Doha - Administrative Control and Transparency Authority
The Administrative Control and Transparency Authority held a press conference today at its headquarters to announce that the State of Qatar will host the Sixth Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Arab Convention against Corruption. The conference is scheduled to take place from 21 to 23 September 2026, under the chairmanship of H.E. Hamad bin Nasser Al-Misnad, President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority.
The press conference highlighted the key preparations for hosting the sixth session and underscored the importance of the event in strengthening Arab cooperation in preventing and combating corruption. It also introduced the main topics and themes to be addressed during the conference and the accompanying Arab Forum.
At the beginning of the press conference, Mr. Abdulwahab Al-Kuwari, Official Spokesperson, welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of convening the sixth session. He also highlighted its role in supporting joint Arab efforts in the areas of integrity, transparency, and the prevention and combating of corruption.
In his remarks, he said: "We are pleased to welcome you to this press conference, which is being held as part of the preparations for the Sixth Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Arab Convention against Corruption. The State of Qatar is hosting the session, which is chaired by H.E. Hamad bin Nasser Al-Misnad, President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority."
The Official spokesperson added: "The convening of this session marks an important milestone in the joint Arab efforts to prevent and combat corruption. It reflects the Arab countries' commitment to further strengthening integrity and transparency frameworks, upholding the rule of law, and developing mechanisms for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in this field."
He explained that this session builds on the efforts made during previous sessions, which contributed to developing the institutional and technical framework for implementing the Convention, enhancing coordination among States Parties, and discussing a number of issues related to combating corruption. These include capacity building, asset recovery, the exchange of experiences and practices, and the development of mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of the Convention.
He further noted that the session's program includes an accompanying Arab Forum addressing a number of contemporary issues related to promoting integrity and preventing corruption. Key topics include the impact of codes of conduct on enhancing public-sector integrity, the role of artificial intelligence in supporting corruption prevention efforts, and the role of parliamentary councils and anti-corruption bodies in strengthening integrity frameworks and enhancing cooperation.
The Official spokesperson noted that these topics are of particular importance in light of the rapid developments taking place in institutional, legislative, and technological work. These developments underscore the need to further develop corruption prevention tools and enhance the effectiveness of integrity and transparency institutions.
He affirmed that this Arab event reflects the State of Qatar's belief in the importance of strengthening Arab cooperation and supporting joint efforts to advance integrity and transparency practices and promote the exchange of expertise and experiences. Such efforts serve the objectives of the Convention, enhance the effectiveness of its implementation, and strengthen its ability to address emerging challenges. He expressed his hope that the Sixth Session would produce outcomes that support the progress of joint Arab efforts and contribute to national efforts by States Parties, thereby fostering greater integration and coordination in the field of preventing and combating corruption.
In conclusion, he affirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to providing all the necessary conditions for the success of the conference. He also expressed his appreciation to the media for their important role in raising awareness of the conference's objectives, conveying its messages, and highlighting the importance of joint efforts to uphold the values of integrity and transparency in Arab societies.
In response to journalists' questions about the importance of holding the conference at this particular time and what distinguishes it from previous conferences, Mr. Abdulwahab Al-Kuwari, Official spokesperson, said: "The Sixth Session comes at a time when there is a growing need to strengthen Arab cooperation in preventing and combating corruption, particularly in light of the evolving methods used to conceal illicit proceeds, the increasing complexity of financial and legal transactions, and the rapid movement of funds and information across borders.
What distinguishes this session is that it builds on the achievements of the five previous sessions, with a greater focus on moving from general principles to practical implementation and measuring results.
The session is also particularly significant as it is being held in Doha and chaired by the State of Qatar. In addition, a draft (Doha Declaration on Enhancing Preventive Measures against Corruption) will be put forward, underscoring the importance of prevention as the first line of defense against corruption."
Regarding the key issues and files that will be the focus of discussions during the conference sessions:
Al-Kuwari explained that the provisional agenda includes a number of important and interrelated issues. At the forefront is a review of the measures taken to implement the decisions of the Fifth Session, as well as consideration of the recommendations issued by the meetings of the subsidiary teams responsible for implementing the Convention.
The conference will also discuss the development of the mechanism for reviewing the implementation of the Arab Convention against Corruption. This will help monitor the progress made by States Parties, identify successful practices and existing challenges, and determine technical assistance needs.
Regarding whether the conference is expected to produce specific recommendations or agreements, and how their implementation will be followed up after the conference:
He noted that the conference is being held within the framework of the Arab Convention against Corruption.
As for the expected outcomes, Al-Kuwari affirmed that they will primarily consist of decisions, recommendations, and a final declaration, in accordance with what is agreed upon by the States Parties.
Follow-up on implementation will take place through several mechanisms. These include the Secretariat's follow-up on the adopted decisions and the preparation of reports on the measures taken to implement them. The follow-up results will also be included in the agendas of subsequent meetings and sessions.
Regarding the nature of Arab and international participation in the conference and the added value of this participation:
He replied that the primary participants will be delegations from the States Parties to the Arab Convention against Corruption, as well as heads and officials of national bodies and agencies concerned with integrity, transparency, and the prevention and combating of corruption.
The Rules of Procedure also allow Arab states that are not parties to the Convention, as well as relevant Arab, regional, and international governmental organizations and bodies, to participate as observers. Non-governmental organizations that meet the prescribed requirements may also participate.
As for the scale of participation, 22 Arab states are scheduled to participate in the Sixth Session. This includes 15 states that have ratified the Arab Convention against Corruption, while seven Arab states will participate as observers. A number of relevant international and regional organizations involved in efforts to promote integrity and transparency and to prevent and combat corruption will also participate as observers.
Regarding the key challenges facing Arab countries in this field and how the conference seeks to address them:
The Official spokesperson explained that among the key challenges are disparities among countries in terms of legislative frameworks as well as institutional and technical capacities. There is also a need to strengthen coordination among the competent national authorities and expedite legal cooperation procedures between countries.
The conference seeks to address these challenges by developing the mechanism for reviewing the implementation of the Convention, strengthening the exchange of expertise and successful practices, identifying countries' training and technical assistance needs, and working to develop joint Arab tools and guidelines. It also aims to support legal cooperation and expedite responses to requests for mutual legal assistance.
In response to the final question on whether there are any joint initiatives or projects to be announced during the conference:
He replied that the provisional agenda includes a number of initiatives and projects that could contribute to advancing joint Arab efforts to prevent and combat corruption.
Among the most prominent are the draft "Doha Declaration on Enhancing Preventive Measures against Corruption" and the draft resolution on the mechanism for reviewing the implementation of the Arab Convention against Corruption, both submitted by the State of Qatar.
The proposed projects also include holding a regional expert meeting to develop a framework for a unified Arab guide on parallel financial investigations into financial corruption offenses. Another project aims to strengthen international cooperation by expediting responses to requests for mutual legal assistance. In addition, a project is proposed to enhance beneficial ownership transparency and identify the ultimate beneficial owners. This could pave the way for the development of an Arab guide on the subject in the future. The approved outcomes will be announced following the conclusion of the official deliberations and the adoption of the relevant decisions and final statement.
The Conference of States Parties to the Arab Convention against Corruption serves as an institutional Arab framework for monitoring the implementation of the Convention's provisions, strengthening coordination and cooperation among States Parties, and exchanging expertise and successful practices in preventing and combating corruption.