Inaugural Sustainability, ESG, and Value Creation Conference
Inaugural Sustainability, ESG, and Value Creation Conference
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - Oct 5-7, 2023
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
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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
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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.