SAN JOSE: The United Nations Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption DrAli bin Fetais Al Marri has underlined that the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (ACE Award) sends a message of support to anti-corruption fighters worldwide.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr Al Marri said corrupt individuals cause significant harm to the society, which necessitates efforts to combat them and stand against their actions. The United Nations presents this award which is supported by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to provide substantial moral support to anti-corruption fighters by recognizing their names on the United Nations list of anti-corruption champions.
He noted that the ACE Award sends a message to anti-corruption fighters emphasizing that are not alone, as there are leaders, such as HH the Amir, who stand in solidarity with them, alongside international organizations committed to combating corruption to protect the society and safeguard the rights of others.
The Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani ACE Award has accomplished a significant global impact. Many anti-corruption laws around the world have been established and are now in the implementation stages, positively affecting societies, he stressed.
The UN Special Advocate for Anti-Corruption clarified that the State of Qatar does not interfere in selecting the individuals eligible for the award or the countries hosting the ceremony. This process is carried out by a dedicated UN committee through the Experts Committee and the Board of Trustees, which thoroughly review the nominees biographies through multiple subcommittees.HH the Amir had supported the idea of the award from the moment the United Nations decided to launch an anti-corruption award. In recognition of His Highnesss efforts, the United Nations named the award after him, he noted.
Dr Al Marri indicated the award had reached a country in the heart of Latin America, such as Costa Rica which hosts the 8th edition of the ACE Award this year. This sends a strong positive signal of support to all anti-corruption fighters that their tremendous efforts are appreciated.He highlighted that Costa Rica ranks as the third-leading country in combating corruption in Latin America, making its efforts worthy of recognition and support. Hosting the 8th edition of the award is a testament to these efforts.
Regarding the award monument, he revealed that the selection of its location is coordinated between the United Nations and the host country, which typically decides on the most suitable site. In the 7th edition held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Uzbek government chose to place the monument in the largest residential area. In Rwanda, the location of the monument was chosen be on a prominent hill between the Convention Center and one of the most luxurious hotels, making it a significant landmark. Tunisia chose a public park to be the site for the monument, Dr Al Marri said.
Dr Al Marri emphasized that the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award highlighted the issue of corruption as an international affair rather than a domestic concern. Corruption, he stated, cannot be overlooked or ignored, as it directly affects the resources and destinies of nations and peoples.
On the award categories, he explained that the ACE Award included four categories when it first launched. A fifth category - combating corruption in sports - was added when the award was hosted in Rwanda. He noted that introducing additional categories would require careful study, as the award is ultimately governed by a set budget.
Concluding his interview with QNA, Dr Al Marri emphasized that HH the Amirs support for the award reflects a steadfast commitment to backing anti-corruption efforts without hesitation.
