Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar will host the Second Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies from the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The event, being organised by the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, is scheduled to be held on November 26 and 27.
An announcement to this effect was made at a press conference held on Sunday, attended by officials from the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, anti-corruption experts, and representatives from various media outlets.
Abdulwahab Saleh Al Kuwari, official spokesperson for the upcoming ministerial meeting, emphasised that fighting corruption has evolved beyond a procedural obligation; it is now a shared responsibility requiring collective action.
He called for continued collaboration between governments, civil society, and the media.
Kuwari noted that the presence of all stakeholders highlighted their commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity, which are essential to building just and fair societies.
He expressed hope that the upcoming meeting would serve as a crucial platform for advancing anti-corruption efforts across the Islamic world.
He also stressed the importance of exchanging knowledge and best practices to strengthen the fight against corruption for the benefit of all countries involved.
This biennial gathering aims to foster greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies from OIC member states, enabling swift and effective exchange of information and investigations. It is designed to support the enforcement of the Makkah Agreement, which facilitates the detection, prosecution, and recovery of stolen assets, and promotes the sharing of technical assistance and expertise among participating nations.
The meeting will also bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from law enforcement agencies, ministries of justice, public prosecution bodies, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Interpol, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Egmont Group, Transparency International, and various regional organizations. This collaboration underscores the global nature of anti-corruption efforts and the need for a coordinated response.
The first Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2022, where the Makkah Agreement was approved. The current gathering will continue efforts to implement Resolution No 48/9, adopted by the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers, which focuses on enhancing cooperation in anti-corruption measures across OIC member states.
In response to media inquiries regarding Qatar’s preparations for the event, Eid Saeed Al Hajri, director of the Public Relations and Communications Department, highlighted the extensive logistical and organisational work underway. Qatar has formed a dedicated committee and working groups from various national entities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar Airways, and Qatar Tourism, to ensure the success of the event.
Invitations were extended to member states in August 2024, and media and marketing plans have been implemented in phases to promote the meeting.
The meeting will take place at the Katara Hall in the Raffles Hotel, Doha. The first day will be dedicated to discussions among senior officials, while the second day will feature the ministerial meeting. One of the key topics will be the formation of a governmental expert group to explore the implementation of the Makkah Agreement.
This ministerial meeting is a significant step in strengthening global anti-corruption frameworks and enhancing cooperation between OIC member states.