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Inaugural Sustainability, ESG, and Value Creation Conference

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Inaugural Sustainability, ESG, and Value Creation Conference

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - Oct 5-7, 2023

Conference Program

Call For Papers


The Global Initiative for Governance and Sustainability (GIGS) is now accepting paper submissions for the Sustainability, ESG, & Value Creation Conference, taking place at the breathtaking locale of Niagara Falls, Canada, on October 5-7, 2023. We invite researchers and experts to submit their original research papers that break new ground in understanding sustainability, ESG, and green finance.

This highly-selective event aims to create an immersive, dialogue-driven space that fosters innovation, collaboration, and rigorous academic exchange. The conference will span two intensive days, featuring six to eight curated paper presentations, each one offering a unique exploration of cutting-edge research, and a thought-provoking panel discussion with renowned experts in the field.

This conference is designed to bring together leading scholars, industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders, providing a unique platform to share, debate, and shape the future of sustainability, ESG, and green finance. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the latest research findings, practical implications, and transformative ideas, while also networking with like-minded professionals and establishing connections for future collaborations.

This conference focuses on a small number of presentations, which ensures a high level of interaction, feedback, and scholarly discussion around each presented paper. Additionally, a distinguished panel of world-class speakers will be discussing and analyzing the implications of these novel ideas and approaches.

The selected papers will ideally explore topics such as:

  • Innovative sustainable finance mechanisms
  • ESG and financial performance
  • Green bonds and their effectiveness
  • Sustainable investing and shareholder value
  • Illicit financial flow
  • Climate risk and its financial implications
  • The role of governance in promoting sustainability

Conference Co-Chairs:

  • , Dale Looper Chair in Accounting, University of Oklahoma 
  • Linda Myers, 
  • Samir Trabelsi, CPA Ontario Distinguished Scholar, Professor of Accounting & Governance, Brock University

Conference Co-Chairs

CS Agnes Cheng

Dale Looper Chair in Accounting, 
University of Oklahoma 

Linda Myers

Haslam Chair of Business & Distinguished Professor of Accounting
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Samir Trabelsi

CPA Ontario Distinguished Scholar, Professor of Accounting & Governance, Brock University
President,
Canadian Academic Accounting Association

9:15 - 10:45 | GIGS - ESG Certified Director: A Foundation

Foundations of Sustainability 

Dr. Amna Chalwati

Associate Professor of Accounting, Saint Mary’s University

Prof. Samir Trabelsi

CPA Ontario Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Accounting and Governance, Goodman School of Business at Brock University

 Green Finance & Financial Inclusion

Prof. Robert Wood

Consultant and Professor of Behavioural Decision Making, Macquarie Business School

Prof. Nadia Massoud

Endowed Professor of Finance, University of Melbourne


Sustainability & Risk Management

Prof. Ines Chaieb

Professor of Finance, Swiss Finance Institute & University of Geneva

Prof. Hatem Ben Ameur

Professor of Decision Science, HEC Montréal

10:45 - 11:00 | Networking Coffee Break

11:00 - 11:45 | Keynote Address: Global Sustainability Reporting: Materiality, Standards and Geopolitics

Prof. Charles H. Cho

Professor of Sustainability Accounting

Erivan K. Haub Chair in Business & Sustainability, Schulich School of Business, York University

11:45 - 12:30 | Panel I: AI & ESG Risk Management

Neila Benzina

Chief Executive Officer, Wimbee Technology

Prof. Charles H. Cho

Professor of Sustainability Accounting, York University, Toronto, Canada

Prof. Samir Trabelsi 

CPA Ontario Distinguished Scholar of Accounting and Governance, Brock University

As ESG expectations grow more complex and scrutiny intensifies, organizations are turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen their risk management strategies. This panel brings together ESG leaders, data scientists, and risk practitioners to explore how AI is reshaping the way companies identify, assess, and manage ESG-related risks, from climate exposure and supply chain vulnerabilities to social impact and governance integrity.


Panelists will share real-world applications, discuss the potential and limits of AI in ESG analytics, and tackle key questions around data quality, bias, regulatory compliance, and transparency. Attendees will gain practical insights into how AI tools can enhance ESG oversight, not replace it, while aligning innovation with accountability and long-term value creation.

12:30 - 13:15 |  Panel II: ESG in Action: Driving Long-Term Value Through Responsible Business

Ahmed Karam

Chairman of the Board, Tunisia Leasing and Factoring

Kawther Mekni

K-SustaiNova Consulting

Nejla Gharbi

CEO, La Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

Manel Zammouri

Partner – Head of Strategy & Deal Advisory – KPMG Tunisia & Libya

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have moved from aspiration to action—and are now central to long-term business performance and resilience. This panel brings together business leaders and ESG practitioners to share how organizations are embedding ESG into strategy, operations, and decision-making to create real, measurable value.


Through practical case studies and open dialogue, panelists will discuss what it takes to move beyond box-checking, tackling challenges like ESG data integration, stakeholder engagement, regulatory shifts, and performance tracking. Whether it’s navigating climate risk, building inclusive cultures, or strengthening governance frameworks, this session will highlight what responsible business looks like in practice, and how it can drive innovation, trust, and competitive advantage.

13:30 - 13:45 | Closing Remarks & Certificate Delivery to Participants

13:45 - 15:00 | Networking Lunch