experience with glycerol/water-based lubricants. This commentary makes a contribution to naming inconsistencies and bringing theory and practice closer together by an application-oriented discussion. The topics include the description of the practical procedure in lubricant research and development (R&D), the possibilities of using glycerol in novel lubricants, the control of the release of harmful substances from glycerol-containing lubricants, the attempt to predict application limits of these novel lubricants, the aspects to be considered when calculating costs of these lubricants and the interaction of their market launch and application with regulatory and political requirements.
Groundwater in coastal aquifers is highly vulnerable to salinisation processes driven by both seawater intrusion and geogenic sources. Understanding these processes is essential for developing sustainable groundwater management strategies. This study presents a hydrochemical modelling approach to identify and quantify the main processes controlling groundwater composition in a coastal aquifer. The methodology integrates physicochemical parameters and ionic composition data to simulate mixing scenarios between freshwater, seawater, and geogenic sources using the pH-REdox-Equilibrium in C language software (PHREEQC). The results indicate that salinity in coastal wells is primarily controlled by seawater intrusion, while inland areas are significantly influenced by interactions with evaporitic and carbonate basement formations. Transitional zones exhibit mixed hydrochemical signatures, reflecting the combined influence of these processes. These findings provide a process-based framework to support groundwater management decisions, including pumping regulation, well rotation, and managed recharge strategies. The proposed approach contributes to improving water security and long-term sustainability in coastal aquifer systems.
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