Political stability and good governance as catalysts for achieving sustainable cities, clean energy, and responsible consumption: evidence from an emerging economy

Abstract This study investigates the pivotal role of political stability, good governance, and institutional support in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 11, and 12 in Pakistan, an emerging economy. SDG 7 deals with affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, SDG 11 deals with sustainable cities and communities and SDGs 12 promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. The data was collected using a quantitative method from various sources, including the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the Ministry of Climate Change, the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, and various NGOs involved in issues such as renewable energy, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption. The collected data was analyzed by using SMART PLS. This study concludes that political stability serves as the foundation for achieving sustainable development goals. It has been observed that the implementation of good governance, which includes principles of transparency, accountability, and public participation, significantly enhances the effectiveness of policies aimed at achieving these SDGs. More specifically, sufficient financial resources and appropriate physical infrastructure are identified as key factors in addressing challenges related to Pakistan’s sustainable development goals. Policymakers should also prioritize investments in sustainable infrastructure projects that align with SDGs 7, 11, and 12, such as investing in renewable energy sources, sustainable urban development, and promoting responsible consumption and production practices.