Document Type : Original research
Authors
1
Political Science-International Relations Department, Khorramshahr International Unit, Islamic Azad University, Khorramshahr, Iran.
2
Political Science Department, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
"Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the energy sector, as dynamic actors, can play a significant role in advancing sustainable development. These entities, in order to improve access to new energy sources, enhance consumption efficiency, and strengthen public awareness, offer and implement a wide range of initiatives. However, the extent of their impact towards achieving sustainable development goals depends on addressing challenges that emerge in financial, institutional, social, and technical dimensions. In this research, a meta-analysis approach was used to examine numerous findings that have explored various aspects of the role of NGOs in the energy sector in recent years. The collected data indicate that the lack of financial resources, the complexity and inefficiency of legal frameworks, as well as social barriers such as public non-acceptance or weak education and information dissemination, are the most significant limiting factors. On the other hand, the use of incentive policies, multi-stakeholder partnerships between government, the private sector, and local communities, along with targeted capacity building in the field of specialized skills and knowledge, are key drivers in facilitating the achievement of goals such as widespread access to energy sources, reduction of energy poverty, and support for sustainability processes. The findings also show that the success of strategies related to improving energy infrastructure and developing new technologies largely depends on comprehensive education and increased public awareness. In fact, the higher the society's understanding of the benefits of sustainable energy, the higher the acceptance of initiatives and the motivation to participate in related programs. Furthermore, the integration of these entities' activities with strategic development goals enhances synergy capacity and significantly affects the economic and social resilience of communities. Accordingly, it can be concluded that energy NGOs have significant potential to facilitate sustainable development. However, realizing this potential requires addressing structural problems,
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