Open Access
Article
15 July 2025Exploring the Sustainable Path of Rural Governance: An Empirical Study on Digital Technology Empowering the “Fengqiao Experience” Model in the New Era
Understanding digital technology and digital inclusive finance in rural governance is key to exploring the sustainable development path of rural governance in China. This study constructs a multidimensional index evaluation system for the “Fengqiao Experience” rural governance model in the new era, measures the model’s rural governance level in 30 provinces in China (2011–2022), and empirically assesses digital technology’s impact on rural governance and its mechanism. The results are as follows: (1) During the sample survey period, the rural governance level of digital technology and “Fengqiao Experience” in 30 provinces in China has improved year by year. (2) Benchmark returns to reality and digital technology significantly promotes the improvement of rural governance levels, which remains valid after using GLS, replacing core explanatory variables, excluding the impact of the epidemic, and excluding municipalities directly under the central government. (3) Digital inclusive finance plays an intermediary role in the digital technology process, enabling rural governance. (4) Digital technology’s impact on rural governance has significant spatial spillover characteristics. Such technology helps improve the level of rural governance both locally and in surrounding areas. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanism, effect, and regional differences of digital technology-enabled rural governance.
Open Access
Article
17 September 2025Environmental Management Based (EMB) on Local Wisdom for Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources in the Environmental Rescue Movement (ERM) in Villages, South Konawe, Indonesia
This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study strategy in four villages in South Konawe Regency, Indonesia, to explore environmental management practices based on local wisdom with the Building Village Index (BVI) instrument, which includes social, economic, and environmental resilience dimensions. The study results show that local wisdom, such as traditional planting patterns, customary law, and water and natural resource management through traditional rituals, play a significant role in maintaining the balance of the village ecosystem while strengthening cultural identity. The integration of local wisdom with appropriate technology has been proven to increase ecological awareness, strengthen social solidarity, and support equitable distribution of resources, although improvements in waste and energy governance are still needed. Theoretically, these findings enrich the literature on village resilience based on local wisdom, while practically providing evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen ecological conservation and sustainable village development.
Open Access
Article
23 September 2025Promoting Sustainable Development through Community Education on Flood- and Storm-Resistant Architecture
Pakistan is experiencing climate-induced disasters such as floods and storms with an increased frequency and intensity every single year. This study aims to explore the integration of resilient architecture into environmental education as a pathway toward sustainable development and disaster risk reduction. The research examines current levels of understanding regarding flood- and storm-resistant building practices and identifies key barriers to their adoption in high-risk regions of Pakistan. The study used a mixed-methods approach by administering surveys. These surveys were administered to 500 community members in different cities of Sindh and Punjab. The study also incorporated two in-depth case studies: the Heritage Foundation’s low-cost housing initiative in Makli, Sindh, and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat’s Safe Housing Program in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These cases provide valuable insights into effective, culturally appropriate, and scalable models of resilient construction in Pakistan. Findings of the present study reveal that public awareness of resilient architecture is below a satisfactory level, with common misconceptions. Challenges, including high costs, lack of technical knowledge, and minimal government support, were identified as significant obstacles. Despite these issues, communities showed strong interest in learning about safer building practices when exposed to practical examples and local success stories. The study recommends integrating resilient construction education into community outreach, school curricula, and builder training programs. It also advocates for greater government involvement, financial incentives, and replication of proven models to foster widespread adoption of resilient architecture for long-term sustainability.
Open Access
Article
24 September 2025Policy Analysis and Stakeholders Insights to Achieve SDGs in Kurashiki, Japan: Opportunities and Challenges of Applying Big Data to SDG Localization
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of policy and stakeholder insights related to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kurashiki, Japan. It critically examines both the opportunities and the inherent challenges of harnessing big data and open data technologies for SDG localization in the context of a medium-sized city. In the field of sustainable urban development, especially within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it has become crucial to understand the role of advanced technology and data analytics in policy formulation and implementation. While megacities are often at the center of such discussions, cities such as small and medium-sized ones are equally compelling due to their unique challenges and opportunities. As an SDGs future city in Japan, Kurashiki City, SDGs-related policies and initiatives that are gaining prominence in the region, especially policies that utilize big data and open data to advance the SDGs. This study first contextualizes the SDGs within the global and Japanese frameworks, providing insights into the critical role of big data and technology in improving the effectiveness of policies to achieve the goals. Secondly, it highlights Kurashiki’s unique challenges and opportunities. It explores the city’s current strategies and measures for implementing the SDGs by using a mixed methodology of qualitative and quantitative analysis, including policy analysis and stakeholder interviews. Key findings suggest that while Kurashiki has made significant progress in aligning with the SDGs, there are still areas that can be greatly improved regarding big data and open data technology integration. The research identified gaps in the current literature and provided insights from local stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and community groups. The findings emphasize the importance of contextualized strategies, public-private partnerships, and adaptive technology infrastructure and establish a stakeholder policy implementation framework that attempts to serve as a guide for similar medium-sized cities aiming to harness big data and open data in their quest for sustainable development. It concludes with targeted recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in Kurashiki, emphasizing the need for a more integrated, data-driven approach to effectively achieve the SDGs.
Open Access
Commentary
28 September 2025From Crisis to Coordination: How AI Transformed Public Health Policies during COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic showed the shortcomings of traditional policy-making procedures and highlighted serious flaws in international public health institutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) became a transformative force in response to the crisis’s urgency, allowing for data-driven, flexible, and better-coordinated public health measures. This viewpoint article examines how AI improved communication, accelerated vaccine development and distribution, enhanced decision-making, and optimized healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. These advancements collectively contributed to significant changes in public health policy. Real-time analysis of large, complex datasets, ranging from case numbers and mobility patterns to hospital capacities and disinformation trends, was made possible by AI technologies including machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP). Timely interventions like resource allocation, targeted lockdowns, and control of misinformation were made possible by this capability. AI also played a crucial role in forecasting infection trends, identifying vulnerable populations, and informing evidence-based decisions. AI-powered solutions further enhanced public involvement and cross-sector cooperation through chatbots and digital platforms delivering trustworthy health information. Additionally, AI-powered solutions enhanced public involvement and cross-sector cooperation, including the use of chatbots and digital platforms to provide trustworthy health information. AI sped up supply chain optimization and candidate screening in vaccine development, guaranteeing efficient, and quick delivery. However, ethical issues including bias, data privacy, and equity in healthcare access were also brought about by the integration of AI. This study emphasizes the need for open, inclusive, and morally sound AI governance by highlighting AI’s twin roles as a technological enabler and a tool for policy. The pandemic provides a fundamental lesson for countries preparing for future health emergencies: AI may be a key instrument in creating public health systems that are more robust, responsive, and equitable if it is applied properly.