In an era marked by rapid globalization and digital transformation, the Arab world stands at a critical juncture—where economic growth must reconcile with social equity and environmental sustainability. Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari, a leading expert in international trade finance and professor at Khalifa University, has long championed a progressive vision he terms “ethical globalization.”
What Is Ethical Globalization?
Ethical globalization, as articulated by Dr. Alaskari, is not merely about expanding trade or maximizing GDP. It is about ensuring that global commerce uplifts communities, respects local cultures, and integrates ethical considerations into trade decisions. “Trade,” he says, “should be a force for equity, not just efficiency.”
This vision challenges the traditional view of trade policy, which often prioritizes short-term economic gain over long-term societal impact. Dr. Alaskari argues for a values-based framework—one that embeds sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical conduct into the heart of international agreements and regional trade practices.
The GCC Context: Balancing Growth with Responsibility
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have enjoyed accelerated economic development, thanks in part to ambitious infrastructure projects, free trade zones, and proactive trade diplomacy. However, Dr. Alaskari believes this momentum now demands a moral compass.
He calls for a reassessment of trade incentives that perpetuate environmental degradation, social inequities, or regulatory loopholes. For instance, in his ongoing research at the Center for Trade and Financial Innovation (CTFI), Dr. Alaskari collaborates with the UAE’s Ministry of Economy to evaluate how trade incentives can better support green logistics, labor rights, and SME empowerment.
A Call for Policy Reform and Education
Beyond policy, Dr. Alaskari emphasizes the educational role of universities in shaping ethically grounded trade professionals. At Khalifa University, he has led curriculum reforms that introduce ethics modules in finance and trade courses, ensuring that the next generation of economists, regulators, and entrepreneurs are not just competent—but also conscientious.
“We need trade professionals who can balance a balance sheet and a code of ethics,” he notes. “Education is where ethical globalization truly begins.”
Towards a New Regional Trade Ethos
Dr. Alaskari envisions a future where trade agreements among Arab nations prioritize shared prosperity and cultural respect, where transparency and accountability are not optional, and where digital trade platforms are designed to be inclusive rather than exclusive.
His model of ethical globalization does not reject free markets—it reclaims them as tools for collective progress.
Conclusion
As the Arab region positions itself for a post-oil, knowledge-based economy, voices like Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari’s are indispensable. His thought leadership urges policymakers, academics, and business leaders alike to reconsider how we trade—and why we trade.
In Dr. Alaskari’s words, “Let trade be a bridge, not a boundary. Let it enrich lives, not just ledgers.”
