Our study investigates the relationship between firm profitability, board characteristics, and the quality of sustainability disclosures, while examining the moderating effects of financial leverage and external audit assurance. A key focus is the distinction between Big 4 and non-Big 4 audit firms. Using data from Malaysia’s top 100 publicly listed organizations from 2018 to 2020, we analyze sustainability reports based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Unexpectedly, our results indicate a negative association between firm profitability and board characteristics, challenging traditional assumptions. We find that non-Big 4 audit firms significantly enhance sustainability disclosure quality, contradicting the widely held belief in the superiority of Big 4 firms. Our finding introduces the “Big 4 dilemma” in the Malaysian context and calls for a reassessment of audit firm selection practices. Our study offers new perspectives on the strategic role of board composition and audit firm selection in advancing sustainability disclosures, urging Malaysian organizations to evaluate audit firms on criteria beyond the global prestige of Big 4 firms to improve sustainability reporting.

Climate change is a pressing global challenge that requires immediate action. To address this issue effectively, it is essential to engage and empower the younger generation who will shape the future. This abstract presents the experience of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) in UAE in promoting climate action through youth empowerment and environmental education.MBZUH has recognized the significance of incorporating environmental education into its curriculum to foster a generation of environmentally conscious individuals. Through a multidimensional approach, the university has developed innovative strategies to empower students, enabling them to become active participants in addressing climate change. These strategies encompass both formal and informal education, leveraging various platforms and partnerships to create a comprehensive learning environment.This study delves into the initiatives undertaken by MBZUH to empower youth in climate action. It explores the incorporation of environmental education across disciplines, integrating sustainability principles into existing courses, and offering specialized programs focused on environmental science and climate studies. Additionally, it highlights the university's efforts in promoting hands-on learning experiences, such as field trips, research projects, and community engagement, to deepen students' understanding of climate issues and inspire practical action.Furthermore, the study examines the role of MBZUH's collaboration with local and international organizations, governmental bodies, and the wider community in fostering youth empowerment and climate action. It showcases successful partnerships that have resulted in impactful initiatives, including awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and youth-led environmental projects.By sharing the experience of MBZUH, this study aims to provide valuable insights and best practices for promoting climate action through youth empowerment and environmental education. It underscores the importance of empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become effective agents of change in addressing climate challenges.

This study aims to explore the relationship between classroom anxiety and self-efficacy among Chinese Korean language learners and the impact of these variables on learning outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, the study conducted a questionnaire survey with 300 learners to assess their levels of Korean language learning classroom anxiety and self-efficacy. The questionnaire comprised two parts: one for assessing learning anxiety and the other for self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. The results indicate a significant negative correlation between classroom anxiety and self-efficacy. That is, higher levels of classroom anxiety in Korean language learners correspond to lower levels of self-efficacy. Additionally, self-efficacy played a partial mediating role between classroom anxiety and learning outcomes. The study also found that teaching strategies offering positive feedback and encouragement can effectively reduce learners’ classroom anxiety and enhance their self-efficacy, thereby improving learning outcomes. This research is significant for understanding the psychological characteristics of Chinese Korean language learners and their impact on the learning process. The findings underscore the need to focus on learners’ psychological states in language teaching and provide strategies for teachers on how to improve teaching effectiveness by alleviating classroom anxiety and enhancing self-efficacy.

This study explores the interactions between inflation and stock market. We carried out a bibliometric analysis with R package to highlight the worldwide research trends in the field, covering the period of three crises (financial, health crisis and war of Ukraine). Next, using monthly data for the period from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2023 and based on a vector autoregressive model, impulse response and variance decomposition are performed to explore the dynamic relationships between inflation and Greek stock market. The results reveal the existence of high volatility in Athens’ stock market during COVID-19 pandemic, owning to a shock of the inflation. Regarding the period of Ukrainian war, the study verified the Fama’s hypothesis that there is a negative relationship between inflation and stock returns. The findings have significant implications for investors and policy makers.

This study aims to underscore the relevance of pre-existing resilience experiences within communities affected by socio-political violence in Colombia, particularly in the context of developing effective risk management practices and enriching the CBDM model. This research employs a qualitative design, incorporating a multiple case study approach, which integrates a comprehensive literature review, in-depth interviews, and focus groups conducted in two Colombian communities, namely Salgar and La Primavera. The community of La Primavera effectively harnessed community empowerment and social support practices to confront socio-political violence, which evolved into a form of social capital that could be leveraged to address disaster risks. Conversely, in Salgar, individual and familial coping strategies took precedence. It is concluded that bolstering citizen participation in disaster risk management in both communities and governmental support for community projects aimed at reducing vulnerability is imperative. This study reveals that capabilities developed through coping with the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict, such as community empowerment and practices of solidarity and social support, can enhance community resilience in the face of disasters.