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GIGS 5th Annual Conference 2026

Global Initiative for Governance and Sustainability

GIGS 5th Annual
Conference

Innovation, Social Preferences, and Sustainable Value Creation for Business, People & Planet

Dates July 8–11, 2026
Format 4 Days · Multi-Track
Tracks Finance · Accounting · Management · IR
Co-Chairs:  Ines Chaieb  ·  Nadia Massoud  ·  Robert Wood  ·  Samir Trabelsi  ·  Chokri Slim
Day One

Arrival & Welcome

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
16:30
20:00
Registration Opens
Welcome & check-in for all conference participants
15:00
16:00
Main Hall
North Africa – North America Dialogue
Sustainable Leadership in Business Education
Deans Meetings
By Invitation Only
Day Two

Sessions & Keynote

Thursday, July 9, 2026
Tracks:
Finance
Accounting
Management
Industrial Relations
8:30
10:30
Registration Continues
8:45
8:55
Main Hall
Conference Opening Remarks & Welcome
Ines Chaieb, Nadia Massoud, Robert Wood, Chokri Slim, Samir Trabelsi and Amna Chalwati
Co-Chairs
9:00
10:30
Concurrent Sessions
Session 1A
Finance
Session F1
ESG Investing & Fund Performance
Breakout Room A
Chair: Stéphane Chrétien, Université Laval
Heterogeneous Stakeholder Pressure
Dennis Bams*, Maastricht University; Bram van der Kroft, MIT; Karen Maas, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Stéphane Chrétien, Université Laval
Does Active Management Matter in ESG Investing
Eymen Errais*, Tunis Business School; Fatma Ammar, HEC Montréal
Dennis Bams, Maastricht University
Reputation, Perception, and Pricing: Evidence from ESG Reputation in U.S. Equity Markets
Stéphane Chrétien*, Université Laval; Claudia Champagne, Université de Sherbrooke; Frank Coggins, Université de Sherbrooke; Maxime Brochu, Desjardins Funds
Eymen Errais, Tunis Business School
Session 1B
Accounting
Session A1
ESG, Biodiversity & Corporate Accountability
Breakout Room B
Chair: Ali Ghali, UQAR
Tax Avoidance and Digital Tax Transparency
Hussein Warsame*, University of Calgary, Canada; Rahat Jafri, MacEwan University, Canada; Mark Anderson, University of Calgary, Canada; Michael Wright, University of Calgary, Canada
Ali Ghali, UQAR
The Biodiversity Impact of Corporate Divestitures
Dushyantkumar Vyas*, University of Toronto; Ole-Kristian Hope, University of Toronto; Vlad-Andrei Porumb, University of Manchester; Simona Rusanescu, University of Groningen
Oussama El Ajal, University of Miami
Interim Trading and the Performance Evaluation of Equity Mutual Funds
Ali Ghali*, UQAR; Stéphane Chrétien, Laval University
Hussein Warsame, University of Calgary
Session 1C
Management
Session M1
Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Capabilities
Breakout Room C
Chair: Imen Latrous, UQAC
Social intrapreneurship in family firms: A distinctive strategic capability
Hela Chebbi*, ESG – UQAM
Cyrine Bahri, FSEGT
Synergizing individual and organizational capabilities with AI to foster managerial innovation: A micro-foundations approach
Majdi Ben Selma*, Université du Québec à Montréal; Rahma Laouiti, Brest Business School, France; Slim Belaid, Esta Belfort, France
Khalil Rhaiem, UQAC
Failing to learn and learning to fail through open innovation
Cyrine Bahri*, Fsegt Tunis; Khalil Rhaiem, University of Quebec at Chicoutimi
Majdi Ben Selma, UQAM
10:30
10:45
☕ Coffee Break — Main Hall
10:45
11:40
Main Hall · Keynote Address
Keynote Address
Josef Zechner
WU Vienna University of Economics and Business

Moderator: Ines Chaieb, Swiss Finance Institute & University of Geneva
11:45
13:15
Concurrent Sessions
Session 2A
Finance
Session F2
Green Finance & Sustainable Investment
Breakout Room A
Chair: Novdeep Smag, University of Geneva
The Seagrass Financing Gap: Cost-Architecture Barriers and Policy Pathways for Sub-500-Hectare Coastal Restoration
Khorchani Issam*, Deserv Consulting
Manel Kammoun, UQO
Greenium and Energy Risk
Novdeep Smag*, University of Geneva
Khorchani Issam, Deserv Consulting
The Relationship of Green Sentiment Index with the Returns and Flows of Socially Responsible Mutual Funds: A Time-varying Causality Approach
Manel Kammoun*, Université du Québec en Outaouais; Mouna Boujelben Abbes, Faculty of Economics and Management of Sfax; Moez Boujelben, Faculty of Economics and Management of Sfax
Novdeep Smag, University of Geneva
Session 2B
Accounting
Session A2
Technology, AI & Innovation in Accounting
Breakout Room B
Chair: Marleen Willekens, KU Leuven
Enhancing Audit Quality: Intertwining Human and Technology Resources
Marleen Willekens*, KU Leuven; Jente Carlier, KU Leuven; Koenraad Debackere, KU Leuven; Simon Dekeyser, KU Leuven
Volkan Muslu, University of Houston
Do Auditor Attributes Affect the Value of Global Diversification?
Abed AlNasser Abdallah*, American University of Sharjah; Amina Liya, American University of Sharjah; Feras M. Salama, American University of Sharjah; Kim Gleason, American University of Sharjah; Eid Alotiabi, American University of Sharjah
Marleen Willekens, KU Leuven
Beyond Patents: Assessing Acquisition of Innovation with IPR&D Capitalizations
Volkan Muslu*, University of Houston; Megan Zhang, University of Houston
Fayez Elayan, Brock University
Session 2C
Management
Session M2
Sustainability, Green Strategy & Consumer Behaviour
Breakout Room C · until 13:45
Chair: Kay Sebastian Dallmann, ESCP Business School
Greenness-based product differentiation in retailing: Optimal strategies under a stochastic setting
Ramzi Hammami*, Rennes School of Business; Erfan Asgari, Excelia Business School; Yannick Frein, Grenoble INP
Kay Sebastian Dallmann, ESCP Business School
The Payment Experience: A Catalyst for Sustainable and Conscious Consumption
Kay Sebastian Dallmann*, ESCP Business School
Idrak Ezdini, Laval University
The role of emotions in shaping managers responses to the socio-environmental pressures
Idrak Ezdini*, Laval University
Ramzi Hammami, Rennes School of Business
15:00
18:00
JIAR Regional International Accounting Forum
Tunisia
Day Three

Full Program & Awards

Friday, July 10, 2026
Tracks:
Finance
Accounting
Management
Industrial Relations
9:00
10:30
Concurrent Sessions
Session 3A
Finance
Session F4
Macroeconomics, Asset Pricing & Market Dynamics
Breakout Room A
Chair: Sami Ben Naceur, International Monetary Fund
How is Inflation Priced in Global Markets?
Ines Chaieb*, University of Geneva & Swiss Finance Institute; Vihang Errunza, McGill University
Sami Ben Naceur, International Monetary Fund
Political Polarization, Government Policy, and Asset Pricing
Qi Zeng*, University of Melbourne; Mike Gallmeyer, University of Virginia
Walid Ben Omrane, Brock University
A Critical Look at Macroeconomic News Surprise Measurement
Walid Ben Omrane*, Goodman School of Business, Brock University
Qi Zeng, University of Melbourne
Session 3B
Management / Finance Industrial Relations
Sessions M3 & IR2
AI, Data Analytics, Fairness & Industrial Transition
Breakout Room B
Chair: Salma Karray, Ontario Tech University
Investigating the Impact of Synthetic Data Balancing Techniques on Fairness for Consumers in Credit Risk Machine Learning Models
Salma Karray*, Ontario Tech University; Johan Tunç, University of Twente; Ismail Elbouknify, University of Naples Federico II; Marcos R. Machado, University of Twente; Maria Iannario, University of Naples Federico II
Sondes Turki, ESG UQAM
The Challenges of Implementing a Circular Economy Model: The Aliapur Case
Takwa Abdallah*, Faculty of Economics Sciences; Slim Mahfoudh, Faculty of Economics Sciences
Salma Karray, Ontario Tech University
"Human Capital Governance": A Literature Review on the Nature and Scope of HR Professionals' Contributions
Sondes Turki*, ESG – UQAM
Takwa Abdallah, Faculty of Economics Sciences
Session 3C
Industrial Relations
Session IR1
HR Governance, Socio-Ecological Transition & Industrial Relations
Breakout Room C
Chair: Yasmine Mohamed, UQAT
Gouvernance des relations industrielles et innovation durable au Québec : le rôle des institutions et du dialogue social dans la transition socio-écologique
Yasmine Mohamed*, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Hela Chebbi, ESG UQAM
Des préférences sociales à l'innovation organisationnelle : recomposition des relations industrielles au Québec à l'ère socio-écologique
Yasmine Mohamed*, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue; Wassila Merkouche, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Nourhene Ben Youssef, Université de Sherbrooke
État de la littérature sur la gouvernance de l'intelligence artificielle en santé
Nourhene Ben Youssef*, Université de Sherbrooke; Linda Ayemele Paka, Université de Sherbrooke
Yasmine Mohamed, UQAT
10:30
10:45
☕ Coffee Break — Main Hall
10:50
12:20
Concurrent Sessions
Session 4A
Finance
Session F5
Emerging Markets, FinTech & AI in Finance
Artificial Intelligence Innovation and the Cost of Bank Loans
HB Bennasr*, Qatar University
Eymen Errais, Tunis Business School
Decoding Egypt's Exchange Rate Puzzle: Forecasting Official and Unofficial Market Trends with Advanced Models
Eymen Errais*, Tunis Business School; Maryem Ben Dhafer
Hatem Ben Ameur, HEC Montréal
Global Investors in a Fragmenting World: Evidence from Sino–U.S. Rivalry
Shahid Khan*, The Pennsylvania State University, Berks; Jing Lu, University of Guelph; Omair Haroon, Lahore University of Management Sciences; Zhimin Yu, Alvernia University
Ines Chaieb, University of Geneva
Session 4B
Finance
Session F3
Capital Markets & Corporate Finance
Chair: Salma Ben Amor, UQO
Does the Control Premium Destroy Value? Evidence from Merger of Equals
Fayez Elayan*, Brock University; Kuntara Pukthuanthong, University of Missouri
Nadia Massoud, University of Melbourne
Political Backlash and Corporate Sustainability: Evidence from Canadian Firms Cross-Listed in the United States
Salma Ben Amor*, University of Quebec in Outaouais; Mohamed Nasrallah Khiar, University of Quebec at Montreal; Maher Kooli, University of Quebec at Montreal
Hamdi Driss, Saint Mary's University
Environmental Disclosure, Regulatory Pressure, and Sustainable Investment: Evidence from Mergers and Acquisitions
Hamdi Driss*, Saint Mary's University; Kee-Hong Bae, York University; Nan Xiong, Durham University
Salma Ben Amor, University of Quebec in Outaouais
10:50
12:20
Special Session
Journal of International Accounting Research
Regional Forum — Special Session
Details to be announced
12:20
13:15
Main Hall · Keynote Address
Keynote Address
Khrystyna Bochkay
University of Miami

Moderator: Oussama El Ajal, University of Miami
13:15
13:45
Main Hall
Best Paper Awards & GIGS Scholarships
Announcements & Ceremony
🎓 GIGS 6th Annual Conference
July 14–18, 2027
Day Four

Professional Development

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Formation Certifiante

Gouvernance ESG, création de valeur durable
et gestion stratégique des risques

Pour les décideurs tunisiens — dirigeants, administrateurs et responsables institutionnels

Inscription avant le 15 juin 2026
Frais d'inscription 300 TND · espèces ou carte
Contact info@gigs-initiative.org
7:30
9:00
Ouverture des inscriptions & Petit-déjeuner de réseautage
9:00
9:15
Salon en bord de mer
Réception de bienvenue — Discours d'ouverture
Coprésidents Ines Chaieb, Nadia Massoud, Robert Wood, Samir Trabelsi et Amna Chalwati
9:15
10:45
Séance d'ouverture
Gouvernance ESG, stratégie durable et gestion des risques : leviers de croissance et de compétitivité pour la Tunisie
Pourquoi la gouvernance ESG est essentielle pour la prochaine phase de croissance de la Tunisie
M. Lotfi Khezami, Bourse des Valeurs Mobilières de Tunis
M. Sami Chenini, Conseil du Marché Financier
Intégrer la durabilité dans la stratégie, le modèle d'affaires et les plans de gestion des risques
Mme Afef Khedhir, Castel Afrique
M. Lamjed Ben Hmida, Telnet
Gestion des risques ESG pour les conseils d'administration et les dirigeants
Mme Houda Hamdi, Fédération Tunisienne des Sociétés d'Assurances
Mme Najla Gharbi, PDG, La Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations
10:45
11:00
☕ Pause-café de réseautage
11:00
11:45
Keynote
Du reporting de durabilité à la création de valeur : le rôle stratégique des normes ESG
Jean-Philippe Levasseur
Fondateur, Carbone Québec

Pour les entreprises, les investisseurs et les économies émergentes
11:45
12:30
Panel I
Femmes dans les conseils d'administration et gouvernance inclusive
Neila Ben Zina, PDG, Wimbee Technology
Olfa Ben Ouda, Carthage University
Jean-Philippe Levasseur, Carbone Québec
Samir Trabelsi, Université Brock
12:30
13:15
Panel II
Administrateurs certifiés ESG : renforcer les capacités de gouvernance pour l'avenir
Robert Wood, Macquarie Business School
Nadia Massoud, Université de Melbourne
Samir Trabelsi, CPA Ontario Distinguished Professor of Governance
Amna Chalwati, Saint Mary's University
Ines Chaieb, Swiss Finance Institute & Université de Genève
Hatem Ben Ameur, HEC Montréal
13:30
13:45
Cérémonie
Remarques de clôture & Remise des certificats
Certification GIGS — Gouvernance ESG, Stratégie Durable & Gestion des Risques
GIGS 5th Annual Conference 2026  ·  July 8–11, 2026   ·   Program subject to change  ·  All times are local