National Dialogue to Promote Good Governance and Development

29 April 2015, Islamabad - The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Country Office Pakistan convened a national dialogue to highlight and discuss the various issues related to corruption in Pakistan.  The event, "A National Dialogue to Promote Good Governance and Development" was chaired by His Excellency Mamnoon Hussain, the President of Pakistan, who also served as the chief guest.

The dialogue was attended by members of the Government, civil society partners and representatives from the International Community. 

Mr. Cesar Guedes, Representative, UNODC, Mr. Qamar Zaman Chaudhary, Chairman of the NAB and Mr. Ashtar Ausaf Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Law were also speakers. 

During his featured remarks, Mr. Guedes noted the importance of implementing accountability and anti-corruption measures in Government policies and also highlighted the importance of implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Pakistan is scheduled to complete its UNCAC review in 2015.

In particular, Mr. Guedes emphasized, "one of the key outcomes of improving Governance is the promotion of Accountability and Transparency to eliminate corruption".  He further added that "UNODC is committed to support its partners in the Government and Civil Society to ensure that Pakistan realizes its full economic potential and stability".

Speaking at the event, H.E. President Mamoon Hussain encouraged NAB and UNODC to continue their collaboration to ensure effective anti-corruption measures are in place.  He also directed the NAB to redouble its efforts to combat corruption and thanked Representative Guedes for providing the necessary support and strengthening the partnership with the NAB.

H.E. Mr. President assured support and commitment from his office to both agencies in their fight against corruption and expressed its criticality in the road to development.

A special segment of the programme included two secondary school children who gave rousing speeches about corruption and the lack of accountability and their impact on them as children.  

This dialogue will be followed by series of roundtable discussions involving experts from the area of accountability and anti-corruption to develop a framework for Pakistan to move forward in its anti-corruption agenda, including effective implementation of the UNCAC.

Press Release form President House