Doha: HE Acting Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino, has highlighted Qatar's pivotal role in supporting international efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
According to Qatar News Agency, Brandolino expressed his gratitude to HH the Amir and the Qatari government for their unwavering support for global anti-corruption initiatives. The remarks were made during the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award ceremony. This event coincides with Qatar hosting the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP), set to commence in Doha on Monday.
Brandolino stated, "The awards ceremony honors exceptional individuals who have courageously and creatively confronted corruption," emphasizing the celebration of human determination to resist wrongdoing and the belief in the possibility of change. Since its inception in 2016, the ACE Award has collaborated with the Doha-based Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre, aligned with the UN Convention against Corruption, to promote justice, good governance, and accountability.
He further noted that corruption primarily impacts ordinary citizens, who often take extraordinary measures to combat it. "The award recognizes individuals from diverse backgrounds - academics, investigative journalists, whistleblowers, students, youth, and civil society activists - united by a shared conviction that everyone has the right and responsibility to oppose corruption," Brandolino added.
Additionally, he announced the launch of a new initiative, "the ACE Award Winners' Dialogue Series," which aims to connect past award recipients with young people. This initiative is designed to foster mentorship, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences, nurturing a new generation of integrity leaders. It will be highlighted during the upcoming conference.
In conclusion, Brandolino thanked Qatar for its leadership and commitment to the values embodied by the awards, urging others to follow the example of the winners in building a unified global front against corruption.