Saudi Arabia is preparing to host a high-level economic forum, "Governance in Focus: Boosting Competitiveness in a New Business Paradigm", on April 25, at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh. The forum is organized as part of the strategic partnership between Saudi Aramco and the Pearl Initiative to promote corporate governance within the Gulf region’s business environment. Pearl Initiative is a leading Gulf-based non-profit organization promoting a corporate culture of accountability as a key driver of competitiveness across the region. The forum will bring together renowned business and government leaders to discuss the important role that corporate governance plays in enhancing business resilience and attracting investment, particularly in the context of technological disruption and shifting geo-economic landscapes. President and CEO of Aramco Amin al-Nasser indicated that effective governance is vital for maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and for promoting best practices in effective oversight, leadership, and reporting. “With that in mind, we are glad to partner with the Pearl Initiative to deliver the Governance in Focus forum which will focus on the important role of corporate governance in enhancing business resilience and the investment ecosystem," he added. CEO of Crescent Enterprises and founder of the Pearl Initiative Badr Jaafar stated that the strategic partnership with Saudi Aramco provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with one of the world’s most influential companies at a time when strong leadership to promote corporate accountability and governance is so important. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Jaafar said that Saudi Aramco is leading the way towards a stronger and more sustainable economic future, adding that he is looking forward to a meaningful partnership across the region on corporate accountability and governance. "Through this partnership, we look forward to bringing the global discussion about the fundamentally changing landscape for business to the region and debate the role for corporate governance in supporting growth, investment and innovation in the Gulf Region and globally," concluded Jaafar. He also stressed the need to promote growth through competitive and sustainable business. The forum will open with a speech by Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, al-Nasser, CEO of the World Bank Group Kristalina Georgieva, and Jaafar. Over 300 global business leaders, ministers, senior government officials and members of corporate and civil society are expected to attend it.