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.

The organization publishes reports, and holds regular events. It holds annual Case Study Competitions across the Gulf Region. The Pearl Initiative has been involved with the Siemens Integrity Initiative, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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

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.

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.

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