Rapid technological advancements, geopolitical uncertainty, and the challenges posed by climate change are driving structural changes in the global economy. These developments highlight the need for more adaptive and inclusive governance to ensure that technological progress goes hand in hand with efforts to achieve sustainable development.
In response to these challenges, the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), through its Scientific Publication Unit, is once again organizing the 14th Gadjah Mada International Conference on Economics and Business (GAMAICEB) 2026 on September 16–17, 2026, at The Alana Hotel & Convention Center, Yogyakarta.
Chair of the GAMAICEB 2026 Organizing Committee, Arika Artiningsih, Ph.D., said that this year’s conference carries the theme “Governing the Future: Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development in a Changing Global Economy.” The conference provides a platform for academics, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas and disseminate research findings on the importance of governing digital transformation to support sustainable development amid global change.
“The theme, ‘Governing the Future: Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development in a Changing Global Economy,’ emphasizes the importance of integrating technological advancement with sound governance and sustainable development frameworks. As structural changes continue to reshape the global economy, collaboration among academics, policymakers, and practitioners is essential to harness digital transformation to improve public services, transparency, inclusive growth, green innovation, and data-driven policymaking,” Arika said on Friday (September 11, 2026) at FEB UGM.
Arika explained that digital transformation is no longer simply changing the way people work and interact, but is also reshaping governance, economic systems, and social interactions around the world. Amid rapid technological developments, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate change, governments need to adopt adaptive and inclusive approaches to ensure digital innovation contributes to sustainable development.
For developing and emerging economies, digitalization offers opportunities to improve public services and transparency while promoting inclusive growth. However, digitalization also presents challenges related to regulation, inequality, and cybersecurity.
“Aligning digital strategies with sustainability agendas through smart governance, green innovation, and data-driven policies is essential to ensure that technological progress can promote social equity while upholding environmental responsibility,” she explained.
Arika expressed her hope that GAMAICEB 2026 would serve as a strategic platform for exchanging ideas, sharing research findings, and formulating actionable policy recommendations. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, the conference aims to strengthen institutional capacity and promote innovative, resilient, and responsive governance models that address the rapidly evolving global economy.
The conference brings together 138 participants, comprising 136 presenters and two non-presenters. Speakers and presenters come from 11 countries: Indonesia, Poland, Taiwan, Japan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Australia, Pakistan, and Mexico. The research presented at the conference covers three main fields: accounting, economics, and management.
The conference will begin with an opening ceremony on September 16, 2026, followed by keynote sessions featuring Prof. Syaiful Ali, S.E., M.I.S., Ph.D., from FEB UGM; Dr. Siwage Dharma Negara, Principal Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore; Dr. Mohd Hairul Azrin Haji Besar from Universiti Brunei Darussalam; and Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards, and External Affairs at Certified Practicing Accountants.
Over the two-day conference, participants will attend parallel paper presentation sessions addressing contemporary economic and business issues. Topics include financial accounting, finance and investment, sustainable accounting/business, corporate governance, marketing, human resources, auditing, strategic management, entrepreneurship, economics, and leadership and organization. GAMAICEB 2026 will conclude with the presentation of the Best Paper Awards on September 17, 2026.
As GAMAICEB enters its 14th year, FEB UGM continues to strengthen its role as an academic forum that brings together ideas, research, and international networks. The conference is expected not only to enrich discourse in economics and business but also to foster relevant insights and recommendations to address future challenges in governance, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Report: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
