In the era of rapid digitalization, vulnerable groups—including persons with disabilities, elderly populations, low-income households, and ethnic minorities—in Southeast Asia face compounded risks of marginalization amid technological progress. This study examines how governance systems can leverage digital tools to empower these groups rather than exacerbate exclusion, focusing on five Southeast Asian countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia). Through a mixed-methods approach involving 92 stakeholder interviews, 1,500 household surveys, and policy analysis of 41 national and local initiatives, the research identifies three core empowerment mechanisms: accessible digital service design, participatory policy co-creation, and community-based digital capacity building. Findings reveal that integrated governance models—combining state-led policy safeguards, private-sector technological innovation, and community-driven implementation—achieve 42% higher rates of digital empowerment (defined as independent use of digital tools for livelihood improvement, rights advocacy, and social participation) compared to fragmented interventions. The study further uncovers that contextual adaptability (e.g., multilingual support, low-tech alternatives) and trust-building between governance actors and vulnerable groups are critical moderators of success. This research contributes to the literature on digital governance and social equity by proposing an “empowerment-centered inclusion framework” that bridges technological accessibility and substantive rights realization, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, tech developers, and civil society organizations in Southeast Asia and beyond.

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Urban industrial zones are major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, yet they hold untapped potential for decarbonization. This study develops a multidimensional framework integrating renewable energy adoption, circular economy practices, and policy incentives through a systematic literature review (n=196) and cross-case analysis of 12 industrial zones across Europe, North America, and Africa. The findings identify three core pillars—technological integration, resource circularity, and regulatory alignment—as critical for scalable decarbonization. The framework addresses gaps in existing research by bridging technical feasibility with socioeconomic and policy realities. Practical implications for industrial stakeholders, policymakers, and urban planners emphasize cost-effective, inclusive strategies that balance emission reductions with economic resilience. This research contributes to Global Pollution Solutions discourse by providing actionable pathways to transform industrial zones into low-carbon hubs.

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Coastal plastic pollution poses an existential threat to marine biodiversity, human health, and coastal livelihoods, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic entering oceans annually. This study develops a community-centered framework integrating prevention, cleanup, and policy coordination through a systematic literature review (n=207) and cross-case analysis of 15 coastal communities across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The findings identify three core pillars—community engagement, circular waste management, and transboundary policy alignment—as critical for scalable pollution mitigation. The framework addresses gaps in existing research by bridging local action with global policy, while prioritizing the needs of vulnerable coastal populations. Practical implications for community leaders, policymakers, and environmental organizations emphasize cost-effective, culturally adaptive strategies that balance short-term cleanup with long-term prevention. This research contributes to Global Pollution Solutions discourse by providing actionable pathways to restore coastal ecosystems and build resilience against plastic pollution.

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As Latin American countries accelerate digital governance—integrating algorithms into public service allocation, judicial processes, and social protection—marginalized groups (including Indigenous populations, low-income households, Afro-Latin communities, and persons with disabilities) face heightened risks of algorithmic bias and exclusion. This study examines how algorithmic systems in four key governance areas (social welfare, criminal justice, healthcare access, and education) perpetuate or mitigate inequalities across six Latin American countries (Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru). Through a mixed-methods approach involving algorithmic impact audits of 18 digital governance tools, 76 stakeholder interviews, and policy analysis of 35 national frameworks, the research identifies three primary sources of algorithmic bias: unrepresentative training data, structural inequality embedded in input variables, and limited transparency in algorithmic decision-making. Findings reveal that bias-mitigating governance strategies—including participatory algorithm design, mandatory fairness audits, and community-led oversight mechanisms—reduce discriminatory outcomes by 43% compared to unregulated algorithmic systems. The study contributes to global debates on algorithmic justice by proposing a “Latin American Algorithmic Fairness Framework” that integrates contextual realities (e.g., historical inequality, cultural diversity, and variable institutional capacity) into bias mitigation, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, tech developers, and civil society organizations seeking to ensure digital governance serves all Latin Americans equitably.

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Small-scale industries (SSIs) are major contributors to urban air pollution in developing and developed economies alike, emitting high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to outdated technologies and limited regulatory compliance. This study develops a tripartite framework integrating policy incentives, cleaner production technologies (CPTs), and community engagement through a systematic literature review (n=211) and cross-case analysis of 14 urban SSIs across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The findings identify three core pillars—regulatory alignment, technological adoption, and stakeholder collaboration—as critical for scalable pollution mitigation. The framework addresses gaps in existing research by bridging top-down policy with bottom-up industry and community action, while accounting for resource constraints of SSIs. Practical implications for policymakers, industry owners, and community organizations emphasize cost-effective, context-adaptive strategies that balance emission reductions with economic viability. This research contributes to Global Pollution Solutions discourse by providing actionable pathways to transform SSIs into low-emission enterprises.

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