Engaging the Next Generation in Responsible Corporate Governance
More than 1 billion young people are projected to enter the global workforce by 2030, making youth engagement a strategic priority. The development of youth leadership skills is crucial to nurturing capable, effective, and ethical leaders for the next generation. Engaging young people in corporate governance and transparency can foster greater understanding and interest, empowering them to debate and discuss potential solutions. Ultimately, this benefits future workplaces and economies by reinforcing positive and ethical behaviour.
The Pearl Initiative has long recognised the importance of engaging young people, embedding student-focused programmes into its work to promote corporate governance, accountability, and transparency across the Gulf region.
The Business Pledge was launched in 2017 at the Pearl Initiative and United Nations Global Compact Regional Forum, Sustainability in Action, to bring business leaders and young people together and strengthen students’ understanding of responsible business practices.
Through the Business Pledge series, Pearl Initiative connects university students with experienced business leaders and expert speakers to explore how corporate governance, accountability, and ethics are applied in practice. These interactive sessions explore the role of the private sector in driving sustainable growth and demonstrate how strong governance supports ethical decision-making, business resilience, and long-term success.
Since its launch, the Business Pledge has delivered 51 sessions across 51 universities in the GCC, engaging more than 3,000 students with senior business leaders and executives who share real-world insights and experiences of corporate governance in practice. These engagements create opportunities for future business leaders to strengthen their understanding of good governance and recognise the role they can play in shaping a more responsible and sustainable private sector.
Universities across the GCC are invited to host a Business Pledge at their premises or online, providing students with an opportunity to engage directly with business leaders and experts.
To explore hosting a Business Pledge at your university, please contact us at: enquiries@pearlinitiative.org.
