The Inauguration of the First Economics and Finance Forum at UOB

The President of the University of Bahrain (UOB), Prof. Riyad Yousif Hamzah, stated that the University has adopted in its policy to achieve sustainable educational and administrative goals the strategy of investment and opportunities provision for its youth to grow in a stable educational and administrative environment, following the steps the policy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressing that the region’s youth have a huge potential if given the right opportunities, and they may be the best model in promoting long-term growth.

This came in a speech given by Dr. Hamzah today during the inauguration of the First Economics And Finance Forum “Toward A Sustainable And Comprehensive Future” at UOB, in the presence of the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Rashid Mohammed Al-Mearaj, and a number of officials from ministries, government institutions, UOB and its academics, officers, economists, bankers, and those interested in local, regional and international economic affairs.

Dr. Hamzah stressed the importance of the Forum as a circle through which light can be shed on “public policies and economic conflicts, the financial comprehensive role, and opportunities and risks in financial innovation.”

He further added that the participants will explore the exciting trends in digital financial inclusion, such as the speed of change and why it is important, how digital finance changes the value proposition for customers and institutions, and the effects of the financing process and remittances on governments and individuals.

In his speech, Dr. Hamzah pointed out that ” Due to their enormous resources, rich history and culture, which have deep roots in science and trade, the countries of the region show promise, as we have a talented generation of young men and women who are eager to work and be productive members of society.”

The Forum was organized by the Department of Economics and Finance at the College of Business, and it hosted a group of local and international experts in the fields of economics, finance, and international trade.

Participants in the “First Economics and Finance Forum” discussed the latest economic developments at the regional and international levels, in the topics data science in decision-making for policymakers, international trade and the transition from education to work and labor market policies, in addition to a panel discussion on financial technology (FinTech) and its impact on economic growth.

Moreover, Head of the Economics and Finance Department at the College of Business, Hana Saeed Bawazir, said that the Economics and Finance Forum comes within the framework of exchanging research and having discussions between academics at UOB, political decision-makers, and experts in the field of economics and public policy, on issues of economic importance and working to establish a network for communication between UOB and educational institutions locally and internationally, in addition to connecting with the institutions of the banking sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Key speaker at the Forum, a researcher at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Dr. Fernandoio, discussed the future of data science for policymakers, international macroeconomics, trade, and development. While Dr. Carolina Pan, researcher at the Center for International Development Research at Harvard University, spoke on the topic of international trade between the United States and China.

Also, Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University, Dr. Faten Saliba, participated in the discussion on empowering Arab youth by providing them with technical guidance and tools to join the labor market.

In addition, the Forum hosted experts in the field of FinTech, including Professor of Management and Information Systems at UOB Prof. Adel Al-Alawi, Director of “FinTech Saudi” Miss Nujood Al-Malik, Head of the Economic Research Department at the Central Bank of Bahrain Dana Hamzah, analyst at Fintech bay Muneera Al-Fadhel, and Head of the Department Information Systems at UOB Dr. Mazen Ali.

The Forum was attended by a number of the academic staff at UOB, as well as invitees and those interested in global and local economic affairs.