Dimension of Childhood Development Within the Millennium Development Goals: The Role of Water-Related Characteristics in Reducing the Burden of Childhood Diseases in South Africa

Purpose In light of the emphasis on “inclusion” in the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the notion of social inclusion encompasses the goal of granting opportunities for disabled people, integrate them and make them participate in the new environment. Referring to the capability theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in the social inclusion of disabled young people in Lebanon. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a qualitative approach based on a series of focused semi-structured interviews with 11 participants occupying key positions in aid associations for disabled people. Findings The findings suggest that smart technologies can enhance social inclusion through three key factors: the nature of impairment and other personal characteristics of disabled people, the resources available to them and the environmental aspects provided by government policies and society’s cultural practices. In the contemporary society characterized by an increasing role of ICTs, the findings of this research could contribute to lead the developing countries to a sustainable and inclusive world through social inclusion of their youth. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations that should be mentioned. First, it was conducted only on a small sample size (with 11 interviewees). Further empirical research must be conducted on larger sample to build and elaborate on the findings. Second, the results are mainly based on the points of view of people working in aid associations for disabled people. In future research, semi-structured interviews can be carried out with the disabled people themselves or with members of their family to ask them about their personal experience with smart technologies and the impact of this on their social inclusion. It was also suggested that the future research should explore the challenges of inclusion for different categories of disabled people separately because they are not all facing the same issues and the same challenges. Furthermore, as this paper focuses on the role of smart technologies in the development of social inclusion of disabled people, future research could take place with other groups, for example, Palestinian and Syrian refugees, to identify whether these groups are experiencing similar challenges and barriers when trying to use smart technologies as a way to enhance their social inclusion. Practical implications Related to a larger and broader approach, social inclusion of disabled or marginalized people or refugees in developing countries could be a way to commit to a sustainable and inclusive world, in alignment with the eight goals of the Millennium Development Goals. Originality/value Related to a larger and broader approach, social inclusion of disabled or marginalized people or refugees in developing countries could be a way to commit to a sustainable and inclusive world, in alignment with the eight goals of the Millennium Development Goals.

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International Economic Institutions and Global Justice

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies ◽

10.1093/acrefore/9780190846626.013.94 ◽

2010 ◽

Author(s):

Pamela Blackmon

Keyword(s):

Cold War ◽

Poverty Alleviation ◽

Millennium Development Goals ◽

Global Justice ◽

Structural Adjustment ◽

Global Financial Crisis ◽

Close Attention ◽

Development Goals ◽

The Cold War

The international financial institutions (IFIs) have adapted and changed their policies over time to focus on global justice and poverty alleviation. This evolution is explored, with close attention to the role of political economy scholars and international events that increased the pressure on the IFIs to change their policies. Events such as the failure of structural adjustment policies, and the increasing role of nongovernmental organizations after the end of the Cold War were strong forces advocating for both debt relief policies and efforts designed to alleviate poverty. Problems surrounding the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals in 2015 and the increased role of the IFIs during the 2008 global financial crisis are also discussed.

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The post-2015 Global Agenda – a role for local government

Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance ◽

10.5130/cjlg.v0i0.4069 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 173-177

Author(s):

Lucy Slack

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Local Government ◽

Millennium Development Goals ◽

Sustainable Development Goals ◽

Global Community ◽

New Targets ◽

Development Agenda ◽

Development Goals ◽

Global Agenda

As the period of implementation for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) draws to a close, the global community is actively debating what should replace them. Local government is working hard to ensure that the post-2015 global development agenda reflects the important role of local government in implementing the new targets. It is a unique opportunity for local government to make its voice heard, to promote the importance of localisation of the new targets, and to position local government as a key partner in the implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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Basic Services for All in an Urbanizing World: GOLD III

Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance ◽

10.5130/cjlg.v0i0.4070 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 178-179

Author(s):

Claire Frost

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Millennium Development Goals ◽

Current Debate ◽

Local Democracy ◽

Economic Uncertainty ◽

The Third ◽

The World ◽

Basic Services ◽

Development Goals

Basic Services for All in an Urbanizing World is the third instalment in United Cities and Local Government’s (UCLG) flagship series of global reports on local democracy and decentralisation (GOLD III). In the context of rapid urbanisation, climate change and economic uncertainty the report is an impressive attempt to analyse local government’s role in the provision of basic services, the challenges they are facing, and make recommendations to improve local government’s ability to ensure access for all. Published in 2014, the report is well positioned to feed into the current debate on what will follow the UN Millennium Development Goals, and examines the role of local government in the provision of basic services across the world regions.

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