University of Sharjah hosts ICBES 2025
In his opening address, His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, welcomed the distinguished speakers and participants, expressing his deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in advancing impactful research, sustainable innovation, and academic excellence. He emphasised that the conference serves as a unique platform to foster collaboration between researchers, business leaders, and policymakers, all working towards achieving sustainable development goals. The University of Sharjah, he affirmed, continues to be a regional leader in sustainability and entrepreneurship, playing a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development, scientific research, and excellence in education.
His Excellency Prof. Al Naimiy also highlighted UOS's remarkable achievement in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, where it secured the 67
th
place globally in 2024 for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the University maintained its top position in the UAE for the eighth consecutive year, ranking second in the GCC and third in the Arab world.
Global Participation and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Prof. Mammar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, emphasised the conference's international scope, with participants from 13 countries. This global gathering enhances academic discourse on sustainability and fosters global research partnerships. He described the event as an interdisciplinary platform where experts from diverse fields collaborate to address pressing challenges in environmental sustainability. The synergy between international cooperation and cross-disciplinary integration, he noted, is essential for driving innovation and accelerating progress. He further stressed that such initiatives align with the University's commitment to advancing scientific research, improving educational quality, and strengthening partnerships with key industry players to realise ambitious sustainability goals.
Prof. Ilhan Ozturk, Dean of the College of Business Administration, underscored the significance of ICBES 2025 as a vital forum for academics, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas, showcase cutting-edge research, and shape a more sustainable future for business and energy solutions. He pointed out that today's global challenges, including climate change, energy security, and environmental sustainability, demand innovative and collaborative solutions. The conference, he noted, facilitates crucial discussions on sustainable business practices, renewable energy, climate action, and corporate social responsibility.
Illuminating Insights on Sustainability and Innovation
In an inspirational keynote speech, His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman, presented a compelling discussion on sustainability and the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices. His Highness stressed the need for collective action to ensure a better future for generations to come and highlighted the significance of innovative solutions in areas such as decarbonisation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. He asserted that with effective strategies, societies can achieve a transformative shift toward a more sustainable future.
Groundbreaking Research
The conference provided a rich academic environment for scholars and professionals to exchange insights on sustainable solutions to pressing environmental and economic challenges. Key topics included artificial intelligence and sustainability in business, challenges in implementing circular economy models in SMEs, and the impact of innovation in renewable energy on emerging markets.
Prominent speakers included Professor Daniel Blasalober-Lorente from Castilla-La Mancha University in Australia, who delivered a lecture on the impact of sustainability on business practices, and Prof. Gary Campbell from Michigan Technological University in the United States, who discussed sustainable energy strategies and their role in achieving development goals.
The conference also featured research panels on the role of digitalisation in sustainable development, environmental strategies in emerging markets, circular economy strategies and their impact on business sustainability, AI-driven efficiency in sustainable enterprises, consumer attitudes toward recycled plastic products, and leadership and influence in sustainable business practices. Participants also engaged in a roundtable discussion with editors of leading academic journals, exploring strategies for publishing high-impact research. The conference proceedings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, further contributing to global knowledge dissemination and innovation in sustainability.
Closing Ceremony and Recognitions
The conference concluded with a ceremonial recognition of key sponsors, including BEEAH and Dubai Investments, along with honouring keynote speakers and distinguished participants for their valuable contributions.
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