Good Governance Conference at Alfaisal University: Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed the activities of the fourth annual Good Governance Conference, organized by the Corporate Governance Center at Alfaisal University , during the period from December 17 to 18, 2025. The conference was held under the slogan “Good Governance for Productivity, People, and Planet,” amidst a remarkable attendance of an elite group of academic leaders, experts, and specialists from inside and outside the Kingdom, to discuss the latest global trends in governance practices and their applications.
The context of economic transformation and the importance of governance
This conference is being held at a crucial time, coinciding with the rapid economic growth witnessed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where good governance is a cornerstone of the modern economy and a key driver of foreign investment. Through the Capital Market Authority and other regulatory bodies, the Kingdom is working to solidify the principles of transparency and accountability to ensure the stability of the financial market and enhance the efficiency of listed companies. This underscores the strategic importance of this event in supporting the objectives of Vision 2030, which aims to build a prosperous and sustainable economy.
Excellence Awards and Recognition of Leading Companies
During the ceremony, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al-Hayaza, President of Alfaisal University, presented the Excellence in Good Governance Principles Award, which was divided into two main categories. The first category included 15 companies that achieved the highest scores in adhering to governance standards, while the second category included 15 companies that demonstrated significant improvement in their performance over the past two years. This recognition serves as an important incentive for the private sector to adopt best management practices.
The ceremony was attended by 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, reflecting the university leadership’s interest in supporting this vital file.
A knowledge platform and continuous development
Dr. Al-Hayazaa affirmed that the conference, since its inception, has achieved a qualitative leap in establishing a culture of governance, noting that the event has transformed into a knowledge platform that brings together decision-makers and experts. He explained that the fourth edition was distinguished by its broader scope of participation and the updating of standards to keep pace with global developments, which contributes to raising companies' awareness of the importance of compliance and transparency in enhancing competitiveness.
Strategic dimensions: Humans and the environment
For his part, Dr. Bajes Doudin, Dean of the College of Business, explained that the conference theme embodies the essential balance between institutional efficiency, human capital development, and environmental protection—elements that form the core of modern sustainability (ESG). Dr. Necati Aydin, Executive Director of the Center for Corporate Governance, also noted that governance is no longer merely a matter of legal compliance, but has become a strategic tool for decision-making and supporting sustainable growth.
Expected impact and future of business
Over two days, the conference sessions discussed the impact of governance on productivity and digital transformation, in addition to reviewing the results of the annual evaluation of companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). The outcomes of this conference are expected to contribute to strengthening confidence in the Saudi business environment and encourage companies to adopt ethical and sustainable practices that support the national economy and enhance the Kingdom's position as a leading financial and administrative center in the region.
