At the University of Salford, we embed sustainability into all aspects of university life, enabling a mindset that shapes how our graduates see and engage with the world. For Isaac Obeng-Amoako, who graduated with Distinction from the MSc Financial Technology programme, that mindset has grown into a clear sense of purpose.
Today, Isaac is part of the University’s Strategy Team, where he contributes to a forward-looking project analysing Greater Manchester’s skills landscape. His work focuses on mapping the region’s workforce needs, examining how green and digital skills are reshaping industries across local boroughs, and helping design pathways for a fairer and more sustainable economy. Through this analysis, Isaac has helped highlight the dual importance of green and digital capabilities as key drivers of Greater Manchester’s transition towards a net-zero and digitally enabled labour market.
“We’re trying to understand how workforce strategies like the Local Skills Improvement Plan can connect more people to the opportunities being created through major investment sites such as Atom Valley, MediaCity and the Salford Crescent Innovation District, it’s about connecting education and employment and making sure sustainability is at the heart of that process.”
Bringing Sustainability into Finance and Policy
Isaac’s passion for sustainability didn’t begin in an environmental lab, it began in the world of finance. During his Master’s, he became fascinated by how financial systems can be reimagined to serve both people and the planet. His coursework on Innovations in Finance and Ethics in Business encouraged him to look at global challenges through an economic lens, asking a simple but powerful question: can money drive change responsibly?
That question became the foundation for his dissertation, How ESG Disclosure Influences Investor Funding Outcomes among Start-Ups. His research explored how start-ups that disclose their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance are often more likely to gain investor confidence and funding.
“I realised sustainability isn’t just a corporate buzzword, it’s a form of credibility, investors are beginning to reward companies that genuinely embed ESG principles into their operations, not just those that talk about it.”
Through his analysis, Isaac found that transparency and ethical responsibility are becoming key to long-term growth, especially in the financial technology sector. For him, sustainability and finance are no longer separate worlds; they are two sides of the same coin.
From Classroom Learning to Community Impact
At Salford, Isaac didn’t limit his learning to lecture halls. He actively took part in the University’s Go Green initiative, joining activities like litter picking and tree planting at Peel Park, which deepened his understanding of how small, collective actions can drive real change.
His efforts were recognised through the Dean’s Sustainability Award, which he describes as one of the proudest moments of his Salford journey.
“That recognition made me realise that sustainability isn’t confined to environmental science or policy students, it’s something every discipline can contribute to, whether you’re studying finance, tech, or business, you have a role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Beyond campus, Isaac volunteers as a STEM Ambassador, encouraging young people to embrace financial literacy while introducing them to ethical and green investment. He also contributes to the OK Foundation, helping to integrate sustainability principles into local development projects, including responsible consumption, youth empowerment, and transitioning to zero-emission transport by 2035.
Shaping Frameworks for a Sustainable Future
Building on his academic insight and professional experience, Isaac has begun developing his own concept, the Sustainability and AI Conceptual Framework (SAICF). The framework brings together sustainability values with digital transformation, outlining six key leadership capabilities: systems thinking, ethical reasoning, analytical literacy, innovation, collaboration, and change leadership.
“AI and data-driven decision-making will define the future, but without sustainability at the centre, innovation can lose its humanity. The framework is about preparing leaders to think ethically and responsibly in a digital world.”
Isaac’s research on SAICF has been accepted for publication in the Springer World Sustainability Series, and he will be presenting it at the Symposium on Sustainability in Executive Business Education Programmes taking place at the University of Salford on 4–5 December 2025. He is also a founding member of the FIVE-C Network, a collaboration focused on advancing sustainable innovation and circular practices across communities.
Employers Want Sustainability Skills and Salford Graduates Have Them
Isaac’s work has given him a unique view of the changing expectations of employers. He notes that sustainability is no longer a specialist skill, it’s becoming an essential part of how every sector operates.
“Employers are increasingly asking, ‘What does sustainability mean to you?’ They’re not just looking for technical skills anymore, they want people who can think long-term, who understand the social and environmental impact of their work.”
He adds that this growing demand reflects a broader cultural shift where sustainable thinking equals smarter business. Companies are realising that aligning their operations with the SDGs can improve resilience, attract investors, and build public trust.
“Sustainability is moving from being a ‘nice-to-have’ to being the foundation of how successful organisations operate, Salford graduates are ready for that because we’ve been taught to connect sustainability with everything we do.”
Living Sustainability Every Day
Isaac’s journey isn’t just about professional growth it’s also personal. The lessons he learned at Salford have changed how he approaches his everyday life.
“Now I think twice about my actions, I walk more, take public transport, and when I travel, I try to make choices that are environmentally conscious.”
For him, sustainability is a balance between awareness and action. From choosing greener options to mentoring young people, he believes these small, daily commitments are how long-term change begins.
“It’s about consistency,” he adds. “The more you live it, the more you influence others to do the same.”
The Role of Education in Creating Changemakers
Looking ahead, Isaac believes education will continue to be the most powerful driver of sustainable transformation. He advocates for sustainability to be a core component of all degree programmes, regardless of discipline.
“We need to move beyond seeing sustainability as an environmental subject, it should be a language that every student learns, whether they’re in business, computing, or healthcare. That’s how we’ll meet the SDGs.”
He also believes that collaboration between departments, for instance, between finance and data science students or engineering and environmental management teams can create real-world innovation capable of addressing global challenges.
“The Sustainable Development Goals are interconnected,” Isaac explains. “And so should our learning. The more we collaborate, the stronger our impact will be.”
Building a Future that Reflects Salford Values
When asked what inspires him most to live sustainably, Isaac doesn’t hesitate:
“It’s the University itself, Salford gave me the mindset and confidence to see sustainability as both a personal and professional value. It’s in our conversations, our research, our community projects, it’s who we are.”
His message to current students is simple but powerful:
“Engage with sustainability wherever you can, in your coursework, events, and even your everyday life. These skills will define your career, but more importantly, they’ll shape the kind of world you help create.”
At the University of Salford, stories like Isaac’s remind us that sustainability isn’t confined to one discipline or profession. It’s a shared commitment that runs through everything we do, from innovation and policy to finance and community development.
Our alumni continue to turn their sustainability learning into tangible action, advancing the UN SDGs across industries and borders. They are living proof that when education is rooted in purpose, it creates leaders who don’t just adapt to the future, they build it.
Written by Saadan Hussain, MSc Sustainability student and Student Education for Sustainable Development Champion.