His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani observed the presentation ceremony of the 7th Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award in Tashkent yesterday, alongside the presence of the President of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
During the event, His Highness the Amir and the President of Uzbekistan viewed a documentary film outlining the history of the award, spanning from its inception to the current edition. They also watched a film documenting the challenges faced by award competitors and winners in various fields related to combating corruption and promoting transparency.
Subsequently, His Highness the Amir and the President of Uzbekistan conferred the Academic Research and Education Award upon Dr. Suncana Roksandic and Dr. Jon S.T. Quah, while the Youth Creativity and Engagement Award was bestowed upon the All4Integrity organization and Damaris Aswa. Clare Rewcastle Brown and Phil Mason received the Innovation/Investigative Journalism Award, and Shantanu Guha Rai and Waihiga Mwaura were honored with the Safeguarding Sports from Corruption Award. The Lifetime/Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Jose Ugaz.
In his address, the President of Uzbekistan congratulated the award winners and commended those responsible for the initiative. Additionally, speeches were delivered by H.E. Alexandre Zouev, Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions at the United Nations (OROLSI) in New York, and H.E. Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, UN Special Advocate on the Prevention of Corruption.
Earlier in the day, His Highness the Amir and the President of Uzbekistan unveiled the 7th edition of the award monument in Tashkent City Park.
The ceremony was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir, various Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, members of the high-level committee and the assessment advisory board of the award, as well as past award winners, senior officials, and other guests.
The President of Uzbekistan lauded the global efforts led by His Highness the Amir in the fight against corruption, stating that Qatar has emerged as a leading advocate for integrity and transparency on a global scale. He expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir, the award's founder, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for organizing the event in Uzbekistan. Additionally, he congratulated the State of Qatar on its National Day.
Highlighting Qatar's achievements under His Highness the Amir's leadership, the President of Uzbekistan noted the nation's role as a global center for cooperation and diplomacy, hosting major events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), Expo 2023 Doha, and others.
The President emphasized the strong relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan, attributing them to serious dialogue, constructive discussions, and collaborative projects. Organizing the ACE Award in Uzbekistan, he stated, symbolizes the shared goals and compatibility between the two countries. He emphasized the global significance of establishing an award recognizing contributions to the fight against corruption on all continents, supporting the continuous implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) adopted two decades ago.
The President highlighted the devastating historical impact of corruption on powerful nations, describing it as a serious threat to societies, economic growth, legal systems, confidence in state institutions, and the development of democratic institutions and sustainable development goals. Citing international reports estimating the cost of global corruption at approximately $3 trillion, he emphasized the challenge and the need for collaboration with international organizations to address the issue.
The President shared Uzbekistan's efforts to combat corruption, including the adoption of anti-corruption laws, the establishment of an agency, and ongoing reforms to enhance transparency and government effectiveness. Proposing the creation of a regional research center on corruption issues and a global media forum, he emphasized the importance of communication, experience exchange, scientific research, and media engagement in the fight against corruption.