
The Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) of which the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) is a chapter held its seventh Global Conference in Doha, Qatar from the 9th to the 10th of December 2019 under the theme: “Integrity Matters”.
GOPAC is the international network of parliamentarians focused solely on combating corruption. GOPAC’s membership represents more than 50 countries in all regions across the globe. It consists of current or former legislators, also legislators whose right to take office had been denied. GOPAC focuses its anti-corruption programs in several areas, namely: Anti-Money Laundering, United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), Parliamentary Oversight, Parliamentary Ethics and Conduct, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Participation of Society, Grand Corruption, and Women in Parliament.
In 2019, the theme “Integrity Matters” reflected GOPAC’s objectives to fight corruption and improve good governance throughout the world by strengthening cooperation between parliamentarians, governments, and civil societies, in line with GOPAC’s commitment to promoting its core values of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and diversity.
Integrity is the key to good governance. It assures that the government and its officials are working in the interest of the entire citizens, not just for the few. Integrity is a vital element for sustainable growth, prosperity and the well-being of society as a whole. It is among the core requirements of anti-bribery, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption laws in various jurisdictions that are intended to contribute to sustainable development. This is why integrity matters.
The GOPAC conference was an opportunity for APNAC to share its experiences and challenges in the fight against corruption as well as learn from others, engage and develop partnerships. During the AGM held during the same conference, the Hon. Shakeel Shabbir (Chair of APNAC-Kenya) took the opportunity to present the “Champion of Corruption Award by APNAC-Kenya” to the following achievers:
- Dr. Fadli Zon, (MP, Indonesia) outgoing GOPAC Chair
- Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, (MP, Ghana) former APNAC Africa President
- Dr. Naser Al Sane, (Kuwait) Member of the GOPAC Board
- Mr. John Hyde, (Australia) Secretary of the GOPAC Board and Executive Committee
A declaration has been adopted at the end of the conference and can be found here (add a link to declaration)
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