1st International Conference on Sustainability Business (ICSB-2026)

The 1st International Conference on Sustainability Business (ICSB-2026), organized by the Faculty of Management Sciences, Salim Habib University, was inaugurated in a grand ceremony at Fatima Business School, SHU, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in realization of the vision of the University’s Honourable Founder & Chancellor, Dr. Iram Afaq, and her mission of revolutionizing education in Pakistan.

The day began with a grand Inauguration Ceremony held to officially signify the opening of the conference. The ceremony featured addresses by Prof. Dr. Irfan Hyder, Vice Chancellor SHU and Conference Patron, Dr. Muhammad Hussain Habib, Registrar SHU and Executive Advisor, ICSB-26, Prof. Dr. Amanat Ali Jalbani, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor & Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, SHU.

Chief Guest Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President and CEO, Meezan Bank, delivered an inspiring address in which he emphasized that sustainability is not a Western concept but one deeply embedded in Islamic teachings, which promote trusteeship, accountability, and moderation, as principles of responsible living. The event also featured invigorating keynote sessions by renowned industry experts and academicians, namely, Dr. Kaiser Bengali, Economist, and Prof. Dr. Nauman Farooqi, Vice Chancellor, St. Thomas University, Canada.

The inaugural session concluded with an Expression of Thanks from Dr. Asif Shamim, Associate Dean, Department of Social Sciences & Humanities. A major highlight of the ceremony was the official launch of the International Journal of Business and Social Dynamics (IJBSD), marking a significant step toward advancing scholarly research, academic collaboration, and innovative discourse in the fields of business, management, and social sciences.

The conference featured a thought-provoking Panel Discussion on Business and Sustainability in the AI Era, which included an extensive group of practitioners namely, Mr. Azmatullah Sharif, Chief Operating Officer, Askari Insurance, Mr. Syed Moin Uddin, Adviser, GEO, Mr. Khalilullah Shaikh, CFO, PIA, Mr. Ahson Shah, Partner (ESG), KPMG, and Mr. Umer Pervez, GM, Dun & Bradstreet, South Asia. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Irfan Hyde, Vice Chancellor, SHU, which further added depth to the topic.

Day 1 of the conference also featured another insightful Panel Discussion on Sustainable Value Creation & Organizational Well-being. The discussion brought together prominent industry experts, including Dr. Farooq-e-Azam Cheema, Provost, KSBL, Mr. Fayaz Abro, Country Commercial Head, Progressive Group, Mr. Muhammad Haseeb Khan, Director Marketing, Ronin, Mr. Umair Saeed, CEO, Boldone, and Mr. Javed Husain Siddiqi, Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP), Buraq Bank. Moderated by Mr. Syed Ahmed Zaidi, CEO, Foundation Securities, the session highlighted that while traditional businesses have historically prioritized survival and profit, the future belongs to organizations that integrate sustainability into their core strategy. Mr. Syed Ahmed Zaidi, CEO, Foundation Securities, moderated the session.

A compelling Panel Discussion on Climate Change and Business featured Dr. Shahid Amjad, Professor & HoD, IoBM, Mr. Favad Soomro, CEO, Engro Foundation, Mr. Kashif Rashid, Sustainability Head, Cadbury, Mr. Riaz Ahmed Wagan, Chief Conservator Forests, and Ms. Erum Khan, Chairperson, Climate Hub Forum. The discussion, moderated by Mr. Rafi ul Haq, Ecologist, Consultant WB, IUCN, underscored the urgent need for climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure in Pakistan, which, despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions, remains among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations.

Notably in attendance were Vice Chancellors of leading Pakistani universities, renowned researchers, esteemed guests from both academia and industry, and Salim Habib University’s Deans, Directors, and Heads, along with Management Sciences faculty members and students.