ESG INTEGRATION IN EVALUATING AND FINANCING LOCAL GOVERNMENT: A NEW PROSPECTS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND MODERN SOCIETIES

Anastasios SEPETIS

Assistant Professor, Business Administration Department, University of West Attica, 12241 Egaleo, Athens, Greece

tsepet@uniwa.gr

(CorrespondingAuthor)

Dimitrios TSIRIGOTIS

Researcher, Department of Digital Studies, University of Piraeus,

dimtsirigotis@outlook.com

Ioannis NIKOLAOU

Professor, Business and Environmental Technology Economics Lab,Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece

inikol@env.duth.gr

Yannis MANIATIS

Professor, Department of Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, GR-18534 Piraeus, Greece

maniatis@unipi.gr

Abstract

The discourse on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors in the financial markets brings a prime opportunity for local governments to the fore. This opportunity pertains to their efforts to reduce their environmental impact, improve the living conditions of local communities and reform their decision-making processes. This paper is an attempt to capture the said perspective of the Local Government through the critical overview of the relevant theoretical background and much more of the existing successful practices. The supreme challenge is to find the optimal ratio between economic growth, socially fair development and the preservation of natural resources. In this equation, one could argue that the independent variables are human resources, finite natural resources, the institutional framework (that should set limits to depletion), as well as the financing of activities aimed at Sustainable Development. Urban sustainability derived from ESG factors can provide a more comprehensive approach to the above equation by challenging the central authority to establish appropriate rules and approve good practices and the markets to further insist on sustainable investments. In order to perform comprehensive research for the synergies ESG criteria in the Local Government, we chose to use the systematic literature review’s guidelines. Furthermore, the purpose of this paper is to shape an ESG integration model for Greek local authorities by utilizing the existing literature.

Keywords: Sustainable Finance, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG), Sustainable Regions, Sustainable Cities, Municipal Green Bonds

JEL classification: R10, Q01, Q50, G10, G30, H10, H30, H70

 pp. 81-97

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REGIONAL EMPLOYEES PERCEPTIONS ON DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: LABOUR MARKET OF ALBANIA AND KOSOVO

Filipos RUXHO

Professor Ass. Dr., Department of Business and Management, Universum College, Kosovo.

filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org

Christos Ap. LADIAS

Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal

ladias@rsijournal.eu

Ali TAFARSHIKU

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Regional Development of Kosovo.

ali.tafarshiku@rks-gov.net

Edib ABAZI

Professor Ass. Dr., Department of Law, Social and Political Studies, Universum College, Kosovo.

edib.abazi@universum-ks.org

Corresponding Author

Abstract

This research paper is a continuum of our previous research that aimed to identify key perceptions of targeted employees towards decent work and economic growth in labour market of Albania and Kosovo. The key components of SDG 8 – economic growth, basic living costs, equal treatment, safety and security at workplace, and integrity and wellbeing are measured. The questionnaire is used for the study purposes of the research.  The sample consists of 350 respondents. Findings reveal that there are alarming differences on perceptions of respondents in terms of decent work between two regional labour markets. The labour market in Albania suffers from weak treatment of employees at workplace; ensuring safe and secured working environment and low promotion of wellbeing and integrity of employees in workplace. The dimension of economic growth and basic living cost is of concern for both labour markets. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that both states address decent work in labour markets of Albania and Kosovo with priority. State instruments shall be enforced to closely cooperate with employee’s organizations and syndicates and work on elimination of core barriers that disable employees to feel equally treated at workplace, or safe and secured at workplace or having their integrity and wellbeing protected so that quality of working environment improves and involvement and productivity of employees grows.

Keywords: abour market, economic growth, decent work

JEL classification: J30, J40, R10, R11, R23, O10

 pp. 13-23

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THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF KOSOVO

Christos Ap. LADIAS

Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal, Greece

Ladias@rsijournal.eu

Filipos RUXHO

Professor Ass. Dr., Department of Business and Management, Universum College, Kosovo

filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org

Corresponding Author

Fernando José Calado e Silva Nunes TEIXEIRA

Professor Ass. Dr., Faculty of Economy, Institute Polytechnic de Beja, Portugal

fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

Susana Soares Pinheiro Vieira PESCADA

Professor Ass. Dr., Faculty of Economy, University of Algarve, Portugal

spescada@ualg.pt

Abstract

This paper examines the importance of regional economic indicators in the economic development of Kosovo. Regional economic indicators provide valuable insights into the economic performance and potential of different regions within a country. By analyzing these indicators, policymakers can design targeted strategies that promote economic growth and reduce regional disparities. In Kosovo, regional economic disparities have been a persistent challenge, with some regions experiencing significantly higher levels of poverty and unemployment. The paper argues that the adoption of regional economic indicators can help identify and address these disparities. Several indicators are examined, including income per capita, unemployment indicators, and the poverty rate to provide a comprehensive overview of regional economic development in Kosovo. Analysis of secondary data through the method of descriptive statistics reveals significant disparities in different regions and underlines the need for targeted policies and interventions. In conclusion, it underlined the importance of developing a strong and reliable system for the collection and reporting of regional economic indicators, which can inform evidence-based policy-making and support a more equitable and sustainable regional economic development in Kosovo.

Keywords: dicator, regional development, income per capita, decent work

JEL classification: J30, J80, O10, M10, R10, R58

pp. 73-83

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