University of Southampton Hosts International Workshop on Accounting and Finance in Emerging Economies

The University of Southampton Business School recently welcomed academics, doctoral researchers and finance professionals from across the UK and internationally for the 28th Workshop on Accounting & Finance in Emerging Economies and AFEE Annual General Meeting, held on 6 July 2026 at the University’s Highfield Campus.

Organised by the Accounting and Finance in Emerging Economies Special Interest Group (AFEE SIG) of the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA), the biennial workshop brought together researchers exploring some of the most pressing accounting and finance challenges facing emerging economies today.

This year's theme, "Global South Meets Global North", provided a platform for discussion and collaboration on issues spanning corporate governance, sustainability reporting, climate risk management, green finance, financial reporting standards, public sector reform, diversity and inclusion, and the role of accounting and finance in socio-economic development.

The event featured presentations from established scholars, doctoral candidates and early career researchers, fostering rich debate on how accounting and finance research can contribute to addressing global challenges while recognising the unique economic, social and institutional contexts of emerging economies.

A thought-provoking keynote was delivered by Professor Shahzad Uddin on “Ontological Dissonance and the Decolonisation of Corporate Governance in the Majority World.”

As part of the programme, the AFEE SIG also held its Annual General Meeting, bringing members together to reflect on the group's achievements and elect its new executive committee. Professor Alaa Zapata and Dr Krish Vithana were elected as the Chairperson and Treasures respectively of the BAFA AFEE SIG for the next three years during the AGM.

The workshop also recognised outstanding contributions from the next generation of researchers through its Best Paper Awards, presented to doctoral and early career academics whose work demonstrated significant potential for impact within emerging economy contexts.

In addition to the formal programme, attendees had the opportunity to network during a pre-workshop dinner and throughout the day, strengthening existing collaborations and creating new partnerships across institutions and disciplines.

The event reinforced the University of Southampton Business School's commitment to supporting internationally relevant research and providing a platform for scholarly exchange on issues that shape economies and societies around the world.