Pakistan is the 5th largest country by population and 22nd largest economy by GDP (Purchasing Power Parity). It has been facing inconsistent growth over the last several years with a hyperinflation in the recent past. However, it has made noteworthy improvement to move out of the economic woes and has currently paved towards a trend of stabilization. The economic sustainability, it aims to achieve, is in fact requires a multidimensional intervention. It needs to consider environmental, social, financial, governance, and energy related issues.
The country has been severely affected by climate change, which has resulted in rising temperature, floods, and droughts. These developments have ultimately impacted the society and requires immediate attention. In this context some initiatives have been taken by the government and other institutions and environmental, social and governance aspects have been taken into account.
The energy sector is another critical issue for Pakistan. Still the major energy consumption is of thermal fuel which is environmentally unsafe. On the other side, the reliance is on imported fuel that has serious implications for trade deficit. Specifically for electricity, the government has increased its generation capacity and potential supply but the demand is significantly lower and caused a burden in terms of capacity payments.
The country has also committed, by amending the constitution, that it will implement Islamic finance by eliminating Riba by the end of year 2027. This move has made it mandatory for all stakeholders to get ready for a major restructuring in the economic, financial, and banking sectors. It also has long term implications for the economic growth, employment and business opportunities.
The modern world is welcoming the technological advancement and a major disruption is coming through artificial intelligence, blockchain, and fintech. Youth and businesses in Pakistan are also becoming more prone towards these advancements. One can expect a boom in technically advanced businesses and entrepreneurship activities. It requires a thorough ecosystem to evolve to nurture the new startups.
These developments in Pakistan may have crucial implications for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this international conference aims to bring together leaders, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to explore innovative ideas and collaborative strategies to promote innovation, sustainability, and Islamic finance for shaping Pakistan’s Green Economy.
1. Objectives of the conference
Following are the objectives of the 3rd international conference of the EMD
- To explore existing situation and potential for innovation, sustainability, and Islamic finance for the economy of Pakistan
- To facilitate knowledge exchange among international experts on sustainable economic models.
- To present solutions that enable efficient, transparent, and data-driven governance.
- To create a network for collaboration in research, policymaking, and capacity-building.
- To publish a compendium of insights, case studies, and policy recommendations for global dissemination.
2. Conference Themes and Sub-themes
Theme-1. Economic Sustainability in Pakistan
- Environment, social, and governance (ESG) practices
- Fiscal and financial sustainability
- Poverty reduction and inequality
- International trade and competitiveness
- Taxation and social impact
Theme-2. Energy sector and innovation
- Renewable energy: Technologies and Innovation
- Energy demand and supply forecasting
- Indigenous energy resources
- Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
Theme-3. Islamic Finance and Fintech
- Current trends in FinTech
- Product development in Islamic Finance
- Regulatory Framework for Fintech: Challenges and Opportunities
- Financial inclusion and gender disparity
Theme-4. Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Pakistan
- Financing options for new startups
- Opportunities for social and sustainable entrepreneurship in Pakistan
- Women and youth entrepreneurship
Deadline for abstract submission - 15th August 2025
Deadline for paper submission - 31st August 2025
Please submit your abstract and paper on
conference_emd@cloud.neduet.edu.pk
faheem.akhter@cloud.neduet.edu.pk
3. Participants
The conference will welcome a diverse group of participants, including:
- Government officials and policymakers
- International development agencies
- Academics and researchers
- Technology and innovation experts
- Urban planners and sustainability consultants
- Civil society organizations
- Students and young professionals
Conference registration will be open soon
4. Expected Outcomes
A set of actionable policy recommendations for integrating smart governance with sustainable economic practices.
- Enhanced international collaboration on smart economic governance projects.
- Research publications and a conference proceedings volume.
- Development of a framework for continuous dialogue and partnerships post-conference.
5. Venue
Main Campus NED University of Engineering and Technology
6. Organizers and Partners
The conference will be hosted by the Department of Economics and Management Sciences, NEDUET. We intend to with
- International academic and policy institutions
- UN agencies and regional bodies
- Research centers on sustainability and governance
- Private sector partners and think tanks
Dr. Mirza Faizan Ahmed – Conference Convener
Dr. Faheem Akhter – Conference Secretary