HE the Speaker of Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- Mahmoud speaks. PICTURE: Thajudheen
He noted that the conference coincides with the announcement of the winners of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in the Rwandan capital Kigali and International Anti Day observance. “The award is a tribute to institutions and individuals who contribute to the fight against corruption,” he said.
The speaker who noted that Qatar owns a leading role in combating corruption in the country and the region said that this was recognised by Arab Monitory Fund (AMF) in its recent report.
“Qatar has passed a number of legislation and laws to ensure integrity, transparency and corruption free administration. The country has made strides in combating corruption by joining the UN convention and promoting all possible steps against corruption,” he said.
He went on to say that corruption is a major obstacle to sustainable development and freedom will not be allowed and justice will not prevail if it remains out of the control pointing that many countries today are witnessing massive protests in demand for reform and the fight against corruption. “The conference assumes significance at a time when such protests getting strong day by day,” he said.
He said parliamentarians can play a fundamental role in fighting corruption and underlined the need to join hands against the threat by strengthening co-operation and starting regional and international ventures.
“Qatar strongly supports all international efforts to combat corruption and stands with all its capabilities with GOPAC and its programmes that are aimed at eliminating corruption or reducing its effects,” he said.
In remarks to reporters, HE al-Mahmoud said that corruption is a scourge that affects development, the future of nations, and the lives of people, pointing out that integrity is an essential element in the life of a person. He stressed the necessity to create mechanisms to prevent corruption, bribery and favouritism.
On the recommendations that are expected to come out of the conference, HE al-Mahmoud said that the conference will hold several sessions during which speakers will present ideas related to good governance, integrity, and combating corruption, as well as the system of good management. He added that members of the Shura Council will contribute to these ideas, which will be developed to produce recommendations.
