KARACHI: Business excellence should not come at the cost of employee well-being, said Dr Abdullah Zafar Sheikh of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).

Speaking at a conference organised by the IBA’s School of Business Studies (IBA-SBS), Dr Sheikh advocated for fair wages, inclusive growth and a balanced approach to satisfying both shareholders and stakeholders to achieve sustainable business leadership.

He was presiding over the 4th International Conference organised by the IBA-SBS in Karachi, under the theme of “Transforming Business for People and Planet”.

The event, held at the IBA main campus, drew a diverse group of distinguished academics, industry leaders, researchers and students to deliberate on the pressing global economic uncertainties, environmental challenges and the future of business innovation.

According to a press release issued by the IBA, Dr Zafar captivated the audience by quoting Steve Jobs: “We are going to make a dent in this universe.”

He also noted with pride that over 250 global CEOs who are alumni of IBA, are demonstrating the institution’s significant impact on the global business stage.

In his opening speech, Dr S Akbar Zaidi, executive director of IBA Karachi, addressed the attendees on the prevailing complex geopolitical climates and economic turmoil affecting the global business landscape.

He underscored the critical need for recognising the issues and fostering cooperation to devise tangible solutions.

Dr Zaidi highlighted the imperative role of academic forums in spearheading this change, particularly emphasising the necessity for businesses to adopt responsible practices towards climate change and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The conference convener, Dr Aitzaz Ahsan aka Sarang, opened the academic discussions by focusing on the susceptibility of developing countries to climate adversities. He stressed the immediate need for adopting a green taxonomy to direct sustainable investments and policy-making. Dr Aitzaz shared that the conference received 209 research paper submissions from over 55 universities globally, with 80 per cent being selected for presentation.

The summit serves as a critical platform for exchanging knowledge, networking, and collaborative discussions, bringing together leading thinkers, professionals, and decision-makers.

The conference featured a panel discussion on “Pakistan’s Critical Need for Climate Finance: Mobilizing the Private Sector”, along with keynotes on governance in purpose-driven organisations and strategies for driving sustainability transitions.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2025