Good Governance Conference at Alfaisal University: Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability
In a move reflecting the commitment of academic institutions to supporting major economic transformations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Center for Corporate Governance at Alfaisal University its fourth annual Good Governance Conference. Held in Riyadh from December 17-18, 2025, the conference witnessed a remarkable turnout of leading academics, experts, and specialists from within the Kingdom and abroad, under the strategic theme: "Good Governance for Productivity, People, and the Planet."
Enhancing transparency in light of Vision 2030
This conference is of particular importance as it aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which prioritizes transparency, combating corruption, and corporate governance as fundamental pillars for building a prosperous and sustainable economy. Good governance is now considered the gold standard for attracting foreign investment and enhancing the efficiency of the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), contributing to reduced risk and increased investor confidence.
In this context, the President of Alfaisal University, Dr. Mohammed Al-Hayaza, presented the Excellence in Good Governance Principles Award . The award was divided into two main categories; the first category included 15 companies that achieved the highest scores in compliance and transparency standards, while the second category included 15 companies that demonstrated significant improvement in their performance and application of governance principles over the past two years, reflecting positive momentum in the Saudi business sector.
A knowledge platform for exchanging experiences
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Her Royal Highness Princess Maha bint Mishari bin Abdulaziz, Vice President of the University for External Relations and Development, and Dr. Khalid bin Manna Al-Qattan, Vice President of the University for Administrative and Financial Affairs. Dr. Al-Hayazaa emphasized that the university, through the four editions of the conference, has successfully brought about a qualitative shift in establishing corporate governance concepts, transforming the event into a knowledge platform that brings together decision-makers to exchange visions on global best practices.
Al-Hayazaa noted the significant improvement in the conference's scientific approach and the broadening of participation to include major companies and influential institutions, in addition to establishing strategic partnerships with prestigious international universities. This initiative aims to raise corporate awareness of the importance of compliance and accountability, thereby supporting organizational performance and enhancing national competitiveness.
The three dimensions: productivity, people, and planet
In his opening remarks, Dr. Bajes Doudin, Dean of the College of Business at Alfaisal University, explained that this year's conference theme embodies the delicate balance required between three key pillars: economic performance efficiency (productivity), human capital development (people), and environmental protection (the planet). This approach aligns with global trends toward adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, which have become crucial criteria for assessing corporate sustainability.
Digital transformation and the future of governance
In a related context, Dr. Necati Aydin, Executive Director of the Center for Corporate Governance, emphasized that governance is no longer merely a tool for legal compliance, but has become a pivotal element in strategic planning. The two-day conference sessions addressed the latest regulatory trends, including the role of digital transformation in enhancing transparency and how modern technologies can be used to solidify ethical practices in the business environment.
The conference concluded with the presentation of the annual evaluation results for companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange, a report eagerly awaited by the business community each year to measure progress in transparency standards. This effort underscores Alfaisal University's academic and community role in supporting the national economy and developing a competitive and sustainable business environment.
