We are delighted to announce that Dr. Beata Gavurová, professor and researcher at the Centre for Applied Economic Research at Tomas Bata University in Zlín and Technical University in Košice, has been appointed editor of the prestigious scientific journal Discover Sustainability. This journal focuses on key sustainability topics, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and thus opens up new opportunities for scholars researching this area, particularly SDG1 - No Poverty.
The first of the 17 SDGs, SDG1 - No Poverty, focuses on the fight against poverty. Although poverty levels are declining globally, the pace of this decline is slow and faces new threats, mainly due to economic crises and pandemic events. The pandemic crisis triggered by COVID-19 brought health and profound economic impacts that have significantly slowed progress in poverty reduction to date. According to the World Bank, poverty has increased unevenly worldwide over the past two decades, increasing the urgency of finding new solutions, proactive policies, and international cooperation to stem the unwanted growth of poverty.
Poverty is complex in nature and cuts across different dimensions - economic, social, environmental, information, l and educational. It is not enough to focus only on the lack of income and resources; human rights issues, social exclusion, and access to essential services such as health care and education must also be examined. Moreover, research confirms that poverty contributes to environmental degradation. Income inequality has been shown to have a detrimental effect on ecological processes, pointing to the need to integrate the fight against poverty with ecological objectives.
SDG1 also includes other dimensions of poverty, such as gender equality, food security, nutrition, and vulnerability to climate change. The relationship between macroeconomic indicators and environmental processes is crucial - economic growth may alleviate poverty. Still, its positive effect may be lost if it is associated with increased inequality and pollution. It is, therefore, essential to examine the links between poverty, income inequality, and environmental burdens.
Research on SDG1 is highly differentiated geographically and causally. Different regions face specific challenges that require promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating scientific knowledge from various disciplines. This collaboration can reveal new relationships and risks that contribute to the deepening of poverty while at the same time helping to develop innovative policies. It is also important to monitor whether poverty reduction efforts conflict with other SDG goals, such as those on sustainable growth and environmental protection.
In her new role as editor of Discover Sustainability, Prof. Gavur will lead a research team that will explore the links between poverty and other aspects of sustainable development and the implications of digital transformation, hybrid threats, geopolitical risks, and global societal change. Her work will include supporting research that focuses on the digital divide and inclusion, the role of artificial intelligence in poverty alleviation, the impact of social media on poverty, and the effects of misinformation.
This new publishing opportunity supports the scholarly exploration of the relationship between poverty and other factors such as food security, hybrid threats, and global risks. Research focusing on the different dimensions of SDG1 and how it relates to other SDG goals can provide valuable insights to help develop more effective and sustainable policies at national and international levels.
The appointment of Prof. Gavur to this position brings opportunities for new scientific collaborations and support for researchers who want to contribute to achieving sustainable development and overcoming global challenges related to poverty.
For more on publication opportunities, see Impact of New Techno-Political Risks in the Post-Pandemic Period on Achieving SDG1 | SpringerLink