
The 7th Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Business and Communication - An-Najah National University
"Building Sustainable Economies: Knowledge, Innovation, and Digitalization in the MENA Region"
Wednesday and Thursday, May 7 - 8, 2025
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Palestine Time)
In the 21st century, the intersection of digitalization, knowledge, and innovation has emerged as a cornerstone for building sustainable economies. In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, digitalization is not only a driver of innovation and growth but also a transformative force for achieving sustainability goals across economies and societies (ITU, 2024; Elfaki and Ahmad, 2024). Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data are revolutionizing industries, optimizing processes, and redefining how businesses and governments operate (Rashid and Kausik, 2024). These advancements enhance productivity and efficiency, offering unprecedented opportunities to address economic, social, and environmental challenges in the MENA region (Alojail and Khan, 2023).
Digital technologies hold immense potential to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with research showing their direct contribution to up to 70% of SDG targets. From poverty reduction to climate action, education, and healthcare, digital innovations can empower the region to tackle some of its most pressing challenges (Juez, 2023). However, realizing the full potential of these technologies requires the integration of innovative public policies that promote equitable access, support sustainable business practices, and address key issues like data privacy, cybersecurity, workforce transformation, and ethical considerations.
For the MENA region, where disparities in development and resources persist, bridging global insights with localized strategies is critical. Tailoring digital solutions to the region’s unique contexts can help unlock transformative opportunities while fostering economic resilience and environmental sustainability. Agile public policies that leverage digital innovation can guide the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, enabling societies and businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
This conference seeks to explore the transformative role of digitalization, knowledge, and innovation in building sustainable economies within the MENA region. It will highlight how emerging technologies can drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainable growth across public and private sectors. Additionally, it aims to examine how collaborative frameworks between governments, businesses, and academia can foster innovation in public policy and business practices. Together, these efforts can pave the way for inclusive, knowledge-driven, and sustainable development across the region, contributing meaningfully to the global 2030 Agenda.
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To explore how digital tools and innovative practices can be integrated into public policy frameworks to enhance governance, transparency, and citizen engagement.
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To adapt global best practices in digital transformation to address the unique socio-economic and cultural dynamics of the MENA region.
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To investigate the impact of digital transformation and remote work on labor market dynamics and strategies for fostering a resilient knowledge-based economy.
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To promote innovative accounting and sustainability practices that enhance transparency, accountability, and governance in public and private sectors.
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To align fiscal strategies with national development goals to achieve economic stability, reduce disparities, and promote inclusive growth.
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To explore innovative financial strategies and market dynamics that foster resilience, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
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To examine the role of strategic communication in fostering trust, inclusivity, and collaboration between governments, citizens, and stakeholders.
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To investigate the role of digital marketing and innovation in transforming businesses, enhancing customer engagement, and fostering sustainable growth.
Innovative Public Policies and Digital Governance
The integration of digital tools and innovative practices into public policy and governance frameworks has the potential to revolutionize public service delivery, enhance transparency, and strengthen citizen engagement. This theme focuses on exploring cutting-edge approaches to digital governance and how they can be utilized to create more responsive, efficient, and inclusive public policies. Discussions will highlight strategies for implementing digital transformation in governance, overcoming barriers to adoption, and ensuring ethical and equitable access to digital technologies. Key areas of focus include:
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Examining how digital tools can reshape public policy design and implementation for more adaptive governance.
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The role of digital platforms in reducing corruption and fostering trust between governments and citizens.
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Strategies to ensure marginalized communities benefit from digital public services and governance innovations.
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Addressing privacy concerns, data protection, and ethical challenges in digital governance initiatives.
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Exploring the potential of e-participation platforms to enhance public involvement in policy-making processes.
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Lessons from global and regional examples of successful digital governance initiatives and their impact on public policies.
Bridging global insights on digital transformation with local needs in the MENA region
Digital transformation offers transformative opportunities for the MENA region, but its success depends on aligning global best practices with the region's unique socio-economic and cultural dynamics. This theme explores how international experiences in digital transformation can be adapted to meet local needs, with a focus on governance, public services, and societal inclusion. The discussion will address challenges such as the digital divide, capacity building, and the integration of emerging technologies, while highlighting strategies for leveraging digital innovation to address pressing regional issues in public policy and development. Key areas of focus include:
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How can MENA governments adopt international best practices in digital governance while considering local cultural and political contexts.
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Strategies to address infrastructure gaps, enhance digital literacy, and ensure equitable access to digital transformation opportunities.
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How technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT can be tailored to address MENA-specific challenges in public service delivery.
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Approaches to training and workforce development to align global technological trends with local human resource needs.
Knowledge Economy, Remote Work, and Labor Market Dynamics
The rapid rise of the digital and knowledge economy, coupled with the global shift towards remote work, has fundamentally transformed labor markets and economic systems. This theme explores the intersection of these trends, focusing on how knowledge-driven industries and digital technologies redefine employment, productivity, and workforce collaboration. It examines the opportunities and challenges posed by remote work in fostering innovation, bridging skill gaps, and ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities. Additionally, the theme highlights the role of public policies and digital transformation in supporting a resilient and inclusive labor market that meets the evolving demands of a knowledge-based economy. Key areas of focus include:
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Building a Knowledge-Based Economy: Strategies for Sustainable Growth
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The Impact of Remote Work on the Knowledge Economy
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Future of the Workforce: Knowledge-Driven Jobs and Remote Work Trends
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Bridging Skill Gaps in the Knowledge Economy
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Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Work Environments
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Labor Market Policies for a Knowledge-Driven Economy
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Digital Transformation and Knowledge Work
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Economic Inclusion in the Knowledge Economy
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Remote Work and Regional Development in the Knowledge Economy
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The Digital Economy and the Future of Employment
Sustainability and Innovation in Accounting and Governance
As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of global development, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into accounting, auditing, and governance frameworks has emerged as a critical priority. Recent advancements in digitalization and data analytics are enabling organizations to track and report sustainability metrics more effectively, fostering greater accountability and transparency in both public and private sectors. This theme explores the evolving role of sustainability reporting, cutting-edge auditing practices, and innovative accounting approaches in addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Discussions will focus on aligning governance structures with global sustainability goals, leveraging emerging technologies, and fostering a culture of accountability. Key areas of focus include:
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Advancing ESG Reporting Standards: Exploring the integration of frameworks such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to streamline global ESG reporting and ensure comparability across sectors.
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Digital Transformation in Sustainability Accounting: Leveraging technologies such as blockchain for secure, transparent reporting, and AI for real-time sustainability data analysis and forecasting.
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Public Sector Leadership in Sustainability Auditing: Best practices for integrating ESG considerations into public sector auditing processes to ensure alignment with national and international sustainability goals.
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Localized Adaptation of Global Standards: Adopting and tailoring international frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to fit local governance systems and socio-economic contexts.
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Joint Accountability and Reporting Frameworks: Developing multi-stakeholder approaches for collaborative accountability, particularly in cross-sectoral projects or regional sustainability initiatives.
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Emerging Trends in ESG Metrics and Disclosure: Addressing the increasing demand for comprehensive, forward-looking disclosures on climate risks, biodiversity impacts, and social equity, driven by regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.
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Governance Innovations for Net-Zero and Beyond: Aligning governance structures with long-term climate goals, including decarbonization pathways, circular economy models, and equitable transition strategies.
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Building Resilience through Sustainability Auditing: Utilizing sustainability audits to identify risks, optimize resource allocation, and enhance organizational adaptability to environmental and societal changes.
Public Finance and Sustainable Economic Development
Public finance plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainable economic development by effectively managing revenues, expenditures, and public debt. In the MENA region, fiscal challenges are intensified by socio-economic disparities, political instability, and fluctuating global economic conditions (OECD, 2022; IMF, 2023; MAS, 2022; UNDP, 2021). Aligning fiscal strategies with national and international goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is crucial for fostering inclusive growth and long-term stability. This theme focuses on the role of effective public finance management, including taxation and expenditure policies, in achieving fiscal sustainability and promoting equitable economic growth. Key areas of focus include:
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Exploring approaches to ensure long-term debt sustainability, reduce fiscal risks, and align debt strategies with macroeconomic stability.
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Focusing on reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the management and utilization of public funds.
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Examining mechanisms to prioritize and monitor public spending to maximize socio-economic benefits and reduce inefficiencies.
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Addressing measures to improve budget design, execution, and public participation in fiscal decision-making.
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Analyzing reforms to broaden the tax base, ensure fairness, and enhance revenue collection while supporting economic development.
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Strategies to reduce dependency on external aid, promote sustainable revenue generation, and align fiscal policies with development priorities.
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Understanding the impact of public finance policies on GDP growth, employment, and investment, and leveraging fiscal tools to drive inclusive growth.
Finance, Markets, and Sustainable Growth
Finance plays a central role in fostering sustainable economic development by shaping investments, market strategies, and overall financial systems. This theme explores the dynamic interaction between financial markets, investment strategies, and broader financial issues, emphasizing their collective potential to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. Key areas of exploration include:
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Innovative financial strategies for sustainability
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Capital structure and market dynamics
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Risk management in financial systems
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Governance, transparency, and financial integrity
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Technological advancements in finance: AI, blockchain, and data analytics
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Opportunities and challenges in emerging markets
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Global financial trends and their local implications
Communication and Public Policy: Enhancing Connectivity and Governance in the MENA Region
Effective communication is crucial for building trust, ensuring transparency, and fostering collaboration between governments, citizens, and stakeholders (World Bank, 2021; OECD, 2022). In the MENA region, strategic communication plays a pivotal role in addressing governance challenges, promoting inclusive policy-making, and enhancing public engagement (UNDP, 2020). This theme explores how communication strategies, digital tools, and media can be harnessed to improve public service delivery, enhance citizen participation, and support the implementation of sustainable development policies. By focusing on innovative and inclusive approaches, the conference will address critical issues such as misinformation, the digital divide, and the role of communication in crisis management and conflict resolution (OECD, 2022; World Bank, 2021). Key areas of focus include:
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The role of strategic communication in effective governance and policy implementation.
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Digital media as a tool for citizen engagement and public service accountability.
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Bridging the communication gap between policymakers and marginalized communities.
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Managing misinformation and fostering trust in public institutions.
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Communication strategies for crisis management and conflict resolution.
Marketing and Digital Transformation
In today’s interconnected world, marketing and digital transformation are essential drivers of economic growth and competitiveness. This theme focuses on the evolving landscape of marketing strategies, including digital marketing, and their role in transforming businesses, fostering innovation, and reaching global markets (UNCTAD, 2022). The discussion will cover how businesses in the MENA region can utilize digital tools, data analytics, and online platforms to enhance customer engagement, build brand loyalty, and drive sustainable growth. It will also address the challenges of digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable access to digital marketing opportunities (World Bank, 2021). Key areas of focus include:
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The impact of digital marketing on business growth and market access
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Utilizing data analytics and AI in customer segmentation and targeted marketing
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Overcoming digital inclusion challenges in the MENA region
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Enhancing brand identity through social media and content marketing
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Regulatory frameworks for digital advertising and consumer protection
Conference Chair:
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Dr. Ra'fat Al-Jallad, Dean, An-Najah National University
Organizing Committee:
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Dr. Ra’fat Jallad, An-Najah National University (Coordinator)
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rabeh Morrar, An-Najah National University
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Prof. Dr. Abdulnaser Nour, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Islam Abdeljawad, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muiz Abu Alia, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sam Fuqaha, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rani Shahwan, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Ghassan Daas, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Amer Qasem, An-Najah National University
Scientific Committee:
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rabeh Morrar, An-Najah National University (Coordinator)
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Prof Dr. Faiz Gallouj, Lille University, France, France
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Prof. Dr. Isam Shahrour, Lille University, France
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Prof. Dr. Camal Gallouj, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, France
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Prof. Dr. Abdulnaser Nour, An-Najah National University
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Prof. Dr. Osmar Hazael Zavaleta-Vazquez, EGADE Business School, Mexico
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Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Haddad, University of Tennessee, USA
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Prof. Dr. Hamid Ali, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Qatar
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Prof. Dr. Shawkat Hammoudeh, Drexel University, USA
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Prof. Dr. Xiaofang Chen, Wuhan University of Technology, China
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Prof. Dr. Faisal Al-Monawer, International University of Kuwait, Kuwait
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Prof. Dr. Fernando Rios-Avila, Levy Economics Institute, USA
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Prof. Dr. Ra'ed Masa'deh, The University of Jordan, Jordan
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Prof. Dr. Mazhar Waseem, University of Manchester, UK
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Prof. Dr. Ragui Assaad, University of Minnesota, USA
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evren, College of Public Policy HBKU, UAE
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sofiane Baba, University of Sherbrooke, Canada
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Majdi Hassen, University of Tunis, Tunisia
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdalmuttaleb M.A. Musleh Al-Sartawi, Ahlia University, Bahrain
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Islam Abdeljawad, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof. Majd Iskandarani, The University of Jordan, Jordan
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sameh Hallaq, Al-Quds University
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatem Jemmali, University of Manouba, Tunisia
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Fraihat, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Qatar
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Najjar, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muiz Abu Alia, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sam Alfoqahaa, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof . Dr. Rani Shahwan, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Irfan Al Hasani, Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), UAE
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Dr. Antonios Persakis, University of Thessaly, Greece.
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Dr. Tina Zintl, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), Germany
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Dr. Adeeb Bader, Qatar University, Qatar
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Dr. Mehmed Ganic, Balkan Studies Centre, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Dr. Hamza Preljević, Balkan Studies Centre, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Dr. Ibrahim Naser Khatatbeh, The Hashemite University, Jordan
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Dr. Ciarán Ó Carroll, Technological University Dublin (TUD), Ireland
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Dr. Ra'ed M. BenShams, Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Bahrain
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Dr. Shaker Khaleel, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Aladdin Dwekat, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Amer Qasem, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Hala Zaidan, The University of Jordan, Jordan
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Dr. Farid Abudheir, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Firas Alnaser, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Ghassan Daas, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Ibrahim Okh, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Khaled Zedan, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Mofeed Thaher, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Muath Asmar, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Na'el Musa, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Osama Abdallah, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Saed Raji Ahmad Koni, An-Najah National University
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Dr. Shatha Qamheih, An-Najah National University
Marcom Committee:
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Dr. Firas Alnaser, An-Najah National University (Coordinator)
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sam Fuqaha, An-Najah National University
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Mr. Jalal Salman, An-Najah National University
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Mr. Faisal Saleh, An-Najah National University
Financial Committee:
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muiz Abu Alia, An-Najah National University (Coordinator)
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Prof. Dr. Abdulnaser Nour, An-Najah National University
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rabeh Morrar, An-Najah National University
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Mr. Jalal Salman, An-Najah National University
Logistics Committee:
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rabeh Morrar, An-Najah National University (Coordinator)
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Dr. Amer Qasem, An-Najah National University
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Mr. Faisal Saleh, An-Najah National University
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Mr. Jalal Salman, An-Najah National University
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The deadline for submitting research papers in Arabic and English to the conference is March 25, 2025. Researchers will receive a response within two weeks of submission.
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The last date for submitting camera-ready papers is April 30, 2025
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The deadline for conference registration is April 20, 2025
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The conference date is scheduled for May 7-8, 2025
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Authors are required to submit original, anonymous papers in English or Arabic, which have not been submitted elsewhere and maintain less than 20% similarity. Submit as a single PDF or Word file, adhering to the author's guidelines below.
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Papers should be submitted through the official conference email: [email protected].
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Submitted papers will undergo a double-blind review process.
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Research will not be accepted unless all modifications required by the scientific committee are made.
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Upon acceptance, at least one author must register to present at the conference.
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The camera-ready paper should be supplemented with the following:
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A Point-By-Point Response Letter to all reviewers' comments.
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A signed and scanned publishing agreement (copyright) form, personally signed without typed letters.
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A bio of 2-5 lines for each author.
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The final paper (camera-ready copy) should follow the conference sample paper, with the filename containing the paper ID in both Word and PDF formats with the full details of the authors (see attached example paper)
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After preparing the camera-ready paper as per the above points, please email a zipped file with all the required documents to [email protected].
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Abstracts of all papers presented in the conference will be added to the conference abstract book. In addition, participants can choose one of the following three options:
Option 1: Presentation and Inclusion in Conference Proceedings
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Language: English
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Word Limit: Not exceeding 5000 words
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Page Range: 8 to 12 pages after formatting.
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Utilize the provided conference sample paper as a template.
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Refer to Springer author guidelines for further details.
Conference proceedings will be published by Springer Nature’s proceedings. Renowned platforms like SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Springer Link will index the conference proceedings. Furthermore, these conference proceedings will be assigned an ISBN number by Springer Nature.
Option 2: We are pleased to announce that selected conference presentations will have the opportunity for publication in a special issue of An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities), a Q4 Scopus-indexed journal. This opportunity is available for papers presented in English, ensuring a platform for diverse academic contributions.
To maintain the highest academic standards, we encourage submissions that demonstrate a quantitative research methodology, showcasing robust statistical analysis, empirical data collection, and evidence-based conclusions. Papers should focus on addressing key conference themes while integrating quantitative approaches that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the specified domains.
Option 3: Presentation Only
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The paper will not be considered for publication.
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Languages: Both Arabic and English are accepted.
The Conference Registration Fees include:
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Access to Conference Sessions: Participants can attend keynote speeches, presentations, and other scheduled sessions.
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Conference Materials: This includes conference programs, an abstract book, and any other relevant documentation.
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Meals and Refreshments: This includes meals, coffee breaks, or receptions as part of the registration fee.
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Conference Proceedings: Access to or a copy of the conference proceedings.
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Certificate of Attendance: A certificate confirming the participant's attendance at the conference.
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Certificate of Presentation: A certificate confirming the author's presentation at the conference.
Virtual Attendance | Physical Attendance | |||
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With Paper | No Paper | With Paper | No Paper | |
Early Bird Registration | ||||
Ph.D and Master students | 30 | free | 70 | free |
Academic, Professional, & Government | 70 | free | 120 | 30 |
Normal Regestration | ||||
Ph.D and Master students | 50 | free | 100 | free |
Academic, Professional, & Government | 100 | free | 150 | 50 |
The conference mailing address is: [email protected]