Doha: Members of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) discussed experiences in combating corruption in their countries during the 11th Parliamentarians' Forum, held on the sidelines of the 11th session of the UN Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11) to the UN Convention against Corruption. The forum focused on themes including promoting and monitoring integrity, the role of parliamentarians in oversight mechanisms to prevent and combat corruption, and enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.

According to Qatar News Agency, HE Chair of GOPAC, Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, stated in a message delivered by the organization's Executive Director that GOPAC reaffirms the crucial role of parliamentarians within broader societal partnerships to fight and prevent corruption. GOPAC is recognized as the only global parliamentary organization dedicated exclusively to advancing the UN Convention against Corruption.

Dr Al Marri highlighted the progress achieved since the adoption of the UN Convention, emphasizing the contributions of non-governmental actors in enacting significant legislation, strengthening oversight, and increasing transparency and accountability. Since its inception in 2002, GOPAC has actively advocated for the establishment and implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption and has consistently participated in every session of the Conference of the States Parties since its first meeting in 2006.

He also emphasized the organization's support for parliamentarians in small island developing states, focusing on promoting transparency and addressing corruption risks in climate finance, along with efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in political financing. The organization commended countries that included parliamentarians and civil society members in their official delegations to the CoSP11, citing Ghana, which registered at least six parliamentarians in its delegation, and the African GOPAC network, which contributed a large number of parliamentarian participants.

Additionally, GOPAC is collaborating with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research this week to develop a new anti-corruption assessment tool for parliamentarians, as part of its global e-training platform, Parliamentarians Against Corruption.