Westminster Business School (WBS) and the School of Finance and Accounting hosted the Academy of Sustainable Finance, Accounting, Accountability and Governance’s (ASFAAG) fifth conference. The event provided an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to discuss and debate critical issues on green finance and accounting, specifically on the role of innovation, financial technology (FinTech) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in delivering Net Zero.
Held between 21-23 July, the event was opened by Westminster’s Professor Andrew Linn, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, and Professor Christos Kalantaridis, Pro Vice Chancellor for Teaching Excellence and Students Experience and Head of WBS.
The conference featured 70 research presentations by participants representing 60 universities across 27 countries. It also welcomed editors of leading finance and accounting journals, including the Journal of Business Finance and Accounting, Journal of Sustainable Finance and Accounting and Journal of International Financial Management and Accounting, who shared valuable insights into current publishing trends and priorities in the field.
Keynote presentations and speeches were made by distinguished scholars from across the UK and Turkey, and a dedicated practitioner session brought together expert panellists from KPMG, British Academy and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), offering real-word perspectives. Additional sessions focused on academic publishing and navigating the job market, providing valuable guidance for PhD students.
Professor Abdelhafid Benamraoui, Professor of Finance, said: “By bringing academics and practitioners together into the ASFAAG conference we can advance knowledge and provide solutions to immediate climate and economic challenges. Green finance and accounting play a vital role in ensuring that global financial resources are used effectively and responsibly. With innovation, FinTech and AI there is indeed more of a scope to deliver on the sustainability goals and to increase our investments in greener economies and therefore having a proper due care for our future generations.”
The conference directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13: Climate Action and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the School of Finance and Accounting at the University of Westminster.
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