Nazaah elected chair of international working group in UN anti-corruption network

The Public Authority for Combating Corruption, “Nazaha,” has achieved a new international milestone by being elected to lead the Third Thematic Working Group on Peer Learning and Knowledge within the GlobE Network of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), after securing 91% of the votes from participating representatives of member entities. This step reflects the growing international confidence in the role of the State of Kuwait and its capacity to make an active contribution to leading international anti-corruption cooperation efforts.

Nazaha’s election came during a meeting held by the Network yesterday (Wednesday), October 14, 2026, via video conference. The Authority will assume responsibility for leading the working group’s activities and coordinating its efforts with other working groups, the Secretariat, and the Network’s Steering Committee, thereby contributing to the development of knowledge and expertise exchange mechanisms and enhancing practical cooperation among law enforcement authorities worldwide concerned with combating corruption.

Anwar Al-Qadiri, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Public Authority for Combating Corruption “Nazaha,” affirmed that the Authority’s election to this international responsibility represents an achievement for the State of Kuwait and reflects the trust and respect it enjoys among international entities concerned with anti-corruption efforts. Al-Qadiri stated, “Securing 91% of the votes is not merely a win in presiding over an international working group; it is a vote of confidence in the State of Kuwait, its national competencies, and its ability to make a genuine contribution to international anti-corruption efforts. This is a confidence we cherish and consider a responsibility that demands doubled efforts and achievements.”

She added that this election reflects a direction the Authority seeks to consolidate, which involves transitioning from participation in international forums and experience exchange to direct contribution in leading initiatives and shaping joint work pathways, thereby enhancing the State of Kuwait’s presence and influence in the international anti-corruption system.

Al-Qadiri clarified that the significance of this achievement extends beyond assuming a leadership position within the Network; it lies in the nature of the responsibilities the working group will undertake and its role in transforming international knowledge and experiences into practical tools that relevant authorities can utilize to confront increasingly complex corruption crimes, particularly transnational crimes. She said, “Today, combating corruption relies not only on legislation and authorities but also on the ability to access specialized knowledge, benefit from countries’ experiences, and develop the skills of professionals in this field. Hence, the importance of Kuwait leading a group focused on transforming international expertise into applicable knowledge and tangible results.”

From his perspective, Dhafer Buayyab, Observer for International Organizations and Conferences at “Nazaha,” explained that the Third Working Group plays a vital role in developing guidelines and knowledge materials, exchanging best practices among law enforcement entities, monitoring emerging challenges, risks, and patterns in corruption crimes—including those linked to modern technologies, virtual assets, and artificial intelligence—and proposing initiatives that contribute to enhancing the efficiency of relevant agencies in combating them.

Buayyab affirmed that “Nazaha” will, during its leadership of the group, enhance coordination among member entities, encourage the exchange of successful experiences, and develop knowledge and training initiatives that support the capacities of relevant authorities to detect corruption crimes, prosecute perpetrators, track illicit proceeds, and recover assets derived from such crimes.

Al-Buwayib said, “Our goal is not to limit the team’s role to the exchange of information and expertise, but to transform this knowledge into practical tools and actionable initiatives that enhance the capacities of anti-corruption agencies and help them address emerging challenges, while improving the efficiency of international cooperation in pursuing transnational corruption crimes.” He added that this achievement holds particular significance given the expanding scope of the GlobE network, which comprises 256 anti-corruption entities from 137 countries and provides a platform for direct and secure communication among law enforcement authorities, thereby facilitating faster information exchange and strengthening cooperation on cross-border cases.