[IMPORTANT] Essential Inclusion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Article Keywords

2026-10-17

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL AUTHORS

Essential Inclusion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Article Keywords

Integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Research Publications

Planning Malaysia Journal is committed to promoting research that contributes to sustainable development and supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, encompassing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with this commitment, all authors submitting manuscripts to Planning Malaysia Journal are required to include at least one relevant Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in the Keywords section of their articles.

Requirements for Authors

  1. Mandatory SDG Keyword: Authors must identify and include at least one SDG (SDG 1–SDG 17) that is directly relevant to the subject matter, research objectives, findings or implications of their manuscript.
  2. Standardised Format: The SDG must be clearly identified using its official number and title, for example:
    • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • SDG 13: Climate Action
    • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  3. Multiple SDGs: Authors may include more than one SDG where the research meaningfully contributes to multiple sustainable development objectives.
  4. Relevance: The selected SDG(s) must reflect the actual scope and contribution of the research. Authors should not include unrelated SDGs merely to fulfil this requirement.
  5. Editorial Compliance: Manuscripts submitted without a relevant SDG keyword may be returned to the authors for revision before proceeding to the editorial review process.

Example of Keywords

Keywords: Urban Planning; Sustainable Urban Development; Housing Accessibility; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Effective Implementation

This requirement applies to all new manuscript submissions to Planning Malaysia Journal with immediate effect.

The Editorial Board appreciates the cooperation of all authors in strengthening the visibility, relevance and contribution of published research towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Editor-in-Chief
Planning Malaysia Journal
Malaysian Institute of Planners

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Reference: All 17 Sustainable Development Goals

For authors’ reference, the official SDGs are:

1) No Poverty

2) Zero Hunger

3) Good Health and Well-Being

4) Quality Education

5) Gender Equality

6) Clean Water and Sanitation

7) Affordable and Clean Energy

8) Decent Work and Economic Growth

9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

10) Reduced Inequalities

11) Sustainable Cities and Communities

12) Responsible Consumption and Production

13) Climate Action

14) Life Below Water

15) Life on Land

16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

17) Partnerships for the Goals

Official reference: United Nations – The 17 Sustainable Development Goals.