Qatar chairs second Ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies in OIC member States, signs “Makkah Convention

English , Qatar - قطر , / Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

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Doha, November 27 (QNA) – The State of Qatar, through the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), chaired the second ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states on Wednesday. The meeting culminated in the signing of the “Makkah Al Mukarramah Convention,” aimed at fostering anti-corruption cooperation within OIC states.

In his opening address, HE Hamad bin Nasser Al Misnad, President of ACTA, stressed the importance of united efforts to combat corruption, a global challenge undermining security and development. Highlighting Qatar’s commitment, he emphasized that the fight against corruption is not limited to rhetoric but requires a comprehensive system rooted in justice, integrity, and transparency. His Excellency noted Qatar’s progress in enacting robust legal frameworks, including amendments to the Penal Code and the Right to Information Law, as part of its commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030.

HE Al Misnad underlined Qatar’s leadership in promoting international collaboration to combat corruption, with initiatives such as signing memoranda of understanding with regional and global institutions. He invited participants to the 11th session of the United Nations Convention against Corruption Conference of States Parties, scheduled for December 2025 in Doha, which aims to enhance global anti-corruption efforts.

HE OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha praised Qatar’s hosting of the meeting and emphasized the significance of the Makkah Convention. He described it as a framework to strengthen cooperation among OIC member states, focusing on information sharing, expedited investigations, and accountability mechanisms. His Excellency noted the evolving nature of corruption, exacerbated by technological advancements, and called for collective action to address these challenges effectively.

HE Mazin bin Ibrahim Al Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), echoed the need for collaboration and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the first ministerial meeting in 2022. He reiterated the significance of the Makkah Convention in supporting sustainable development goals and enhancing cross-border anti-corruption measures.

The meeting formed a Bureau to oversee the implementation of its decisions, with Qatar presiding, alongside vice chairs from Azerbaijan, Senegal, and Palestine, and Saudi Arabia as Rapporteur.

An accompanying exhibition showcased efforts by various entities, including the Ministry of Culture and the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, further highlighting the shared commitment to combating corruption.

This event reaffirms the OIC’s dedication to addressing corruption as a threat to governance and sustainable development, emphasizing the need for collective and coordinated action among member states.