Saudi Arabia takes lead as chair of UN Anti-Crime Network

In a significant move that highlights Saudi Arabia’s expanding role on the global stage, the Kingdom has been appointed as the chair of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) for the 2025-2027 period. This appointment is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence and commitment to combating corruption and criminal networks on an international level.

The decision to appoint Saudi Arabia as chair was made during a meeting in Beijing, signalling a major step forward for the country in its mission to combat corruption on a global scale. Nasser bin Ahmad Abaalkhail, who serves as the Deputy for International Collaboration of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, will represent the Kingdom in this prestigious role.

This appointment isn’t just about assuming a leadership position; it’s about demonstrating the Kingdom’s dedication to addressing corruption beyond its borders. It reflects an acknowledgment from the international community that Saudi Arabia has the capabilities, expertise, and commitment to lead such an essential initiative.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, the President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, known as Nazaha, warmly congratulated the Kingdom’s leadership on this achievement. He emphasised that this milestone reflects the country’s broader vision to position itself as a pioneering model in various fields, with anti-corruption efforts being a top priority. Saudi Arabia has been steadily building a reputation for not only tackling corruption within its own borders but also championing the fight against such issues on an international level.

Al-Kahmous’s words underscore how this appointment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to transform itself into a country known for transparency, accountability, and good governance. It’s a reflection of the directives set forth by the Kingdom’s leadership, which have consistently emphasised the importance of establishing a robust framework to combat corruption in all its forms.

For those unfamiliar with the GlobE Network, it’s an initiative that Saudi Arabia itself launched during the G20 Summit ministerial meeting, which the country hosted in 2020. The network was established with the vision of creating a collaborative platform that connects anti-corruption authorities worldwide. It aims to foster cooperation, share knowledge, and build the capacity needed to combat corruption more effectively across borders.

Officially adopted by the United Nations on December 17, 2021, the network quickly gained traction during the ninth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption, held in Egypt. The initiative has since proven to be a game-changer in the global fight against corruption, offering a space for member states to work together, share best practices, and support one another in their efforts to dismantle corrupt networks.

This journey from inception to adoption shows Saudi Arabia’s determination to lead by example and work collaboratively with other nations to create meaningful change. The Kingdom’s role in launching this initiative is a testament to its commitment to promoting integrity and fighting corruption on an international scale.

The GlobE Network’s success is evident in the rapid growth of its membership. Over the past three years, it has expanded to include 219 anti-corruption agencies and international organisations, representing more than 120 countries. This remarkable growth demonstrates the global demand for a unified platform to tackle corruption and the trust that member states place in the network’s mission.

The involvement of such a diverse range of countries and organisations means that the GlobE Network is not just another bureaucratic structure—it’s an active, dynamic community of professionals and experts dedicated to making a tangible impact in the fight against corruption. The Kingdom’s leadership role in this growing network offers an opportunity to shape strategies, policies, and practices that can make a real difference in the years to come.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his address at the opening of the first UN General Assembly special session against corruption in 2021, praised Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in creating the GlobE Network. This acknowledgment from such a high level reinforces the significance of the Kingdom’s efforts and the global impact of its initiatives.

Since its inception, the GlobE Network has played a crucial role in bringing together countries to tackle corruption as a collective challenge. Initially chaired by Spain, with Saudi Arabia serving as vice-chair, this latest development represents a natural progression of the Kingdom’s involvement and leadership in the network.

Saudi Arabia’s appointment as the chair of the GlobE Network steering committee is more than just a symbolic gesture. It positions the Kingdom at the forefront of global efforts to combat corruption, offering an opportunity to lead collaborative initiatives that can strengthen anti-corruption frameworks worldwide. By fostering international cooperation, sharing knowledge, and promoting best practices, Saudi Arabia can help build a more transparent and accountable global community.

This leadership role also allows Saudi Arabia to showcase its own journey and strategies in addressing corruption, setting an example for other nations to follow. The Kingdom’s recent achievements in strengthening its anti-corruption measures at home have laid the foundation for this moment, and now it stands ready to lead on an international scale.

Saudi Arabia’s new role as chair of the GlobE Network’s steering committee is a testament to the Kingdom’s dedication to creating a corruption-free world. By taking on this leadership position, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its readiness to contribute to the global fight against corruption, ensuring that nations can work together in tackling this complex issue.

This appointment marks a significant step for Saudi Arabia in its journey to becoming a global leader in anti-corruption efforts. It’s a clear indication that the Kingdom is committed to promoting transparency, integrity, and collaboration on the world stage, setting the tone for what can be achieved when nations come together to tackle the challenges that affect us all.

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