On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Departments of Accounting and Banking and Finance at Tishk International University (TIU) successfully hosted an International Workshop titled, “Financial Literacy and Sustainability.” The event served as a platform for faculty, students, and industry professionals to discuss the critical intersection of financial literacy, environmental sustainability, and accounting theory. Participants attended from around the globe, and the workshop featured two distinguished presenters, Dr. Firdous Ahmad Malik and Dr. Haider Aref.
Key Presentations
The first session was led by Dr. Firdous Ahmad Malik, an Assistant Professor of Economics in the Department of Business Administration at the University of People, USA. His thought-provoking presentation was titled “Financial Literacy and Environmental Sustainability in the Global South: Navigating Complex Challenges and Promoting Equitable Solutions.” In his talk, Dr. Malik explored the intricate challenges faced by nations in the Global South in achieving financial literacy while simultaneously addressing environmental sustainability. He emphasized the urgent need for financial solutions that can help in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Following Dr. Malik’s presentation, Dr. Haider Aref, a faculty member from the Faculty of Law, Political Science, and Management at Soran University, presented on “The Role of Sustainability in Shaping Concepts of Accounting Theory.” Dr. Aref provided a comprehensive overview of how sustainability principles are increasingly influencing the development of modern accounting theory. He examined how sustainability considerations are reshaping traditional financial reporting and how organizations in the Kurdistan Region can better integrate environmental and social factors into their decision-making processes to ensure long-term success.
Discussion and Conclusion
The workshop proved to be a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on the role of financial literacy in fostering environmental sustainability and on how accounting practices are evolving to meet global challenges. Participants engaged in stimulating discussions, raising questions, and sharing insights on how these topics can be better integrated into academic curricula and real-world practices. An interactive Q&A session followed the presentations, allowing students and faculty to delve deeper into issues such as sustainable accounting standards and real-world examples of successful governance models. After the discussions, Dr. Abubakar Karaye, the head of the Accounting, Banking & Finance Department at TIU, presented certificates to both Dr. Malik and Dr. Aref, followed by a vote of thanks and closing remarks.
The Departments of Accounting and Banking and Finance extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Firdous Ahmad Malik and Dr. Haider Aref for their invaluable contributions and to all participants for their active engagement. The departments also thanked the organizing committee for their hard work in making the event a success.
Keywords: Financial Literacy, Sustainability, Workshop, Tishk International University, Sustainable Development Goals, Accounting
