His Excellency Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary General of the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),
His Excellency Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President of the
Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of Saudi Arabia,
Uz. Adam Shamil, President of the Anti-Corruption Commission,
Distinguished Participants of the International Forum on Integrity,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
and a very good morning to you all.
It is a great honour to join you today at the Opening Ceremony of the International Forum on Integrity. Let me begin by extending my sincere appreciation to the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives. I also thank our esteemed international partners for bringing together this important gathering—an assembly of minds, voices, and shared commitments.
This forum is more than a ceremonial event. It is a crucial platform for confronting the pressing realities we face, exchanging practical solutions, and forging a collective path forward in the global fight against corruption.
The theme of this year’s forum— “Strengthening Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism”— is both timely and deeply relevant.
Tourism is the heartbeat of our economy. It drives foreign investment, supports thousands of livelihoods, strengthens cultural heritage, and opens opportunities for development. But for tourism to be truly sustainable, it must also be ethical, inclusive, and transparent.
Corruption undermines the investment climate, discourages innovation, and harms public trust. And in sectors like tourism, where land, resources, and infrastructure intersect, the risks are especially high.
We must build systems that empower whistleblowers, protect those who speak out, and make integrity the standard, not the exception. Anti corruption bodies must be not only independent, but also well-resourced and free from political interference. And we must always remember: the fight against corruption is not just a legal obligation—it is a moral duty that safeguards the rights of every citizen.
Distinguished Guests.
Corruption in the tourism sector does more than weaken our economies. It affects people’s lives. It limits opportunity, deepens inequality, and damages our global reputation.
Integrity and ethical tourism are fundamental in building investor confidence and community trust. Transparency and accountability are essential for sustainability, strengthening global reputation and fostering long-term growth – especially to maintain our status as a premier tourism destination.
The role of governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations is crucial for capacity building, and innovation. Clear policies, effective monitoring, enforcement mechanisms, and regular evaluations are necessary to ensure these practices are upheld and continuously improved.
As we begin our discussions today, I encourage each of you to reflect on the responsibilities you carry—within your institutions, your communities, and your countries. This forum may conclude in a few days, but the work ahead is long-term. Let us leave here with a renewed sense of purpose, committed to upholding the principles of transparency, equity, and collaboration.
Together, we can build a tourism sector that is not only profitable, but principled. One that is open, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.
I wish you all a productive and meaningful forum.
Thank you.