Doha, Qatar – His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani presided over the award ceremony for the 9th Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award on Sunday. The event, held at Katara Hall in the Fairmont and Raffles Hotels, recognized individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the global fight against corruption. The prestigious award highlights Qatar’s commitment to transparency and good governance on the international stage.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and numerous ministers, diplomats, and high-ranking officials also attended the ceremony, underscoring the event’s importance. The award ceremony featured a film showcasing the award’s history and the impact of past winners.
Qatar Reinforces Commitment to Global Anti-Corruption Efforts
The ACE Award, established in 2016, aims to promote integrity, accountability, and transparency worldwide. According to the award’s official website, it seeks to recognize and celebrate those who demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation in combating corruption. This year’s ceremony honored winners across four categories, acknowledging diverse approaches to tackling this pervasive global challenge.
Recognizing Excellence in Combating Corruption
Professor Nikos Passas and Dr. Marianne Camerer received the Academic Research and Educational Materials Award for their contributions to understanding and addressing the root causes of illicit financial flows. Gloria Pallares-Venials, Tatenda Chitagu, and Andiswa Matekenka were honored with the Innovation and Investigative Journalism Award for their courageous reporting on corruption cases.
Mar Niang and Motiullah Wesa were recognized with the Youth Creativity and Engagement Award, highlighting the crucial role of young people in promoting ethical behavior. Drago Kos and Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili received the Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Achievement Award for their decades-long dedication to fighting corruption and promoting good governance.
During the ceremony, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the fight against financial crime. Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism at the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), also spoke, highlighting the link between corruption and security threats. Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Award, provided further insights into Qatar’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
The event drew attendees from various sectors, including members of the Higher Committee for the Award, the Award’s Advisory Committee, the Executive Committee, and the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). International researchers specializing in corruption studies were also present, fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge and best practices. The presence of FIFA President Infantino also signals the growing focus on governance and ethics within international sports organizations.
The ACE Award comes as global concerns about corruption continue to rise, with Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index showing that most countries still face significant challenges. Qatar’s initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing these challenges and promoting a culture of integrity.
Looking ahead, the Higher Committee for the Award will begin accepting nominations for the 10th ACE Award in the coming months. The deadline for submissions is expected to be announced in early 2025, with the next award ceremony anticipated in late 2025. The continued success of the ACE Award will likely depend on maintaining its rigorous selection process and expanding its reach to include a wider range of nominees from diverse backgrounds and regions.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award
Transparency International Corruption Perception Index 2023
