How can business education help build a fairer world? This is the central theme of BSU London's first international conference.


Please note: This conference has been postponed.


The first BSUL Fairer World Conference focuses on the following Sustainable Development Goals as sub-themes:

  • Poverty reduction (G1)
  • Quality Education (G4)
  • Gender Equality (G5)
  • Decent Work and Economic Growth (G8)
  • Reduction of Equality (G10)
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities (G11)
  • Peace, Justice, and Strong Institution (G16)
  • Partnership for the Goals (17).

This is an opportunity to promote interdisciplinary and impactful research in business and management education.

Bath Spa University London is a University Centre and one of the academic schools of Bath Spa University. Established in 2020, it's located in the vibrant and eclectic district of Hoxton, in the London Borough of Hackney.

Conference schedule

Day one

9.00-9.30: Registration

With tea and coffee.

9.30-10.00: Introduction and welcome

Short opening speeches from:

  • Dr Sheku Fofanah – Conference Chair
  • Dr Priya Thapa – Conference Co-chair
  • Dr Lisette Johnston – Academic Director
  • Professor Georgina Andrews – Vice-Chancellor
  • Professor John Strachan – Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise
  • Charles Wiffen – Head of Academic Portfolio Development.
10.00-10.30: Guest and keynote speakers
  • Professor Alison Clark-Wilson – UCL Knowledge Lab
  • Deputy Mayor Nicholson – responsible for Housing Supply, Planning, Culture and Inclusive Economy for the London Borough of Hackney.
10.30-10.45: Break

With tea and coffee.

10.45-12.45: Plenary – symposium

Chair:

  • Dr Giles Martin – School of Education, Bath Spa University

Speakers:  

  • Professor Christos Tsatsis – Haute Ecole Fransico Ferrer, Belgium 
  • Dr Inga Olari – Elizabeth School of London 
  • Zoya Slavina – University of Białystok, Poland 
  • Dr Henry Yamba Kamara – Grants Management Specialist, Smallholder Commercialization Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP) Sierra Leone.

There will be a tea break during the session.

12.45-14.00: Lunch break

Catering will be available at the restaurant (OKN1) on the ground floor.

14.00-15.00: Parallel Sessions 1/2

Parallel Session 1: Gender Equality (G5) and AI in Research

Chair: Dr Mohammed-Faruk Hossain.

Speaker Topic
Dr Inga Olari Empowering the Future: The Role of Business Education in Promoting Gender Equality and Building a Fairer World
Nadia Maddy Empowering Voices: My Journey in Advancing Creative Writing Education in Sierra Leone
Dr Jagan Karki AI in Research: Bridging Knowledge and Sustainability

Parallel Session 2: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Chair: Dawn Calderwood.

Speaker Topic
Dr Achila Amarasinghe Stakeholder Power, Urgency, and Legitimacy in Post-Conflict Destination Branding: Findings from the Case of Sri Lanka
Karolina Kolodziej A Fair World? How War Undermines UN SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Farzana Rowshan Impact of High-living Cost on HE Students in the UK
15.00-16.00: Parallel Sessions 3/4

Parallel Session 3: Poverty Reduction (G1)

Chair: Kazeem Salami.

Speaker Topic
Venkata Subramanya Gopinath Vedula Poverty: Causes and Solutions to Problems – in the context of Ethiopia
Dr Hakeem Saliu Tomi Assessing the impact of financial inclusion initiatives on poverty reduction in Nigeria
Dr Raikhan Sutbayeva Human Capital: The Economic Nature and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Sustainability

Parallel Session 4: Sustainable Cities & Communities (G11)

Chair: Dr Jaganath Karki.

Speaker Topic
Dr Mohammed-Faruk Hossain Journey towards decarbonisation: an examination of sustainability practice of the universities in a less developed country
Dr Paul Reynolds and Dr Adnan Taha Reputational credibility in third-party logistics
Dr Md Shafiqul Islam Aziz, Dr Arnob Barua, Mohammed and Dr Mozammel Uddawla A Comparative Study of Chattogram City of Bangladesh with the City of Bristol, UK in light of UN Sustainable Development Goal, Sustainability of City and Community
16.00-16.10: Break

With tea and coffee.

16.10-17.10: Parallel Sessions 5/6

Parallel Session 5: Quality Education (G4)

Chair: Dr Achila Amarasinghe.

Speaker Topic
Dr Shameem Shaffi The Impact of University-Level Strategies on Enhancing Academic Participation and Performance Among Widening Participation Students in UK Higher Education
Tanya Vidanagama Making Entrepreneurship Education More Inclusive
Dr Rizwan Tariq The Benefits of Machine Learning in Education

Parallel Session 6: Quality Education (G4)

Chair: Dr Dudley Ofori.

Speaker Topic
Kazeem Salami International Student Engagement and Access to Resources – UK Experience
Dr Shahbas Banu Jamsheed Building a Fairer World Through Quality Education in Business Schools
Jaya Govindaraj Blackboards to AI: How Technology can Transform Education for the Global Majority

Day two

10.00-10.30: Tea and coffee

Join us for tea and coffee.

10.30-10.35: Introduction

From:

  • Dr Sheku Fofanah – Conference Chair
  • Dr Priya Thapa – Co-chair

10.35-10.40: Welcome
  • Dr Lisette Johnston – Academic Director
10.40-10.50: New City College and BSU
  • Lucy Arnold-Courtney – University Centre Director
10.50-11.00: BSU Research Support Office
  • Sarah Priston – Head of Research Support Office
11.00-11.10: Break

With tea and coffee.

11.10-12.10: Parallel Sessions 7/8

Parallel Session 7: Decent Work and Economic Growth (G8)

Chair: Venkata Subramanya Gopinath Vedula.

Speaker Topic
Rachel Boehm Steering the Ship: Integrating Burnout Prevention into Business Education for a Fairer World
Dr Mustafa Isedu Decent work, and economic growth: A Focus on SDG 8

Parallel Session 8: Quality Education (G4)

Chair: Dr Rizwan Tariq.

Speaker Topic
Dr Mahua Biswas and Hassan Tariq Positioning Community Colleges in UK Higher Education: Bridging Gaps to Achieve Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education
Kazeem Salami Sustainability in Nigerian Higher Education
12.10-13.40: Lunch break

Catering will be available at the restaurant (OKN1) on the ground floor.

13.40-14.40: Parallel Sessions 9/10

Parallel Session 9: Quality Education (G4)

Chair: Nadia Mally.

Speaker Topic
Dr Elena Carruba Leveraging Business Education for Inclusive Growth: A Pathway to Sustainable Development
Ms Savita Nutan Empowering a Sustainable Future: How Entrepreneurship and Non-Animal Methods Illuminate a Brighter Path in Science

Parallel Session 10: Quality Education (G4)

Chair: Jaya Govindaraj.

Speaker Topic
Zoya Slavina Equitable and Ethical AI for SMEs: Equipping Current and Future Business Leaders
Dr Adewuyi Akinola Adapting Business and Management Curricula to Global Changes: A Literature Review on Integrating Key Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education
14.40-15.20: Plenary
  • Professor Christos Tsatsis:

    When Accounting Does More Than Count: A Journey Prehistoric to Strategic Management – Challenges and Added Value of Accounting.
15.20-15.40: Book chapter project

Overview and strategy:

  • Dr Priya Thapa – Bath Spa University
  • Dr Anthony Agbons – Anglia Ruskin University London
15.40-16.00: Plenary

Closing remarks from:

  • Professor John Strachan – Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research & Enterprise

Feedback and next steps:

  • Dr Sheku Fofanah – Conference Chair
  • Dr Priya Thapa – Co-chair
16.00: Conference ends

The BSUL Fairer World Conference will end at 16.00.

Committee members

Committee members

Speakers

Dr Adnan Taha

A man wearing black glasses looks at the cameraAdnan Taha is currently working as a Business Lecturer at Coventry University London, Ravensbourne University London, Buckinghamshire New University, and Oxford Business College (OBC).

He has been teaching various subjects, including supply chain management and strategic management. He is an active researcher and is currently researching power-related issues within business logistics and the marketing-entrepreneurial interface.

He has published in high-quality journals. He earned his DBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). Before starting his academic career, he worked as a logistics manager in Sweden for five years and as a sales engineer at IBM in Jordan. He has lectured in many academic settings, including in Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Dr Elena Carruba

Woman with brown eyes and long straight hairDr Elena Carruba is a distinguished professional with over 25 years of experience in higher education. With a PhD and two Master’s degrees in Education and Literature, Elena has authored three books, three book chapters, and several articles on topics ranging from identity, postcolonialism, feminism, space theories and mythical realism to education and cultural studies.

Elena has held pivotal roles that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to advancing academic excellence, supporting professional growth, and enhancing institutional outcomes.

Fluent in multiple languages, they're an accomplished speaker, having presented at 24 international conferences across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Known for their decisive leadership and collaborative approach, Elena excels in fostering professional development, coaching, and research-led initiatives that bridge academic theory and employability. A trusted voice in higher education, they combine scholarly expertise with practical insights to empower institutions, inspire teams, and advance global learning and professional growth.

Dr Hakeem Saliu Tomi

A person standing in front a red backgroundDr SALIU Hakeem Tomi is a Lecturer from the department of Banking and Finance, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria (formerly known as Kogi State University).

He has been in academia for the past seven years and has published many papers in reputable journals and presented at various conferences.

Hassan Tariq

Headshot for a person wearing a shirt and tieHassan is a dedicated Business Lecturer at the Fairfield School of Business, where he has been teaching for over two years. In addition to his lecturing duties, he has successfully led a module, demonstrating his expertise in curriculum delivery and academic leadership.

He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Bedfordshire and a BA (Hons) in Business and Management from the University of Cumbria. Beyond academia, Hassan brings extensive industry experience, having served as an Operations Supervisor and SAP Planner at British Airways, as well as a Team Manager at Tesco.

His research interests focus on education, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and big data, areas where he continues to develop scholarly contributions. Hassan is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), reflecting his commitment to professional teaching standards and excellence in higher education.

Dr Mahua Biswas

A person with dark hair looks at the cameraDr Mahua Biswas is an accomplished academic with a PhD, MBA, M.Com, PGCE, and FHEA, bringing over a decade of experience in higher education, curriculum design, and academic administration.

Currently a Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator at the Fairfield School of Business, she specialises in Accounting and Finance, with expertise in financial modelling using advanced Excel, SPSS, EViews, and Smart PLS.

Dr Biswas is passionate about student-centered learning, mentoring faculty and students, and ensuring academic quality through curriculum development and assessment moderation. She has successfully supervised PhD and postgraduate dissertations and contributed to research, publishing in reputed journals and presenting at conferences.

Her research focuses on corporate finance, financial markets, and sustainability in business. Recognized for her innovative teaching methodologies, Dr Biswas continues to shape the academic landscape by fostering excellence in education and research.

Dr Mohammed-Faruk Hossain

A person wearing a blazer and white shirt stands in front of a white wall

Dr Faruk has been working in the field of education for over eight years. With an excellent track record, he teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students in Business Management. His teaching specialisms are marketing management, HRM, business strategies, and research methods.

In 2022, Dr Faruk joined Bath Spa University. Besides being a module leader, he is one of the Bath Spa Sustainability champions. He has a keen interest in interdisciplinarity research.

Dr Mustafa Isedu

A person wearing a shirt and tie looks at the cameraDr. Mustafa Isedu is an accomplished economist and academic leader with a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Greenwich, UK. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and mentoring, Dr. Isedu specializes in monetary policy, financial systems, and economic development in emerging markets. He has authored 10 international journal articles, 37 local journal articles, six books, and a book chapter, contributing significantly to global economic scholarship.

Currently a Lecturer in Business at Fairfield School of Business, Croydon Campus, Dr. Isedu leads undergraduate and postgraduate modules in collaboration with esteemed institutions such as Bath Spa, Ravensbourne, and Newman Universities. He serves as a member of the research committee, advancing the mission of the Fairfield School of Business Research Centre. Dr. Isedu is passionate about mentoring early-career academics and inspiring the next generation of scholars through innovative research and impactful teaching.

As a member of several editorial boards and peer review councils, he advances scholarly research on emerging markets and contributes to impactful studies in macroeconomics, risk management, and sustainable development. His dedication to advancing global economic knowledge is matched by his commitment to shaping the next generation of scholars. He has actively contributes to global policy initiatives in Africa.

Dr Paul Reynolds

A person wearing a grey shirt and tie smiles at the cameraPaul L. Reynolds is a member of the Governing Body of UK Management College, Manchester and is a visiting professor at the School of International Business, Omsk State University, Siberia, Russia, and a visiting professor at the Faculty of Economics, University of Rzeszow, Poland.

He obtained his PhD in marketing and entrepreneurship from the University of Huddersfield, where he was a senior lecturer in business for many years. He is the co-author of nine books on management and marketing and many referred papers. He has worked and taught in large and small organisations in the public and private sectors.

He has supervised several PhD and many DBA students to successful completion. He has taught at many overseas institutions, particularly in Sri Lanka the Far East and the Middle East, especially Jordan. He is a doctoral supervisor and internal examiner for the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Rachel Boehm

A person wearing smart business attire stands in front of a bright pink backgroundRachel Boehm is a leading authority on burnout prevention and sustainable high performance. She guides decision-makers on how to protect themselves and their teams against the direct and indirect costs of burnout, which can take down any organization.

Her services include private coaching, team training, and culture change initiatives, ultimately enhancing employee engagement, retention, and well-being, and client satisfaction.

She holds a national board certification in health and wellness coaching and is a PhD candidate focused on business psychology and worker well-being.

Dr Raikhan Sutbayeva

A person wearing a white shirt stands in front of library books

Dr Raikhan Sutbayeva, 39 years old, lives in Aktau, Mangystau region, Republic of Kazakhstan. She began her career as an assistant at the Department of Finance in 2009, and as of 2025, she holds the position Acting Associate Professor at the Department of Management. She is also the coordinator of the MBA program and has previously served as the head of the department.

Raikhan Oteubayevna defended her doctoral dissertation on the topic "Formation and directions of social economy development based on the materials of the Mangystau region of the Republic of Kazakhstan". She is the author of more than 30 articles, five textbooks, and three monographs.

Savita Nutan

A person wearing a blue satin blouse smiles at the camera

Savita Nutan is an educator, scientist, and advocate for animal-free science. As the Programme Leader for Bath Spa University at Fairfield School of Business, she integrates a strong background in Clinical Sciences with a passion for shaping the next generation of healthcare and business professionals.

With a BSc in Molecular Genetics, Savita went on to earn an MSc in Biomedical and Molecular Sciences Research from King’s College London and pursued a career in diagnostic genetics. After training to become a clinical scientist and attaining an MSc in Clinical Sciences (Clinical Genetics) from the University of Nottingham, she specialised in diagnosis of rare genetic diseases and became a Diplomate member of the Royal College of Pathologists. She eventually transitioned into training and education to develop future healthcare leaders and achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE).

Beyond academia, Savita is the founder of Medicine Without Cruelty, an educational organisation dedicated to advancing humane, non-animal scientific methods. Through this initiative, she champions innovative and effective alternatives to animal testing, advocating for a future where scientific progress aligns with compassion and ethical responsibility.

Committed to fostering ethical leadership and innovative thinking, Savita continues to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills to lead in healthcare, business, and scientific research.

Dr Shameem Shaffi

A person wearing a shirt and blazer looks at the cameraDr Shameem Shaffi is a Head of Department at Arden University, where he leads a team of senior academics dedicated to advancing innovative pedagogical practices. His research primarily explores flipped classroom methodologies, the integration of digital tools and simulation games, and the strategic development of transnational education.

During his doctoral studies, Dr Shaffi reconnoitred the complexities of transnational education and how it can bolster a knowledge-based economy, paying particular attention to the Triple Helix Model and Human Capital Theory. This investigation underpinned the potential for cross-border educational programmes to enhance both learner engagement and institutional progression.

In his leadership capacity, Dr Shaffi promotes a reflective, evidence-based approach, guiding faculty members to adopt emerging technologies and collaborative strategies. He also engages in interdisciplinary research aimed at bridging theory and practice, ultimately contributing to the global discourse on higher education.

By continually examining and refining educational approaches, Dr Shaffi remains committed to fostering inclusive, impactful learning environments. His work not only shapes teaching and learning strategies at Arden University but also informs broader discussions on how higher education can evolve in an interconnected world.

Dr Md Shafiqul Islam Aziz

A person wearing a grey blazer looks at the cameraDr Md Shafiqul Islam Aziz completed his BSc Hons and MSc with thesis from University of Chittagong with a first class first position in both of the examinations. He later did his PhD from the University of Bristol having been awarded Overseas Research Scholarship of the Higher Education Funding Council of England.

Dr Aziz is currently serving as Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering at the International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC). His research interests include developing policy, procedures and technologies for the protection of environment.

Prior to joining IIUC, Dr Aziz had a full-time research scientist position at Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) of Bangladesh Government (2006-2007) and National Physical Laboratory (NPL) of UK government (2014-2020). He also had a visiting scientist position at the University of Bristol (2012-2013).

Dr Shahbas Banu Jamsheed

Smiling woman with a covered head and grey blazerDr Shahbas Banu Jamsheed is an experienced lecturer in Business Management, currently serving as a Lecturer and  Module Leader at the Elizabeth School of London. With extensive experience in higher education and leadership, she is committed to fostering student engagement and improving educational outcomes through innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum design.

Shahbas holds an MSc in International Business with Data Analytics from the University of Bedfordshire, an MSc in Project Management from the University of Northampton, and an MBA in Human Resource Management from Mahatma Gandhi University, India. Her academic contributions include research in emerging technologies, exemplified by her recently published book chapter titled "Blockchain and AI in Shaping the Modern Education System."

She will be sharing her insights on "Building a Fairer World Through Quality Education in Business Schools" at the conference which reflects her commitment to advancing equity and innovation in higher education. Beyond teaching, she mentors new lecturers, supporting their professional development and promoting best practices in teaching and learning.

Venkata Subramanya Gopinath Vedula

A man in a blue suitVenkata holds dual Master’s degrees: Master of Commerce (M.Com) and Master of Business Administration (MBA), with a specialisation in Marketing, along with a teaching qualification (PTLLS and FHEA) from the United Kingdom. With over 23 years of experience in teaching, training, and consultancy across Asia and Africa, he has gained extensive expertise in the field. 

Since 2007, he has been based in the UK, where he has developed a strong understanding of the requirements set by various higher education qualification awarding bodies. He has presented approximately 15 research papers at internal conferences, seminars, and in academic journals, and has been a guest speaker at multiple international conferences and workshops. As a project supervisor for graduate students, he has successfully guided them in achieving outstanding academic results.

Panellists and guest speakers

Professor Alison Clark-Wilson

Smiling woman wearing gold rimmed hexagonal glassesAlison is a Professorial Research Associate at UCL Knowledge Lab, University College London.

A former school mathematics teacher, Alison's 35-year career has spanned the academia-industry-education fields and landed very firmly at the intersection of entrepreneurship to address SDG4: Quality Education.

Alison spearheads a global network of people and organisations that is committed to developing an education innovation ecosystem that mindfully and conscientiously develops technological innovations.

Central to this is the education and support for entrepreneurs who themselves seek to impact society in meaningful ways. Alison’s most recent research is focused on the design, implementation and evaluation of systemic EdTech Testbeds, which offer a more democratised and scalable approach to support purposeful educational innovation efforts.

Professor Christos Tsatsis

A man wearing glasses with a coastal town in the background

Professor Christos Tsatsis is at the same time a practitioner, teacher and academic.   

As an academic, his publications are related to public sector accounting and performance. He is using those tools not only to improve performance but also to the role of government deliverables using concepts from the field of corporate social responsibility and social sciences. 

He is a full-time teacher at Haute Ecole Fransico Ferrer where all kinds of accounting are learned; from nonprofit to public sector, to restructuring, budget, cost accounting and financial analysis. He also goes further by teaching future managers topics such as Corporate Social Responsibility, Management Control, Internal Control and Strategic Management. He's an invited teacher to other institutions such as Université Libre de Bruxelles. 

As a civil servant, he serves as management controller for the cleaning agency of Brussels. He is also a member of Eurostat expert group of European Public Sector Accounting Standards. 

In his spare time, he tries to understand why and how rules are made, and rather than teach them he tells their story to his students.

Dr Henry Yamba Kamara

A person wearing a suit and tie looks at the cameraDr. Henry Yamba Kamara is an expert in agribusiness and sustainable development, with over 25 years of experience driving industry transformation across Sierra Leone and the West African region. His career is marked by leadership roles in key agribusiness initiatives.

As the Grants Management Specialist for the Smallholder Commercialization Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP), he has spearheaded strategic initiatives to enhance value chains for critical crops such as rice, cocoa, maize, onion and oil palm.

Previously, as Team Leader for KPMG IDAS for the Sierra Leone Agribusiness Development Fund, he managed a Challenge Fund, directing investments and technical assistance to agribusinesses, with a strong focus on sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing resilience to climate change and social safeguard compliance.

His leadership in the Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company and the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA) further solidified his reputation for driving investment and export competitiveness and market access for Sierra Leonean businesses.

Dr. Kamara holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Development from Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, complemented by advanced degrees in Management Consultancy, Quality Management and Trade Policy from the Liverpool John Moore University, Leicester University and Harvard University. He holds certifications as a Lead Assessor in ISO 9001, a Lead Auditor in Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and a Master Trainer in Cashew Production, with the capability to assist organizations in gaining relevant certifications.

He is an active member of the Advisory Board for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in the USA, a member of the Institute of Business Consulting, a member of Chartered Quality Institute, and a Jury Member for the Global Start-up Awards in 2022 and 2023.

Dr Inga Olar

Woman with wavy brown hair and wearing a cream suit jacket smiles at the cameraDr Inga Olari is an accomplished academic leader and educator with extensive expertise in law, business, and education. As the Academic Manager (Head of Programmes) for the Bath Spa University Partnership at Elizabeth School of London, she oversees the academic and operational delivery of diverse programmes across 11 campuses in the UK, ensuring excellence in teaching and programme management.

Dr Olari holds a PhD in International Law from Chung-Ang University, South Korea, and is a Registered Foreign Lawyer with the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the UK. Her professional journey spans over a decade, including roles as Programme Leader, Lecturer, and Legal Associate. She has contributed significantly to curriculum development, quality assurance, and student success, exemplified by her leadership in managing teams of lecturers and academic coordinators.

In addition to her managerial roles, Dr Olari is an active researcher and author, with publications on negotiation, conflict management, and international law. Her dedication to innovative teaching practices and fostering academic growth has earned her affiliations with prestigious organizations such as the Chartered Association of Business Schools and the Society for Education and Training.

Passionate about shaping future leaders, Dr Olari continues to inspire and mentor students while driving excellence in higher education.

Cllr Guy Nicholson

A man with blue eyes and brown hair wearing a dark suitGuy Nicholson is currently Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Delivery, Inclusive Economy and Regeneration in the London Borough of Hackney. He was first elected as a Councillor in 1998 and alongside his role in Local Government he has a number of non executive roles in the public, not for profit and commercial sectors.

These roles include the Chair of the Board of Newable Ltd, a London Local Government-owned business that created and holds a £78m investment in Newable Partnerships Ltd., an employee-owned company that provides finance, advice and workspace for SMEs in the UK. He is the Independent Chair of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town, bringing together five councils to deliver 23,000 new homes across four Garden neighbourhoods integrated into the existing Harlow new town.

He is a Deputy Chair for the UK Innovation Corridor that brings together Local Government, business and the education sectors in a UK region that runs from London to Cambridge. He is a Local Government Association peer mentor, advising Councillors and Councils around England on performance, policy and delivery. He is a trustee for Autograph ABP which commissions and curates the work of artists who use photography and film to highlight issues of identity, representation, human rights and social justice, and he is a trustee for the East End Community Foundation, investing into the lives of local communities in east London.

Over the last 25 years he has led on the delivery of a number of local and regional urban regeneration and socio-economic initiatives. These include Local Government-led regeneration in Shoreditch, Hackney Central, Dalston, Hoxton, Hackney Wick and Woodberry Down; he was the Chair of the Board for the London City Fringe Partnership investing into small businesses based in London's City Fringe and the precursor to the Tech City initiative; he was a Board member for the Thames Gateway London Partnership, a Board member for the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation delivering urban regeneration in east London. From 2000, he was responsible for ensuring that Local Government contributed to and enabled the planning and delivery of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and its legacy, ensuring the global event was integrated with local communities and local economies.

Some of his previous roles have included:

  • Board member for the Barbican arts centre in the City of London;
  • As a London Region council member for Arts Council England, he was founder and Vice-Chair of Create London, commissioning artists in the visual arts to work with communities experiencing regeneration-led change in their neighbourhoods;
  • Chair of Undercurrent, an experimental theatre company that explored science through performance;
  • A non-executive director for the London-based inward investment agency Gateway to London;
  • Director for the Creative Industries Development Agency (CIDA).
Zoya Slavina

Woman in a white shirt wearing glassesZoya is an independent interdisciplinary researcher with a diverse background in media production, sociology of technology, international relations, and philosophy and ethics. Her expertise lies in exploring the complex interactions between technological development and modern society.

Zoya has presented her research on these topics at prestigious institutions such as Stanford, AMW in the United States, and various universities across Europe.

Currently, Zoya is engaged in AI ethics research with the New York-based startup Stratyfy. She is also affiliated with the University of Białystok (Poland), where she conducts research, prepares academic publications, and participates in research initiatives and industry conferences.

Her academic achievements include a cum laude degree in Crossmedia for Film and Television from Tallinn University (Estonia), studies in Philosophy and Ethics at the University of Białystok (Poland), a Sociology of Technology program at Johannes Kepler University (Linz, Austria), as well as ongoing Master’s degrees in International Relations with a focus on tech policy and security, along with Culture Studies with an emphasis on digital communities and technologies.

Institutions of participating delegates

  • Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
  • Anglia Ruskin University, London
  • Arden University
  • Bath Spa University
  • Birkbeck University of London
  • Cyrix College, Maldives
  • Elizabeth School of London
  • Fairfield School of Business
  • Farabi Kazakh National University, Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Haute Ecole Fransico Ferrer, Belgium
  • International Islamic University Chittagong
  • Institute of Public Administration and Management, University of Sierra Leone
  • Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti, Romania
  • Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
  • Rachel Boehm Coaching and Consulting LLC
  • Ravensbourne University London
  • University College London, UK
  • Universite Libre De Bruxelles, Belgium
  • University of Białystok, Poland
  • University of Wales Trinity St David, UK
  • University of West of England, UK
  • Yessenov University, Aktau, Kazakhstan.