The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud has said that the State of Qatar strongly supports all international efforts to combat corruption and stands with all its capabilities, with Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and its programs aimed at eliminating corruption.
Addressing the opening of 7th Conference of GOPAC yesterday, H E the Speaker said that Qatar’s hosting of the conference was a confirmation of determination and sincere efforts made by Qatar under the leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to combat corruption understanding devastating effects of the phenomenon on countries and nations.
H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud welcomed all the participants to Doha and said that hosting of the 7th GOPAC Conference coincided with the International Anti-Corruption Day (December 9) and the announcement of the winners of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in Kigali, Rwanda.
H E Shura Council’s Speaker praised the pioneering contribution of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) since its establishment in 2002. “It plays a vital role in the global campaign against corruption by establishing a global alliance of parliamentarians who work to combat corruption and avoid its economic and political impacts as well as its social cost.”
H E the Speaker added that supporting the GOPAC was in line with convictions of Qatar that parliaments, with their oversight and legislative powers, could play a fundamental role in the fight against corruption.
“The parliaments are the institutions that make governments accountable to their people. Since parliamentarians represent peoples, they are required to be role models in the performance of their duties and in their moral values for their societies as well as to adhere to the highest standards of integrity.” H E the Speaker noted that corruption was a major obstacle in the journey towards sustainable development. “If it remains beyond control, freedoms will not be allowed to expand and justice will not be allowed to prevail. Many countries today are witnessing popular movements that call for reforms and the fight against corruption and these calls are still expanding day by day, which gives this conference great importance.”
“The governments and regional and international organizations have sensed the seriousness of corruption and have called for uniting efforts to develop plans and strategies to combat all its forms and types by establishing mechanisms to prevent it.” H E Al Mahmoud said that the State of Qatar has taken advanced steps to combat corruption, including contribution to the international efforts adopted by the United Nations.
