AUS leads regional dialogue on sustainable finance and expands partnership with University of Birmingham

American University of Sharjah (AUS) strengthened its role as a regional leader in sustainable finance by hosting more than 60 international experts during the Sustainable Finance Innovation Conference (SFIC), held from October 30 to November 2, 2025. The event advanced research, policy development and market practice, while also marking a significant expansion of AUS’ partnership with the University of Birmingham, UK.

Organised by the AUS School of Business Administration (SBA) in collaboration with the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action, the Sustainable Financial Innovation Centre, the University of Birmingham Dubai, and the UAE–UK Business Council, the conference explored emerging trends shaping the future of sustainable finance.

The program opened with remarks from Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of SBA, and Professor Hisham Farag of the University of Birmingham, followed by welcome speeches from Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Dr. Yusra Mouzughi, Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai.

“SFIC reflects AUS’ role in shaping the global conversation on the future of finance,” said Dr. Boubakri. “As markets evolve and sustainability becomes a defining economic force, we are committed to advancing research and preparing leaders who can navigate complexity, innovate responsibly and contribute to a more resilient and equitable financial system.”

A keynote delivered by Dr. William L. Megginson, Professor and Price Chair in Finance at the University of Oklahoma, highlighted the financial economics of spaceflight, examining how frontier technologies intersect with long-term investment, risk frameworks and sustainability-related considerations.

The conference combined plenary discussions with parallel academic sessions showcasing new empirical research on climate-related financial risk, bank resilience, ESG disclosure and performance, green innovation in emerging markets, ESG rating discrepancies, greenwashing, systemic energy-sector risks and the growing role of AI, machine learning and FinTech in sustainable finance and financial inclusion.

A panel discussion on carbon capture and storage investment brought together specialists from the UAE–UK Business Council, First Abu Dhabi Bank and CCU International, while an address by The Rt Hon. The Lord Udny-Lister, UK Chair of the UAE–UK Business Council, underscored opportunities for UAE–UK cooperation in sustainable investment.

A major outcome of the conference was the formalisation of an expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AUS and the University of Birmingham, UK. The agreement establishes a framework for joint research projects, co-authored academic publications, data-sharing initiatives, student and faculty exchanges, innovation-focused workshops, internships, business incubation, guest lectures and joint funding bids in both countries.

“The MoU sets a practical roadmap for joint action,” said Dr. Osamah AlKhazali, Professor and Head of the Department of Finance at AUS. “By aligning research priorities and creating meaningful pathways for collaboration, we aim to support the UAE’s long-term financial and sustainable development goals.”

Dr. Yusra Mouzughi, Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai, added: “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Together, we aim to enhance industry engagement, research collaboration and real-world learning opportunities that prepare students to lead in an evolving business, technology and AI-driven landscape.”

AUS’ Department of Finance offers a full academic pathway from undergraduate to doctoral levels, including a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Finance, a Master of Science in Finance, a Minor in Finance and a PhD in Finance. AUS is ranked number one (tied) in the UAE and among the top 250 universities worldwide for accounting and finance, according to the QS World University Rankings by Narrow Subjects 2025.