The 3rd biennial edition of the Ann and Jack Graves Foundation Conference Series was held Jan. 12-14 in Kumasi, Ghana. The first two in 2021 and 2023 had been held at The University of Texas at Dallas, but conference organizers decided to move the event this year in alignment with the mission of the Sustainable Global Business Initiative of the Ann and Jack Graves Charitable Foundation and the Center for Global Business.

Conference Co-chair Dr. Habte G. Woldu, a clinical professor in the Organizations, Strategy and International Management Area at the Jindal School and SGBI director, said the conference was moved to Ghana to further one of the SGBI’s goals of supporting faculty conducting international sustainable poverty alleviation projects, with a particular focus on Africa.

Its second important objective was to bring African academics and business leaders to enhance their network for collaborative research works and business partnership.

“The 3rd biennial conference attracted more participants, increasing from 120 last time to 300, and the majority being significantly from various African universities and professional organizations and institutions,” Woldu said.

Other conference co-chairs this year were Dr. Mike Peng, O.P. Jindal Distinguished Chair and an OSIM professor; Hubert Zydorek, an OSIM associate professor of instruction and director of the MS in International Management Studies program; and Dr. Agnieszka Skuza, an OSIM associate professor of instruction and director of the BS in Global Business Program. All are from the Jindal School. Joining them on the committee this year was Dr. Baniyelme D. Zoogah from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

This year’s conference theme was “Sustainability as a Solution to Global Business Challenges: A Focus on Africa.” The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana was a co-presenter.

“Sustainability is a critical component to building and maintaining a democratic society — one that harmonizes environmental, social, and economic objectives,” Woldu said. “Any corporation seeking to do business in Africa must integrate these three pillars into their business strategy.”

By moving the conference from UT Dallas to Africa, the committee co-chairs increased collaboration with African higher institutions.

“This will enhance student and faculty exchange programs, ultimately leading to bridging the gap from the African continent to the U.S.,” Woldu said.