Special Issue - Driving the SDGs: A Decade of Action for a Sustainable Future

Special issue: Driving the SDGs: A Decade of Action for a Sustainable Future

Guest Editors:

Prof. Candida Bussoli, Full Professor, LUM University (bussoli@lum.it)

Prof. Nicola Raimo, Associate Professor, LUM University (raimo@lum.it)

In 2015, the United Nations introduced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, setting an ambitious framework of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address the world’s most pressing economic, environmental, and social challenges (United Nations General Assembly, 2015). As we mark the midpoint of this transformative agenda, a decade since its inception, it is crucial to reflect on the progress made, identify gaps, and explore the role of organizations in achieving these goals. This special issue seeks contributions that delve into the evolving landscape of accounting and finance in the context of the SDGs. As the global community increasingly focuses on sustainable development, accounting and finance roles are becoming crucial in driving progress. We invite papers that offer insights into the current challenges and opportunities companies face in these fields. Contributions should enhance the knowledge regarding the role of accounting and finance in supporting sustainable practices and contributing to achieving the SDGs. In particular, we invite theoretical and empirical contributions that critically evaluate the achievements of the past decade, while offering forward-looking insights. Submissions should aim to provide actionable implications for companies, policymakers, and stakeholders, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the SDG alignment in these sectors.

Key Areas of Focus

• Evolution and effectiveness of sustainability disclosure practices over the past decade;
• Integration of SDGs into reporting frameworks;
• Performance measurement systems linking corporate activities to the SDGs;
• Challenges in aligning corporate strategies and practices with SDGs;
• Role of assurance services in enhancing the reliability of SDG disclosure;
• Contributions of financial institutions to sustainable development initiatives, including green loans, impact financing, and microfinance;
• Trends in sustainable investment, including ESG and sustainability-linked financial instruments like green and social bonds;
• Risk management strategies in sustainable finance addressing climate and societal challenges;
• Use of technology and data analytics in measuring, reporting, and advancing SDGs;
• Role of capital markets, banking institutions, and regulatory frameworks in promoting SDG practices.

For the Paper publication process and more information about the journal, please refer to http://www.ojs.unito.it/index.php/ejsice/about/submissions

Important dates and deadlines:

February 01st, 2025 - August 31st, 2025, Submissions full paper

January 2026 expected publication of the special issue

Conference:

This special issue is linked with the First Edition of the LUM Conference in Accounting & Finance Research, held on June 9 and 10, 2025, at Villa Romanazzi Carducci in Bari (Italy). The conference will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of introducing the 2030 Agenda and fully embracing the research interests of the European Journal of Social Impact and Circular Economy. Authors may present their conference papers and opt for the special issue publication plan in this Journal. All the papers will be subject to the journal's peer-review policies. For more information about the conference, please visit: https://afconference.lum.it