✨ Highlights of the 6th International Conference on Business, Economics & Management (6th ICBEM) ✨

✨ Highlights of the 6th International Conference on Business, Economics & Management (6th ICBEM) ✨
Sukkur IBA University successfully hosted the 6th International Conference on Business, Economics & Management (ICBEM) on January 22–23, 2026, under the theme “Sustainable Business Innovation in the Age of AI & Technology.” The two-day international academic gathering brought together renowned scholars, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals from Pakistan and abroad to deliberate on the future of business, sustainability, and technology-driven transformation.

The conference commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Vice Chancellor, Sukkur IBA University, while the conference overview was presented by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences and Chief Organizer. The inaugural session was graced by the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Ishrat Husain (Ex-Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Former Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Professor Emeritus, IBA Karachi), whose presence added great prestige to the event. The opening day featured insightful keynote addresses by distinguished international scholars including Prof. Dr. MD Imtiaz Mostafiz (University of Leicester, UK), Prof. Cleopatra Veloutsou (Adam Smith Business School, UK), Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Syriopoulos (Zayed University, Abu Dhabi), and Prof. Dr. Virginie De Barnier (Aix-Marseille University, France).
A high-level panel discussion on “Empowering Small Farmers through Inclusive Finance and Technology” brought together leading voices from banking, agribusiness, and development sectors, highlighting the critical role of technology in financial inclusion and sustainable agriculture.
The conference also featured parallel research paper and case study sessions across multiple tracks, covering emerging areas such as AI in business, fintech, sustainability, HR analytics, marketing, leadership, and supply chain management, providing a vibrant platform for academic exchange and knowledge sharing.
The first day concluded with a Gala Dinner, providing participants with a valuable opportunity for networking and informal academic interaction in a warm and celebratory setting.
Day two of the conference continued with thought-provoking keynote sessions by Prof. Dr. Ishrat Husain, Prof. Dr. Jawad Syed (LUMS), and Dr. Zhanna Kapasalyamova (Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan). Another impactful panel discussion on “Education for Impact — Universities Leading the Journey from Quality to Sustainability” emphasized the evolving role of higher education institutions in shaping sustainable societies.
The conference concluded with conference takeaways, closing remarks by the Vice Chancellor, and awards & shield distribution, recognizing the valuable contributions of keynote speakers, panelists, researchers, and organizers.
The successful organization of the conference was made possible with the valued support of Allied Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, and Sukkur Beverages, who proudly sponsored the event and contributed to making the 6th ICBEM a memorable and impactful academic gathering.
The 6th ICBEM once again reaffirmed Sukkur IBA University’s commitment to research excellence, global academic collaboration, and meaningful discourse on sustainability and technological innovation.
📌 This is a highlights post of the conference. Detailed session-wise posts and content will be shared on the official ICBEM page.