10e. Handbook of Sustainable Development Goals

Co-track Chairs:

Goals/objectives and areas of the track

Referred to as comprehensive, universal, anthropocentric, and utopian, the sustainable development goals (SDGs) have also been described as the transformative ‘Agenda 2030’. The SDGs aim to eradicate poverty, establish socio-economic inclusion, and protect the environment. In short, SDGs have been presented as a panacea. Disparaging analysis suggests that there exists a potential inconsistency in the SDGs, particularly between the socio-economic development and the environmental sustainability goals. The ambitious UN-adopted sustainable development goals (SDGs) have been criticized for being inconsistent, difficult to quantify, implement and monitor. Critiques also raise questions on the measurability and monitoring of the broadly framed SDGs. The goals are non-binding, with each country being expected to create their own national or regional plans. Moreover, the source(s) and the extent of the financial resources and investments for the SDGs are ambiguous.

Half-way through Agenda 2030, this track investigates and evaluates if:

  • These 17 SDGs have been effective in achieving the transformative change towards sustainable development.
  • Mid-term assessment of Agenda 2030
  • Identify missing aspects of Agenda 2030 and critically evaluate SDGs
  • Employ the Quadruple-helix inter-disciplinary research from across the various continents to present experience and evidence on SDGs
  • Suggests building blocks for the post-SDG 2030 Agenda

A goal of this track is to establish a number of high quality papers that could be included in any of two volumes of international handbooks published by Routledge in 2023. For further information, see below.

Length and content of the proposed abstract to the track

Each proposed abstract should be between 300 and 500 words (including all aspects of your paper), it may be

  1. best organized (without headlines) along usual structure: introduction, methods, findings or results, and discussion/conclusions.
  2. does not need, but can include references.
  3. shall provide a final section indicating with summary of main results

Publication in two Routledge Handbooks

We are editing two handbooks for Routledge (Taylor & Francis), and have the intent to include selected papers from this track in the two volumes. The first volume will focus on a research-based investigation of the SDGs with contributions by researchers. The second volume will be a co-creative, collaborative volume with a broader focus and contributions from academia, industry, public sector, civil society, youth leaders and policy makers (international organisations). Titles are:

  • Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Development Goals Research 
  • Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Development Goals in Policy and Practice

Submission of abstracts

Deadline for abstracts: See Submissions