WJSTSD · Vol 21, No 4 · 2026Research

Enforcing Contracts for Sustainable Development: Aligning Legal Frameworks with SDG Targets

Faculty of Business
Sohar University
Received: 24 May 2025Revised: 24 March 2026Accepted: 23 April 2026Published: 1 June 2026
Purpose

This article explores the use of enforceable contracts to advance sustainable development, leveraging innovative legal structures for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation and addressing global challenges such as inequality, environmental harm, and governance.

Design/Methodology/Approach

A qualitative doctrinal and comparative study of legal sources considers the enforcement of contracts and how it relates to SDGs.

Findings

Contract enforcement that supports sustainability supports SDGs such as Peace, Justice, Climate Action, and Reduced Inequalities, but inconsistent legal standards and limited awareness impede implementation.

Original/Value of the Paper

Contract enforcement is crucial for sustainable development. Strategies for incorporating SDGs into legal documents guide decision-makers on laws and business strategies.

Research Limitations/Implications

Using secondary information and changes in the law make it difficult to generalise, underscoring the need to update current guidelines.

Practical Implications

Sustainability-related provisions and ethical dispute clauses in contracts encourage fairness, assist vulnerable individuals, and help achieve environmental goals.

Keywords
Enforcing ContractSDGsDeveloping Clear LawsSustainability ClausesPreventing Corruption
Citation

Jebarah, S.A. (2026): Enforcing Contracts for Sustainable Development: Aligning Legal Frameworks with SDG Targets. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 287-303. WASD: London, United Kingdom.