UOWD’s School of Business Launches "Sustainably Forward: Conversations on Climate Change, Sustainable Finance and Our Future"
Tuesday, 05 December, 2023
The inauguration of the "Sustainably Forward" talk series at the University of Wollongong in Dubai's (UOWD) School of Business marked a significant step towards addressing the educational needs of students in the realm of sustainability. This initiative, led by Mr Sherwin Fernandes, Instructor in Finance, Statistics & Economics, began with a focus on the critical role of sustainability in finance, particularly in emerging markets.
The pressing global issue at the heart of this series is the impact of climate change, which is made worse by unsustainable practices in various economic sectors. The discussion, moderated by Mr Sherwin Fernandes and Ms Simi Colaco, President of UOWD Sustainability Society, highlighted the need for a shift in financial systems that have traditionally prioritized short-term gains, often at the expense of long-term environmental health. Sustainable finance, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into financial decision-making, was presented as a crucial solution to this challenge.
The panel of the inaugural talk was formed of Mr. Ravi Suri, Managing Director of Aplen Capital, and Dr Vikash Ramiah, UOWD Director of Research and Associate Professor of Finance. Dr Vikash Ramiah emphasized the growing importance of sustainable finance not just in developed economies but also in emerging markets. His statement, “Sustainable finance makes perfect sense in developed markets after having gone through their industrialization phases. It is perhaps a foreign currency in emerging markets right now, but it will make sense to the whole world earlier than expected”, reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable financial practices across diverse economic landscapes.
This inaugural edition of "Sustainably Forward" provided students with a valuable understanding of the dynamics in emerging markets. Students benefited from insights about countries like India and the UAE, where sustainable finance and new green technologies are increasingly becoming a key factor in economic development.
Regarding the future and the vision of the Sustainably Forward talks, Mr Sherwin Fernandes stated: “My vision is to cultivate a new generation of well-informed professionals, empowering them to explore innovative business practices at the intersection of sustainable finance and climate change—where profitability aligns seamlessly with environmental responsibility."
The “Sustainably Forward” talk series is set to continue educating students on various subtopics of sustainability, underscoring UOWD's commitment to preparing future leaders to navigate and influence a world where sustainability is increasingly at the forefront of economic and social policies. This initiative aligns with global efforts like COP28, emphasizing the role of education in shaping a sustainable future.
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