International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Governance for Sustainability: Public Administration Capacity, Collaborative Governance, and Accountability in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Public administration has become central to sustainable development because the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require governments to convert broad global commitments into coordinated, accountable and locally responsive public action. This article examines how public administration contributes to sustainability through institutional capacity, collaborative governance, inclusive public finance, evidence-based policy tools, digital transparency and community participation. Drawing on a structured narrative review and qualitative document analysis of scholarly and policy sources, the paper argues that sustainability is not only an environmental agenda but also an administrative challenge involving coordination across sectors, equitable allocation of resources, integrity in public institutions and meaningful engagement with citizens. The review shows that public administration supports the SDGs most effectively when it shifts from rule-bound implementation to adaptive governance, integrates social and environmental assessment into projects, uses spatial and digital tools for targeted policy, and respects local knowledge in development planning. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for strengthening administrative systems, reducing implementation gaps and aligning public service delivery with long-term sustainability outcomes.