Doha, Qatar | 18 December 2025 – The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center (ROLACC) convened the session “Voices of Courage: Real-Life Stories of ACE Award Winners” on the margins of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP 11).
The session brought together past recipients of the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (ACE Award) to share professional experiences and reflections on integrity, accountability, and the challenges of confronting corruption in diverse national and institutional contexts.
Speakers provided firsthand accounts of investigative and anti-corruption work, highlighting the societal impact of corruption and the role of ethical leadership, independent journalism, and forensic investigation in promoting transparency and the rule of law.
Challenges Facing Anti-Corruption Practitioners
Participants addressed the significant challenges faced by individuals investigating and exposing corruption, including legal and institutional pressure, intimidation, reputational attacks, financial constraints, and insufficient protection mechanisms. Several speakers emphasized that these risks are often compounded by shrinking civic space, limited resources for independent investigative work, and inadequate implementation of safeguards for journalists, whistleblowers, and anti-corruption practitioners.
The discussion underscored the importance of sustained international support, legal protections, and institutional commitment to ensuring safe and enabling environments for those working to advance accountability and good governance.
The session featured the participation of:
- Ms. Clare Rewcastle Brown, ACE Award Winner 2023 (Innovation and Investigative Journalism), Editor, Sarawak Report
- Mr. John Githongo, ACE Award Winner 2022 (Lifetime or Outstanding Achievement), Chief Executive Officer, Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi Ltd
- Dr. Muna D. Buchahin, ACE Award Winner 2024 (Lifetime or Outstanding Achievement), Forensic Audit and Anti-Corruption Expert
- Mr. Riad Kobaissi, ACE Award Winner 2020 (Innovation and Investigative Journalism), Head of Investigative Unit, Al Jadeed TV
- Mr. Hopewell Chin’ono, ACE Award Winner 2022 (Innovation and Investigative Journalism), Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker
- Ms. Hanan Khandaqji, ACE Award Winner 2016 (Innovation and Investigative Journalism), Investigative Correspondent, Al Mamlaka TV
- Dr. Yasser Refaie, Director of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center
Reaffirming Global Commitments
The “Voices of Courage” session reaffirmed the objectives of the ACE Award in recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional integrity and resilience in addressing corruption, often at personal and professional risk. The dialogue contributed to COSP 11 discussions by emphasizing the human dimension of anti-corruption efforts and the need to translate international commitments into effective protection and support at the national level.
By hosting the session during COSP 11, ROLACC reinforced the role of Qatar as a platform for international dialogue on integrity, the rule of law, and cooperation in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
