The Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award recognises global efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency and integrity.
The ninth edition of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award was held today at the Fairmont and Raffles Doha, under the patronage of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, Speaker of the Shura Council; and Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), alongside ministers, heads of accredited diplomatic missions, senior officials, international experts and invited guests.
A documentary film was screened during the event, tracing the award’s journey and its growing role in addressing corruption globally, while highlighting the distinguished contributions of past and current recipients in promoting leadership, innovation and integrity.
Aligned with the United Nations’ efforts to combat corruption and organised crime, the award contributes to advancing Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on building peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice, and strengthening accountable and transparent institutions.
Marking a decade since its launch, Alexander Zuev, Acting Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), emphasised, “Since its launch in 2016, this award has highlighted global leadership and integrity across various regions of the world.”
He added, “corruption remains closely linked to organised crime and transnational offences, undermining trust and harming individuals, particularly women, who often bear the brunt of these crimes.”
The Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award has been hosted across multiple regions, reflecting its expanding global reach. Its inaugural ceremony was held in Vienna, followed by subsequent editions at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva in 2017, Malaysia in 2018, Rwanda in 2019, Tunisia in 2020, Qatar in 2022, Uzbekistan in 2023, and Costa Rica in 2024.
Over the course of these editions, the award has recognised a total of 58 individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to combating corruption. The number of honourees has varied each year, ranging from six to nine recipients, with the largest group recognised in 2023.
Through its continued evolution, the award has become an integral part of Qatar’s broader local, regional, and international initiatives aimed at supporting global institutions and organisations dedicated to promoting transparency, integrity and accountability.
The initiative has also played a key role in shaping a shared international understanding that sustainable development cannot be achieved without confronting corruption and strengthening the rule of law across societies.
John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), praised the diversity of the awardees, stating, “The nominees and winners come from various regions and backgrounds, including academics, journalists, investigators, whistleblowers, students, and civil society activists. Their commitment inspires us all and strengthens our collective efforts to promote integrity, accountability, and transparency”.
This year, nine individuals were honoured on several categories for their unwavering commitment to combating corruption, promoting transparency, and advancing integrity on a global scale.
The Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Contribution category honoured Drago Kos and Obiageli Ezekwesili, while the Youth Creativity and Engagement category recognised Marr Nyang and Matiullah Wesa.
In the Academic Research and Educational Materials category, the award went to Nikos Passas and Marianne Camerer.
The Innovation or Investigative Journalism category honoured Glòria Pallarès, Tatenda Chitagu, and Andiswa Matikinca for their impactful work in exposing and combating corruption.
