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Experts and specialists in combating financial crimes and terrorist financing underscored the vital role of accountants and local regulatory authorities in enhancing compliance, governance, and safeguarding Qatar's economy during the national conference on combating money laundering and terrorist financing.The conference held Thursday also addressed emerging trends in financial crimes and best practices that organisations can adopt to mitigate related risks.The event, organised by the Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants (QACPA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice and the Public Prosecution, was attended by Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) His Excellency chairman Hamad bin Nasser al-Misnad, His Excellency the Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs the Ministry of Justice Khamis Mohammed al-Kuwari, His Excellency the Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Saleh Abdullah al-Mana, and QACPA chairman Dr Sultan bin Hassan al-Dhabet al-Dosari.With more than 230 participants, the conference featured two panel discussions covering key topics, including money laundering and terrorist financing crimes, their patterns and associated offences, their legal foundations and impact on economic stability.The discussions also covered risk assessment using a risk-based approach across various sectors and highlighted customer due diligence measures.Furthermore, the conference addressed the role of effective compliance in combating financial crimes, banking principles in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, banking secrecy, international legislation and efforts in combating these crimes, the role of digital tools in monitoring and detecting financial crimes.Participants reviewed Qatar's efforts in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, key local and international developments in this area, and indicators of suspicious activity in different sectors and their related developments.In his remarks, QACPA chairman Dr al-Dosari said the conference reflects growing institutional awareness of the importance of strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) frameworks.He stressed that addressing these risks requires continuous co-ordination among regulatory, professional, and relevant institutions.Dr al-Dosari said that the accounting and auditing profession is a fundamental pillar in supporting compliance and governance systems, enhancing transparency, and protecting the financial system.He emphasised the association's continued role in unifying professional and institutional efforts, advancing collaborative work, and raising the efficiency of practitioners through specialised training and disseminating awareness of relevant standards and legislation.Dr al-Dosari added that the conference's outcomes and recommendations mark an important step toward developing regulatory frameworks and building qualified national cadres, contributing to a secure and sustainable financial environment and reinforcing Qatar's regional and international standing.In her opening remarks, QACPA vice-chair Mariam Mohammed Almalek said that the conference reflects growing national recognition of the need to address challenges related to money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly given the increasing complexity of the financial and technological tools used in this field.She affirmed that accountants and auditors represent the first line of defence in protecting the financial system by promoting transparency, governance, and compliance, implementing due diligence requirements, and reporting suspicious transactions in line with national legislation and international standards.Almalek added that the association is committed to supporting this system by organising specialised training and professional development programmes, raising awareness of the latest legislation and regulations, and strengthening co-operation with regulatory bodies and financial institutions, and keeping pace with digital transformation.She highlighted the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance compliance systems and enable early risk detection, stressing that technology complements and strengthens professional judgement rather than replacing it.Speakers from the Ministry of Justice, the Financial Information Unit, the MoCI, the Economic Crimes and Money Laundering Prosecution Office, the Qatar Fund for Development, and Qatar Chamber contributed to the conference's discussions.Representatives from these entities also reviewed the most significant legislative and regulatory developments and explained the mechanisms for national and international co-operation in combating financial crimes, focusing on the importance of compliance and governance in protecting the national economy.Their presentations also addressed the role of institutions in promoting transparency, developing internal control tools, and adopting global best practices in AML/CFT efforts.The speakers emphasised that combating these crimes requires more than just oversight; it necessitates the active participation of various economic and professional sectors, including accountants, auditors, and the private sector, to ensure the development of an integrated system capable of early risk detection and effective management.They agreed that the conference serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise, developing regulatory frameworks, and strengthening co-operation between national and international entities, thereby contributing to safeguarding Qatar's reputation and supporting its economic stability.  

His Excellency Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi, and Acting Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino, officially inaugurated the new training premises of the UNODC Regional Center for Combating Cybercrime in Doha Tuesday.The center is located at the new headquarters of the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lusail.The opening ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Director of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman al-Thani, and Director of UNODC Doha Center, Mustafa Artin, alongside a number of officials.Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, HE al- Hammadi stressed that Qatar gives foremost priority to fostering partnerships with UN organizations, stemming from its unflagging commitment to backing global efforts aimed at achieving criminal justice and combating all kinds of cyber crimes.He asserted that the center represents a substantial enhancement to upgrade global capabilities in this domain.For his part, Mustafa Artin emphasized that he is grateful for the support Qatar is providing to establish and operate this center, stressing the importance of this move following the ratification of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, which was signed in Hanoi, Vietnam, last October.He pointed out that Qatar was among the first countries to sign the convention.The inauguration is the product of the Qatar-UNODC ongoing collaboration and enhancement of shared global efforts to combat cybercrime and support nations' capabilities in confronting this growing global challenge.In essence, the center provides advanced training programmes, as well as technological support for nations and law enforcement agencies alike, alongside its role in supporting the implementation of this convention, reinforcing international cooperation and advancing the legislative frameworks supporting efforts to combat cyber threats.The inauguration further underscores the role undertaken by Qatar on the global stage in terms of combating cybercrime, alongside its establishment of an effective model for capacity building and strengthening multilateral cooperation to ensure and safeguard the security of the digital space. 

The “HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award” (ACE Award) earns global significance as a first-of-its-kind initiative in this field. It aims to honour individuals and institutions that dedicate their efforts to combating corruption and promoting transparency and integrity on the global stage. The award is backed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the UN’s message in fighting corruption and organised crime, in addition to enhancing the realisation of Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in terms of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The global initiative also strives to shore up good governance and transparency and aid in the fight to uproot the scourge of corruption, which poses a profound threat to nations’ future, progress, and their peoples’ welfare. The award broadly stems from Qatar’s belief in the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability: it reflects an annual appreciation from His Highness the Amir for the pioneers in combating corruption and crime at the international level. The award is not restricted to those who combat corruption but also honours individuals globally and motivates governments, academic institutions, media, and civil society to pursue the tenets of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, in addition to understanding these tenets and collaborating to implement them. The award highlights the best global practices in combating corruption and recognises leading models from around the world while working to strengthen, collect, and disseminate them.It also aims to raise public awareness, enhance support and solidarity, and encourage global initiatives aimed at building corruption-free societies. Thanks to this global role, the award has witnessed a significant uptick in participation from one edition to another by states, governmental and civil bodies, and relevant institutions worldwide. The award is presented in collaboration with the UN and encompasses five categories: the Lifetime Achievement or Outstanding Contribution in Combating Corruption, the Academic Research and Educational Materials in Combating Corruption, the Youth Creativity and Engagement in Combating Corruption, the Innovation or Investigative Journalism in Combating Corruption, and the Protection of Sports from Corruption. The Lifetime Achievement or Outstanding Contribution category focuses on honouring individuals who have devoted their professional lives to combating corruption or have made significant contributions domestically and internationally in this field. The Academic Research and Educational Materials category targets individuals and entities with research, studies, publications, and works related to understanding the causes of corruption, prevention methods, and promoting knowledge and academic awareness regarding transparency and integrity practices. In the Youth Creativity and Engagement category, the award emphasises the importance of involving younger generations, including university students and new employees, in global efforts to combat corruption. In the Innovation or Investigative Journalism category, the award honours innovators who have developed effective tools contributing to the fight against corruption, with a focus on celebrating those who highlight forms of corruption and their negative impact on communities worldwide. In the Protection of Sports from Corruption category, the award aims to honour individuals and entities that have made effective contributions in safeguarding the sports sector from corrupt practices at both local and regional levels, and who have had a tangible impact in reducing corruption risks in sports. The award was launched in 2016, with its first ceremony held in Vienna. The second iteration took place at the UN headquarters in Geneva in 2017, the third in Malaysia in 2018, the fourth in Rwanda in 2019, the fifth in Tunisia in 2020, the sixth in Qatar in 2022, the seventh in Uzbekistan in 2023, and the eighth in Costa Rica in 2024. The total number of awardees so far is 58. In 2016, seven winners received the award; in 2017, it was six; in 2018, eight; in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024, the award went to seven winners each year; and in 2023, nine were honoured. 

The State of Qatar has reaffirmed its strong commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism, expressing readiness to continue close cooperation with the United Nations and international and regional partners in a way that contributes to promoting international peace and security and fostering a safer and more stable global environment. This came in the State of Qatar's statement, delivered by Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Abdulaziz Fadala Al Sulaiti, before the United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee Agenda Item 109: Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism, at the UN headquarters in New York. Al Sulaiti reiterated the State of Qatar's unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its motives or justifications, and its absolute rejection of any attempt to associate terrorism with any religion, culture, or people. He emphasized that combating this scourge requires a sincere collective commitment to the principles of international law, respect for human rights, avoiding selectivity or politicization in counterterrorism efforts, and refraining from using it as a pretext to violate rights or discriminate against people living under occupation, who are guaranteed the legitimate right to self-determination by international law. He further explained that the State of Qatar contributed during the 2023 UN Counter-Terrorism Week to the launch of the Compendium of Good Practices on monitoring and evaluating counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism initiatives, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), to provide governments and civil society with evidence-based, practical tools to address the root causes of extremism. He noted that Qatar continues to support intercultural and interfaith dialogue, promote mutual understanding, and protect religious and cultural sites, out of its recognition of the importance of these efforts in countering hate speech and preventing extremism. The State of Qatar actively participates in multilateral forums to combat terrorism, foremost among them the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), whose coordination meeting will be hosted in Doha later this month, Al Sulaiti said. In this context, he noted that the State of Qatar continues its role as a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and supports regional efforts within the framework of the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council, through information sharing and close coordination to confront common terrorist threats. In terms of partnership with the United Nations, the State of Qatar is proud to be the main partner of UNOCT, he said, pointing out that since 2020, the State of Qatar has committed to providing USD 15 million annually to the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism, making it the office's largest donor, accounting for 37% of total contributions, with cumulative funding reaching USD 139 million by the end of 2024. This support has enabled the Office to plan long-term projects and implement core programs covering all pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In 2023 alone, Qatar's contributions helped the Office implement 40 capacity-building programs. He underlined that recent global developments have shown that terrorism remains a complex and evolving threat, as terrorist organizations continue to exploit advancements in technology and cyberspace to spread propaganda and recruit new members. There are also increasing links between terrorism and transnational organized crime, including illicit arms trafficking and terrorism financing, he added. Al Sulaiti also stressed that this necessitates the development of more comprehensive and adaptable approaches, based on prevention, strengthened international cooperation, and the use of innovation and behavioral sciences to confront these challenges. The Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations noted that the success of international efforts to eradicate terrorism requires multilateral action that addresses all its dimensions, including its root causes, while ensuring respect for the rule of law and human rights. He affirmed that the State of Qatar will continue to play an active role and maintain a strategic partnership with the United Nations and member states, in order to build national and regional capacities capable of confronting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Al Wakra Municipality’s Cleaning Section continued its field efforts to combat insects from mid-April to mid-August this year.The comprehensive plan included treating insect breeding sources and spraying various sites within its administrative boundaries.These involved spraying 7,803 public street waste containers, carrying out 51 spraying operations in public parks and beaches, spraying 348 sites, fogging 1,711 residential sites using ultra-low volume spraying technology, and treating 221 water accumulation sites.