Pearl Initiative

The Pearl Initiative is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 that focuses on corporate governance, accountability and transparency in the Persian Gulf region.^[1][2]

Pearl Initiative

Logo of the Pearl Initiative
Abbreviation	PI
Formation	September 2010; 15 years ago (2010-09)
Region served	Persian Gulf region of the Middle East
Founders	Badr Jafar Amir Dossal
Executive Director	Ranya Saadawi
Website	www.pearlinitiative.org

The organization publishes reports,^[3] and holds regular events.^[4][5] It holds annual Case Study Competitions across the Gulf Region.^{[6][7][8][9][10]} The Pearl Initiative has been involved with the Siemens Integrity Initiative,^[11][12] and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.^[13]

History

The Pearl Initiative was founded in 2010 in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Partnerships^[14] to promote higher standards in corporate governance, accountability, and transparency in the Gulf region.^[15] The organization was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2019.^[16] In 2020, the Pearl Initiative launched its updated strategy "PI Vision 2025".^{[citation needed]}

Structure and key people

The Pearl Initiative's board of governors and CEO council is made up of members representing Saudi Aramco, Tadawul, Shell, Ernst & Young, PwC, Aramex, Chalhoub Group, KPMG, Bank of Sharjah, Saudi Telecommunications Company, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Dana Gas, Crescent Petroleum, Gulftainer, Al Rajhi Partners, Crescent Enterprises, and ASDA'A.^[17][18][19]

In 2018, the Pearl Initiative's board of governors established a student advisory board made up of students from the American University of Sharjah, Effat University, Ahlia University, Abu Dhabi University and Prince Sultan University.^[20][21][22]

In 2021, the Pearl Initiative announced the appointment of Ranya Saadawi as its executive director.^[23]