Vol. 5 No. 2 (2024): (October 2024)

This issue has been available online since 28th October 2024 as part of the regular October 2024 edition. It features six articles authored by twenty-one scholars from Iran, Thailand, and Indonesia—offering distinct insights into governance and policy challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on digital transformation, public sector reform, and inclusive development in the Global South.

The issue opens with a bibliometric study examining the evolution and influence of e-government in public service delivery (SDG 16, Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels; SDG 9, Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology). Another article explores the opportunities and challenges of implementing digital governance at the local level in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia (SDG 11, Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanisation and participatory planning; SDG 9, Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure), highlighting the importance of inclusive digital infrastructure.

Further contributions analyse public–private partnerships aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing food security in coastal areas (SDG 1, Target 1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions; SDG 2, Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food; SDG 17, Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public–private and civil society partnerships). Another article discusses the role of regional medium-term development plans in improving the quality of basic education in oil-rich regions (SDG 4, Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education).

Additional articles investigate collaborative governance mechanisms in the enforcement of levies within the transportation sector (SDG 11, Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all; SDG 17, Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development), and propose improved strategies for local government asset management through enhanced planning and policy evaluation (SDG 11, Target 11.b: Implement integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency and climate resilience; SDG 9, Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure).

By addressing the intersections of digital innovation, education, equity, and institutional accountability, this issue provides a timely scholarly contribution to advancing effective and sustainable governance across the Global South.