The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces unique challenges and opportunities in integrating sustainability into sovereign credit assessments. This research study examines environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors embedded in the lending policies of jurisdictional institutions in MENA. By analyzing existing literature and case studies, we identify key drivers and barriers to ESG integration in sovereign lending. Our findings suggest a growing recognition of sustainability’s importance in financial stability and credit, driven by global climate guarantees and local socio-economic development. However, challenges such as data availability, regulatory frameworks, and market acceptance persist. This paper provides an overview of current practices, highlights best practices, and offers recommendations to enhance ESG integration in sovereign debt reviews in the MENA region. The study concludes that a robust ESG framework is necessary to accurately reflect the long-term risks and opportunities associated with sovereign debt, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth regionally.

A fresh interest has been accorded to metal iodides due to their fascinating physicochemical properties such as high ionic conductivity, variable optical properties, and high thermal stabilities in making micro and macro devices. Breakthroughs in cathodic preparation and metallization of metal iodides revealed new opportunities for using these compounds in various fields, especially in energy conversion and materials with luminescent and sensory properties. In energy storage metal iodides are being looked at due to their potential to enhance battery performance, in optoelectronics the property of the metal iodides is available to create efficient LEDs and solar cells. Further, their application in sensing devices, especially in environmental and medical monitoring has been quite mentioned due to their response towards environmental changes such as heat or light. Nevertheless, some challenges are still in question, including material stability, scale-up opportunities, and compatibility with other technologies. This work highlights the groundbreaking potential of metal iodide-based nanomaterials, emphasizing their transformative role in innovation and their promise for future advancements.

The aim of this study is to determine how bank diversification affects bank stability. To this end, it examines data of 136 commercial banks operating in 14 MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries observed from 2005 to 2021, using the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) panel data regression analysis. The selected countries are Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. The main results point to the enhancing effect of income diversification on bank stability. Our results underline the “Bright Side” of banking income diversification in the MENA region. However, this stabilizing income diversification effect is not always maintainable. The results also point to a non-linear relationship between interest/non-interest income and financial stability, suggesting that higher diversification reduces risk. We use a dynamic panel threshold model to determine income diversification thresholds that stabilize banks in the MENA region.

This article examines migration as a complex social phenomenon using innovative pedagogical tools such as Story Maps and virtual ethnography. the study focuses on how these tools enhance the learning process by integrating Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy. Original empirical data was collected from student feedback and reflective exercises, demonstrating enhanced critical thinking and engagement. The study also highlights the challenges posed by technological access inequalities, emphasizing the need for equitable solutions.