U.S Honors Liberia’s Marc Kollie and 10 International Anti-Corruption Champions
The U.S. Department of State has honored and acknowledged organizations and people for their global advocacy of accountability, honesty, openness, and good governance, including Marc Kollie, a Liberian.
Speaking at the event, US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken reaffirmed that fighting corruption and advancing integrity is a top priority for US foreign policy and a fundamental aspect of the country’s security.
The International Anti-Corruption Day is observed on December 9 of each year. Its goals are to raise awareness of the roles that individuals and society play in battling corruption and promoting transparency, as well as to highlight the rights and responsibilities of everyone in tackling it, including States, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public, and youth.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption’s (UNCAC) adoption, Mr. Blinken stated that the US is dedicated to spearheading initiatives to fully execute the UNCAC.
Since ratifying UNCAC in 2006, we have worked to implement its provisions in our domestic laws and practices, used it as a mechanism for international collaboration, and helped other nations develop the capacity to do the same. We’ll keep collaborating with partners to realize UNCAC’s mission.
The United States Secretary of State pointed out that the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) can only be accomplished with the help of stakeholders both inside and outside of government. In light of this, the United States established the International Anti-Corruption Champions Award in 2021 to honor those who have bravely taken anti-corruption actions and to show support for our brave allies.
Stanislau Ivashkevich of Belarus, Jean-Claude Mputu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Arturo Torres of Ecuador, Nikhil Dey of India, Ali (Mukhammedali) Toktakunov of the Kyrgyz Republic, Marc N. Kollie of Liberia, Veronica Mihailov-The eleven (11) International Anti-Corruption Champions honorees are Moraru of Moldova, Vladimir Novović of Montenegro, Annette Planells of Panama, Francisco Belo Simões da Costa of Timor-Leste, and May De Silva of Seychelles.
He restated that it is an honor for the United States to collaborate with fighters against corruption such as these.
Figo Mansaray is a Liberian Journalist for over 10 years and currently working with Kukatonon Media Inc and AYV Media Empire.
Figo, a prospective Graduate at the University of Liberia can be contacted via +231777489052/+231881734014 and mfmansaray2015@gmail.com