Global Sustainable Transition with Inclusion A Focus on the People with Disabilities and the Marginalized

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of inclusive, sustainable development, emphasizing the critical need to integrate the perspectives and needs of people with disabilities and marginalized communities into the global sustainability transition to a sustainable future. Through highlighting the intersectionality of identity and the unique challenges faced by these groups, the book addresses a pressing issue: the often-overlooked barriers that hinder their full participation in sustainable transitions. Organized into three parts, the book first contextualizes the relationship between sustainability and inclusion. It delves into the historical and theoretical frameworks that shape our understanding of marginalization, exploring how disability intersects with various social identities. This foundation sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ways in which they can be made more inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind. The second part identifies and examines the myriad barriers to inclusion within sustainable practices. It addresses structural, socioeconomic, and cultural obstacles that perpetuate exclusion while also critiquing existing policy frameworks for their limitations in addressing the needs of marginalized populations. Through case studies, the book highlights successful initiatives and innovative practices that promote accessibility and equity, mainly through the use of assistive technologies and community engagement. In the final section, the book outlines actionable strategies for fostering inclusive, sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement, participatory decision-making, and the empowerment of marginalized voices. Additionally, it discusses metrics for monitoring and evaluating the impact of sustainability initiatives on people with disabilities, providing a framework for accountability and continuous improvement.

This book aims to bridge the gap between sustainability and social justice, offering a roadmap for stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners committed to creating a more inclusive world.  This book targets academics, policymakers, non-profit societies, and activists working at the intersection of sustainability and social equity and serves as a vital resource for those seeking to understand and promote inclusive practices in the global sustainable transition.

Part 1: Contextualizing Inclusion in Sustainability.- Exploring the Nexus of Sustainability, Marginalization, and Inclusion of People with Disabilities and the Marginalized.- The Landscape of Marginalization and People with Disabilities.- Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Inclusivity.- Theoretical Frameworks and Inclusion for People with Disabilities and the Marginalized.- Part II: Barriers to Inclusive Sustainable Practices.- Identifying Barriers to People with Disabilities and the Marginalized Inclusion.- People with Disabilities and the Marginalized Inclusion Policy Frameworks and Their Limitations.- The Intersection of Technology and Inclusion for People with Disabilities and Marginalized Communities.- Education and Capacity Building for Individuals with Disabilities.- Part III: Strategies for Inclusive Sustainable Development.- Community Engagement and Empowerment for Individuals with Disabilities and Marginalized.- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability for People with Disabilities and the Marginalized.- Emerging Trends and Technological Innovations and People with Disabilities and the Marginalized.

Wasswa Shafik is a Computer Scientist, an Information Technologist, and a Research Director at the Dig Connectivity Research Laboratory (DCRLab), Kampala, Uganda. He received his Bachelor in Information Technology Engineering with a minor in mathematics at Ndejje University, Luweero, Uganda, a Master in information technology engineering (Communication and Computer Networks Option), at Yazd University, Yazd, Islamic Republic of Iran. He pursued his PhD in Digital Science (Computer Science) at the School of Digital Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam. His specific research interests include Sustainable Development, Smart Agriculture, Computer Vision, Ecological Informatics, Applied Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Cybersecurity and Privacy, and Smart Computing. He has published hundreds of peer-reviewed technical papers and book sections in over eighty articles and book sections in numerous IEEE International Conferences and prestigious international journals.  He is a member of IEEE and served as a reviewer of several international journals, including Scopus, Compendex (Elsevier Engineering Index), and WoS International Journals. He served in different capacities as department support for Mathematics for Data Science, Advanced Topics in Computing, Advanced Algorithms, and System Performance and Evaluation. He served in different capacities as a Community Data Officer at the Programme for Accessible Health, Communication and Education, Research Associate and Data Manager at Population Services International, Data Manager and Research Assistant at the Socio-Economic Data Center, Research Lead at TechnoServe and Ag. Chief Executive Officer at Asmaah Charity Organisation.