This volume, the second in a set of two, focuses on the challenges faced by countries and regions in implementing sustainable development. This volume addresses the obstacles encountered by emerging economies, particularly in areas such as policy implementation, resource mobilization, and institutional barriers. The content takes a critical and analytical approach, offering strategic insights and case studies on how these challenges are being addressed. The chapters cover themes like energy sustainability, gender parity, and foreign direct investment (FDI) and explore strategies like public-private partnerships and socio-ecological resilience. Volume II also looks at how different nations, particularly India, Serbia, and Malaysia, are tackling these challenges and seeks to provide actionable insights on overcoming the difficulties that hinder sustainable development.

While Volume I adopts a more optimistic, solution-oriented tone, showcasing how innovation is already driving sustainable development, Volume II has a problem-solving and critical tone, focusing on the barriers that need to be overcome for sustainability to be fully realized. Volume I is centered on positive examples and the transformative potential of innovative practices, whereas Volume II focuses on the complexities of achieving sustainability and provides strategic solutions for overcoming challenges. Together, the two volumes offer a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges in the pursuit of sustainable development.