Doha: HE Chairman of the High-Level Committee for the "HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (ACE)", Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, has affirmed that the State of Qatar, led by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, is steadfastly moving forward to undertake a leading role on the global stage to support the tenets of integrity, transparency, and bolster global anti-corruption efforts.
According to Qatar News Agency, this is a core pillar of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building fair communities, as the award represents a practical model of the State of Qatar's commitment to partnering with the United Nations and backing SDG 16, in terms of promoting peaceful, inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, aiming to reduce violence and corruption, and ensure human rights and legal identity for everyone, Dr. Al Marri said, addressing the ceremony of distributing ACE on Sunday.
Dr. Al Marri clarified that the ACE, celebrating its tenth anniversary, began its journey from the UN Headquarters in Vienna, then moved in its second iteration to the UN Headquarters in Geneva, before extending to various continents of the world. He affirmed that the objective from the outset was not to organize a transient celebratory event, but to create a real and sustainable impact in the host countries.
HE Dr. Al Marri explored key milestones of ACE, including the third iteration held in Kuala Lumpur, which represented a turning point, as it witnessed direct coordination with the Malaysian government, culminating in the launch of the Malaysian National Strategy for Anti-Corruption, followed by the establishment of a national center specialized in combating corruption, while collaboration continues through joint programs and workshops.
In addition, HE Dr. Al Marri highlighted the ACE experience in Africa, particularly in Rwanda, where it contributed to supporting a decisive national pathway to combat corruption, followed by regional conferences and ongoing collaboration with the UN and the ACE Supreme Committee to bolster institutional capacities.
He further discussed the ACE station in Uzbekistan, where its organization was accompanied by close coordination with national authorities, a comprehensive anti-corruption campaign, and the issuance of supportive legislation, alongside the preparation of a national roadmap and a comprehensive strategy in unison with the UN, slated for official delivery in the upcoming period.
Having traversed Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the award succeeded in spotlighting the menace of corruption, triggering the confrontation imperative, especially since this battle is ongoing and requires global concerted efforts and constant backing of initiatives and workforces operating in this field, Dr. Al Marri underlined. He stressed that the broad international presence in this award, along with the persistent support, represents a key driver to continue the work for a more prosperous and fairer world.