Call for papers: Special issue of Research in International Business and Finance (CABS 2, SSCI Q1, ABDC B, Impact Factor 6.5). “Integrating Inclusive Finance and Sustainability: Pathways to Carbon Neutrality and Nature-Positive Futures"
Special issue in Research in International Business and Finance (CABS 2, JCR Q1, ABDC B, Impact factor: 6.5, 6th out of 111 finance journals based on impact factor): Integrating Inclusive Finance and Sustainability: Pathways to Carbon Neutrality and Nature-Positive Futures

We are excited to announce a call for papers for a special issue in Research in International Business and Finance. This special issue aims to explore the intersection of inclusive finance, carbon neutrality, net-zero strategies, and nature-positive initiatives in the context of global sustainability challenges.

Guest editors:

Anna Min Du, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
Associate Professor in Finance, a.du@napier.ac.uk

Malin Song, Anhui University of Finance and Economics, Anhui, China
Professor of Economics and Vice President (Teaching and Research), songml@aufe.edu.cn

Submission Start Date: June 01, 2024
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2024

Date posted

15 March 2024

This special issue for Research in International Business and Finance explores the intersection of inclusive finance, carbon neutrality, net-zero strategies, and nature-positive initiatives in the context of global sustainability challenges. Recognizing the crucial role of financial inclusivity in driving sustainable economic growth, this issue aims to uncover innovative financial mechanisms and strategies that support the transition to carbon neutrality and enhance biodiversity. The themes will include advancements in green finance, the role of fintech in promoting sustainable practices, financial strategies for achieving net-zero emissions, and the economic impacts of adopting nature-positive solutions.

Guest editors:

Anna Min Du, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
Associate Professor in Finance, a.du@napier.ac.uk

Malin Song, Anhui University of Finance and Economics, Anhui, China
Professor of Economics and Vice President (Teaching and Research), songml@aufe.edu.cn

Special issue information:

Amidst escalating environmental crises and growing inequality, the role of finance in promoting sustainable development has gained unprecedented significance (Bolton & Kacperczyk, 2021; Edmans & Kacperczyk, 2022). Inclusion of marginalized communities within financial systems, coupled with investments in sustainable and regenerative practices, emerges as a powerful catalyst for positive transformation (Murshed et al., 2024). By spotlighting cutting-edge research and perspectives on green finance, fintech innovations for sustainability, and inclusive strategies for achieving carbon neutrality, this special issue sheds light on the pathways through which finance can contribute to a more equitable and environmentally sustainable world.

The interconnectedness of financial systems and environmental sustainability underscores the urgency of this discourse. As the global community strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and meet the targets outlined in the Paris Agreement (Starks, 2023; Galeone et al., 2024), integrated approaches that address both financial inclusion and environmental sustainability are increasingly imperative (Yang et al., 2023). This special issue invites contributions that delve into the mechanisms, policies, and practices capable of advancing the dual agenda of inclusive finance and sustainability, providing valuable insights into how financial instruments, technologies, and frameworks can be harnessed to create positive impact.

To foster a comprehensive academic discourse that bridges inclusive finance with sustainable development goals, specifically focusing on achieving carbon neutrality and promoting nature-positive actions. This issue seeks to highlight empirical research, theoretical advancements, and policy discussions that address the financial challenges and opportunities in navigating the path toward a sustainable and inclusive global economy.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Inclusive Green Finance Mechanisms
Sustainable Fintech Solutions
Inclusive Strategies for Carbon Neutrality
Financing Nature-Positive Outcomes Equitably
Models of Inclusive Sustainable Economic Growth
Policies for Equitable Sustainable Development
Inclusive Financing for Biodiversity Preservation
Inclusive Financing for Social and Environmental Justice
Investments in Eco-friendly Technologies for All
Integrating Climate Action with Financial Inclusion
Renewable Energy Access through Inclusive Financing
Aligning SDGs with Inclusive Financial Practices
CSR and Inclusive Financial Strategies
ESG Investing with an Inclusivity Lens
Microfinance and its Role in Sustainable Development
Inclusive Approaches to Green Bond Financing
Regulatory Frameworks Promoting Inclusive Sustainability
Inclusive Technological Solutions for Environmental Challenges
Equitable Financial Tools for Reducing Emissions
Inclusive Practices in Sustainability Reporting
Ethical Banking Practices that Support Widespread Sustainability
Enhancing Financial Inclusion through Sustainable Banking
This special issue underscores the critical need for integrating inclusive finance with sustainable development strategies to address the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, making a significant contribution to the field of international business and finance.

Manuscript submission information:

The submission system for Research in International Business and Finance's special issue will be open for submissions to our Special Issue from June 1st, 2024. When submitting your manuscript please go to Editorial Manager® and select the article type “VSI: Inclusive Finance and Sustainability”. Please submit your manuscript before December 31st, 2024.

All submissions deemed suitable to be sent for peer review will be reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. Once your manuscript is accepted, it will go into production, and will be simultaneously published in the current regular issue and pulled into the online Special Issue. Articles from this Special Issue will appear in different regular issues of the journal, though they will be clearly marked and branded as Special Issue articles.

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