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The conference was organised by AUS’s College of Business Administration in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action and the Sustainable Financial Innovation Centre at the University of Birmingham, the University of Birmingham Dubai, and the UAE-UK Business Council. Sessions focused on sustainable finance priorities and building future-proof financial systems.
The programme began with introductory remarks from Dr Narjess Boubakri, Dean of the College of Business Administration at AUS, and Professor Hisham Farraj, Professor of Finance and Director of Sustainable Financial Innovation Centre at the University of Birmingham. These were followed by welcoming remarks from Dr Todd Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Dr Yusra Mouzougi, Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai.
Shaping the global dialogue on the future of finance
Dr Boubakri stated, “This conference embodies AUS’s role in shaping the global dialogue on the future of finance. As sustainability becomes a critical economic force, we are committed to advancing research and developing leaders capable of navigating complexity and responsible innovation, contributing to a more resilient and equitable financial system.”
Professor William Meginson of the University of Oklahoma, Professor of Finance and holder of the Price Chair at the Michael V. Price School of Business, delivered a keynote address on the economics of spaceflight financing and how new technologies intersect with long-term investment strategies, risk frameworks, and sustainability priorities. It is worth noting that Megenson also serves as the Finance Editor for the *Journal of International Business Studies* and is a Visiting Professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
The conference featured plenary sessions and parallel discussions showcasing empirical research, insights, and policies on climate-related finance risks and bank resilience; the impact of governance and disclosure on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance; green innovation and investment in emerging markets; the divergence of sustainability assessments and the dynamics of "greenwashing"; systemic risks in the energy sector; and the accelerating expansion of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and financial technology applications to promote sustainable finance and financial inclusion. These dialogues aimed to align academic evidence with investable transition pathways that are consistent with regional sustainability priorities.
The conference also included a panel discussion on investing in carbon capture and storage, moderated by Bradley Jones, Executive Director of the UAE-UK Business Council, with the participation of Rohit Balakrishnan, Executive Director of Sustainable Finance and Asset and Project Finance at First Abu Dhabi Bank; and Dharmesh Kumar, Head of Business Development for the Middle East. Ricardo and Bina Sharma, CEO and co-founder of CCU International, also spoke.
Lord Edney-Lester, UK Chairman of the UAE-UK Business Council, delivered a speech highlighting the prospects for UAE-UK cooperation in sustainable investment.
A key outcome of the conference was the expansion of international cooperation with the University of Birmingham in the UK. The American University of Sharjah and the University of Birmingham signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining collaboration on joint research and publications, responsible data exchange, faculty and student engagement, workshops and hackathons focused on innovation and startup incubation, as well as training programs, academic visits, reciprocal participation in advisory boards and research mentorship, and the submission of coordinated external research funding proposals in the UAE and the UK.
The agreement also includes provisions for joint research projects and publications, responsible data exchange, faculty and student engagement, and the submission of coordinated external research funding proposals in the UAE and the UK. Dr Osama Al Khazali, Professor and Chair of the Finance Department at AUS and Chair of the Organising Committee, said: “This memorandum provides a practical roadmap for collaborative work. By aligning research priorities and opening effective avenues for cooperation between AUS and the University of Birmingham, we are laying the foundation for impactful initiatives that support the UAE’s long-term ambitions in finance and sustainable development.”
Dr Yusra Mouzougi, Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai, said: “We are delighted to formalise our partnership with AUS through this memorandum. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and promoting interdisciplinary innovation. Together, we aim to create opportunities that deepen our partnership with industry, expand joint research, and provide real-world learning experiences for our students, preparing them to lead and contribute effectively to the region’s evolving business, engineering, AI, and technology landscape.” The Department of Finance at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) offers four academic programs: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with a specialization in Finance), a Bachelor of Science minor in Finance, a Master of Science in Finance, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Finance. This provides a comprehensive pathway from undergraduate studies to advanced research and professional development. AUS is ranked first (tied) in the UAE for accounting and finance and is among the top 250 universities globally in this field, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
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