The city of Hammamet, Tunisia, recently hosted the second edition of the International Conference on Governance and Sustainability. Organized by the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management in Nablus, the conference brought together academics, researchers, and experts from Tunisia and abroad. The event aimed to explore the challenges of sustainable development in the face of rapid global transformations, including geopolitical, climate, economic, and technological changes.
The conference focused on the role of good governance in improving institutional performance and enhancing adaptability to current challenges. According to Anis Ben Abdallah, Dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management in Nablus, this year's conference built on the success of the first edition in 2025. The scientific program featured a diverse range of topics and included a roundtable discussion on financing the transition to a new, sustainable development model.
The conference included 12 parallel scientific sessions, allowing PhD students and researchers to present their work and exchange experiences. Khaled Hossini, a professor of accounting at Bangor University in the UK, participated in the conference, discussing corporate governance and its impact on financial performance. He also led a workshop on international scientific publishing, aiming to help Tunisian researchers improve the quality of their work.
Hossini emphasized the importance of adopting modern technologies to improve productivity and performance. However, he also highlighted the need for serious consideration of cybersecurity risks and data protection. He stressed that administrative bodies and boards of directors must provide necessary resources for cybersecurity programs and employee training to prevent security breaches.
The conference also explored the role of artificial intelligence in improving performance and decision-making. Hossini noted that AI presents opportunities for growth but also requires careful management to balance benefits and potential risks. He emphasized the importance of investing in innovation and patents to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
The conference program highlighted the interconnectedness of governance, innovation, technological transformation, and financing in building resilient institutions. The event aimed to develop recommendations and proposals for improving economic development models and implementing necessary reforms to make sustainable development a reality.
The conference concluded with a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to work together to address the challenges of governance and sustainability. The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, aiming to contribute to the development of effective solutions for sustainable development in Tunisia and beyond.
Key points
- The conference focused on the role of good governance in sustainable development
- Experts discussed the impact of technological transformations on institutions and economies
- The event aimed to develop recommendations for improving economic development models and implementing necessary reforms
