KNUST’s Prof. Emmanuel Adinyira has called for a shift in global development frameworks, warning that sustainability efforts risk bypassing local communities in emerging economies.

Speaking on the theme “When Progress Bypasses Communities: A Reimagined Agenda for Rethinking Local Empowerment and Sustainability in Emerging Economies,” Prof. Adinyira said the world is off track to meet any of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. “Emerging economies face an annual investment gap of $4 trillion. We must look beyond the SDGs and integrate frameworks like the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he said.

He spoke at the SURE-Built Global Forum for Sustainable Development in Emerging Economies in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Prof. Adinyira highlighted what he termed the “HSE paradox” in the built environment, where formal contractors operate with safety standards while surrounding communities remain exposed to health and environmental risks.

“We protect engineers with helmets and earmuffs, yet the same machinery disrupts the sleep and health of nearby residents,” he said.

He called for governments to enforce health, safety and environment (HSE) laws, and urged educational institutions to intensify training. He also recommended that religious and civic centres promote informal learning on HSE practices.

“Knowledge must travel, both near and far. We must democratise HSE awareness and embed it in the everyday lives of our people,” Prof. Adinyira said.

He concluded by urging researchers to address real-world challenges, not just academic disciplines. The conference drew participants from across the globe, with attendees engaging in a Q&A session following his address.