Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef has said that combating corruption is not merely a legal obligation but a moral responsibility that safeguards the rights of every citizen. He made these remarks while speaking at the International Forum on Integrity 2025 opening ceremony, held in Malé.
This year’s forum focuses on the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism Sector.” The Vice President noted that the theme is both timely and deeply relevant, especially for the Maldives, where tourism plays a critical role in the national economy. He said that promoting integrity and ethical practices within the tourism sector is essential to building investor confidence and earning the trust of local communities.
The Vice President further said that transparency and accountability are key to ensuring sustainability, enhancing the Maldives’ global reputation, and fostering long-term economic growth. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to strengthen anti-corruption measures.
He highlighted the need for clear policies, robust enforcement mechanisms, and regular evaluations to maintain and improve anti-corruption practices. Emphasising systemic integrity, he called for the development of structures that empower whistleblowers, protect those who come forward, and establish integrity as the norm rather than the exception.
He also underlined that anti-corruption institutions must be independent, adequately resourced, and shielded from political interference to be truly effective.
During the ceremony, His Excellency Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of Saudi Arabia, presented Vice President Latheef with a token of appreciation, recognising the longstanding friendship and shared commitment to cooperation between the two nations.
The two-day International Forum on Integrity brings together anti-corruption organisations from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and is being attended by over 180 participants.
This year’s forum focuses on the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism Sector.” The Vice President noted that the theme is both timely and deeply relevant, especially for the Maldives, where tourism plays a critical role in the national economy. He said that promoting integrity and ethical practices within the tourism sector is essential to building investor confidence and earning the trust of local communities.
The Vice President further said that transparency and accountability are key to ensuring sustainability, enhancing the Maldives’ global reputation, and fostering long-term economic growth. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to strengthen anti-corruption measures.
He highlighted the need for clear policies, robust enforcement mechanisms, and regular evaluations to maintain and improve anti-corruption practices. Emphasising systemic integrity, he called for the development of structures that empower whistleblowers, protect those who come forward, and establish integrity as the norm rather than the exception.
He also underlined that anti-corruption institutions must be independent, adequately resourced, and shielded from political interference to be truly effective.
During the ceremony, His Excellency Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of Saudi Arabia, presented Vice President Latheef with a token of appreciation, recognising the longstanding friendship and shared commitment to cooperation between the two nations.
The two-day International Forum on Integrity brings together anti-corruption organisations from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and is being attended by over 180 participants.
