VECTOR FOR MINIMIZING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC GAP IN ACHIEVING THE SDGS: A GLOBAL THEORETICAL AND ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE
Abstract
The article examines the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identified as key priorities in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2015-2030). Sustainable development is recognized as a key priority in global policy, economic activity, and societal development. The study highlights major gaps in the process of achieving the SDGs, as well as key hindering factors, particularly, the COVID-19 pandemic, insufficient partnership and cooperation, environmental and economic issues, climate change, disparities in economic development, disruptions to global trade and logistics flows, the war in Ukraine, etc. The article aims to determine the key directions for achieving the SDGs based on a comprehensive theoretical and methodological analysis of the factors underlying the observed regression and stagnation over the past decade. Using historical, analytical, and statistical research methods, the study identifies strategic directions for further economic growth and priority areas for achieving the SDGs, taking into account differences in countries’ capacities and resources. The findings indicate that the existing gap in SDG implementation is the result of historical, political, and socioeconomic inequalities at global and local levels, which necessitates coordinated action among governments, businesses, and society. The study emphasizes the progressive role of transnational corporations and the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in integrating the SDGs. It is concluded that bridging the gap is possible through the creation of new value-oriented business structures that integrate production, logistics, and marketing, ensure environmental sustainability, and support the development of Industry 4.0. The results of the study may be applied to minimize existing economic, social, and environmental gaps in SDG implementation. The practical implementation of sustainable development principles across various sectors of society will contribute to economic growth worldwide and help overcome barriers to the effective implementation of the SDGs.
References
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