My main duty today is a simple one but one that gives me the honour and pleasure to welcome you to Rwanda for the 4th edition of the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award.
I wish to commend His Highness the Amir for the vision that led to the establishment of these important prizes, and to the good partnership with the United Nations.
Your Highness, my friend, my brother; dare I even say, my young brother. You know I was taught that in leadership, leaders just lead. There is no young leader, no old leader, and there is no excuse for leading badly. But I dare therefore call His Highness my young brother just because he is my friend and we trust each other.
And I thank all of you leaders who are here for being here and for altogether giving us this honour as a country to host this event which signifies a very important fight, the fight against corruption. We want to thank the Attorney General of Qatar for being at the centre of this. He worked very hard with our people, and again it is a pleasure to work with you on this noble cause.
We have just unveiled a stunning sculpture by the renowned Iraqi artist Ahmed Al-Bahrani. This symbolises both the openness and the firm resolve needed to prevail in the fight against corruption.
We thank you for this iconic work of art, which will have pride of place here in our capital city, and which will also go a long way to keep reminding us and encouraging us to always be present in this fight against corruption. The journey has already been started so what remains of it, this event is an encouragement to finish it.
In a short while, this year’s award winners will be announced. I want to congratulate them in advance, not just the awardees but all the nominees. Collectively, you represent the very best of the fearless spirit and determination required to sustain zero tolerance against corruption.
Your Highness, Excellencies, distinguished leaders here present, I once again welcome you all and wish you a very Happy International Anti-Corruption Day. Thank you for your kind attention.