ICFTBA 2024

University of Murcia

Symposium Chair: Dr. Ursula Faura-Martínez, Professor in University of Murcia

This symposium entitled “New Current Trends Related to Economics: Special Focus on Inequality and Poverty” has expanded on current research topics. The situation of inequality in recent years was discussed. After events such as Covid-19 or the war between Ukraine and Russia, inequality had decreased in most countries during the last 15 years, however, this decrease was affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Various inequality indicators have been jointly analyzed to measure aggregate differences in income distribution. The Gini Index is the most common measure of inequality is the Gini Coefficient. This index is based on the Lorenz Curve, a cumulative frequency curve that compares the distribution of a specific variable (e.g., income) with a uniform distribution representing equality. Other indicators used in the symposium has been the Atkinson Inequality Measure. Important policies derived from the indicators have also been discussed.

King’s College London

Symposium Chair: Dr. An Nguyen, Lecturer in King’s College London

The symposium featured interactive discussion sessions, fostering active participation and idea exchange among attendees. This format created a collaborative environment that encouraged critical reflection on current practices and strategies for improvement in international business education.Participant feedback highlighted the value of the symposoium’s content and structure. According to the post-event survey, satisfaction levels were exceptionally high, with 100% of respondents expressing a strong desire for the symposium to be held again.

Danubius University from Galaţi

Symposium Chair: Dr. Habil. Alina Cristina Nuţă, Professor in Danubius University from Galaţi

The event took place as planned, December 18 at the premises of Danubius University, with the participation of students and faculty. The main presentation entitled Finance’s role in the just transition, opened the discussions and launched the debates among participants. The participants involved freely in debates starting from the topics covered by the main speaker. Besides discussing the general context and the role of financial instruments in financing green development and just transition, one of the key points was debating of the differences between world economies and the of focusing on the Global South. It was recognized that some developing countries, even fast developing ones, have a fragile economic and social context that needs investments to cope with the sustainability goals and expand their green features (such as an increased share of renewable energy sources in total consumption).

Oxford Brookes University

Symposium Chair: Dr. Natthinee Thampanya, Senior Lecturer in Oxford Brookes University

The “Finance in the Age of Environmental Risks and Sustainability” symposium, held on October 24, 2024, at Oxford Brookes Business School, discussed sustainable finance in response to climate challenges.

Organised by Dr. Natthinee Thampanya, the symposium focused on incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria within banking to foster resilience and ethical decision-making Key discussions centred on the evolving role of banks in managing climate risks, highlighting the importance of ESG in credit access and risk assessment. Presenters explored the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives on operational resilience and the role of sustainable banking in promoting long-term environmental and social goals. Research findings emphasised the need for robust frameworks in sustainable finance to support resilient economic structures and manage climate risks effectively.

The event also underscored the regulatory shifts necessary to encourage sustainability within financial services, with participants sharing insights on integrating ESG factors into lending practices.