"Integrity": "Information Exchange" Network Enhances International Cooperation in Combating Corruption
- The Authority highlighted Kuwait’s experience in enhancing transparency in identifying the beneficial owner.
- Active membership in a network comprising 252 entities from 137 countries.
The Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nizahat) affirmed the importance of the Globe Network in promoting rapid and effective international cooperation and building professional relationships based on trust among anti-corruption bodies, thereby advancing investigations into transnational corruption cases.
This was stated in a speech delivered by Dr. Majad Al-Daihani, Deputy Chairman of Nizahat, on Tuesday, during his participation leading a high-level delegation from the Authority at the Seventh General Meeting of the Global Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, held at the United Nations Office at Vienna from August 25 to 28.
In a statement, Nizahat clarified that Al-Daihani presented, during a panel discussion dedicated to launching the Guide on Cooperation Practices in Transnational Corruption Cases, the role of Nizahat and its experience in investigating transnational corruption crimes, emphasizing the importance of the information-sharing network in supporting cooperation alongside official channels.
The statement added that the meeting witnessed the signing of a model agreement by several member states to enhance international cooperation mechanisms, alongside the launch of the second edition of the “Guide on Cooperation Practices in Transnational Corruption Cases.”
Nizahat noted that the information-sharing network aims to facilitate cross-border cooperation in corruption cases by enabling direct communication among law enforcement practitioners in member states, allowing them to exchange information and coordinate efforts swiftly.
It pointed out that the network includes 252 anti-corruption entities from 137 countries, operating under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and within the umbrella of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Nizahat highlighted that it was among the first entities to join the network in 2021, participated in discussions on adopting its charter, is a member of all its sub-working groups, has chaired several meetings of the international network, and has participated in its activities over the past years.
The Authority affirmed that its participation in the meeting stems from the State of Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the international community in combating corruption crimes, and the Authority’s dedication to representing the country at relevant international forums in accordance with its objectives and competencies as stipulated in its founding law and its amendments.
In this context, Nizahat showcased Kuwait’s experience in enhancing transparency in identifying the beneficial owner, as part of the meeting’s activities. Dhafer Al-Buwaybis, the Authority’s observer for international organizations and conferences, delivered a presentation outlining the comprehensive legal framework adopted by Kuwait to enhance beneficial owner transparency, along with the latest legislative developments, the role of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in this field, and Nizahat’s role in supporting these efforts from an anti-corruption perspective.
This participation continues Nizahat’s regional and international efforts in this field, as the Authority prepared the “Guide on Practices and Measures for Identifying the Beneficial Owner in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.” This guide reflects the perspective of anti-corruption bodies in this area and serves as an important reference for GCC member states.
