In a glittering ceremony attended by Qatar’s Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Gambian activist Marr Nyang was awarded the Youth Creativity and Engagement prize at the ninth Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award. Nyang, founder and executive director of Gambia Participates, shared the category honor with Motiullah Wesa, as the Amir personally presented the awards at Katara Hall in Doha.
Established in 2016 under the patronage of the Amir and in partnership with the United Nations, the ACE Award celebrates outstanding global contributions to combating corruption. Hosted annually in rotating countries—with previous events in Vienna, Kigali, Tunis, Tashkent, and San Jose—this year’s edition returned to Doha, emphasizing Qatar’s commitment to transparency and integrity.
The award spans five categories: Lifetime/Outstanding Achievement, Academic Research and Education, Innovation/Investigative Journalism, Safeguarding Sports from Corruption, and Youth Creativity and Engagement. Winners, selected for their innovative approaches, receive international acclaim for fostering accountability.
Nyang’s organization, Gambia Participates, empowers citizens through budget transparency initiatives, civic engagement, and anti-graft advocacy. His work has been pivotal in post-dictatorship Gambia, linking corruption to human rights violations and promoting participatory governance.
Reacting to the honor, Nyang stated: “Today… His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani conferred me with the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award.”
He reflected on personal experiences: “Growing up, experiencing the impact of blatant extortion and injustice shaped my career path. Those experiences opened my eyes to the corrosive effects of corruption on individuals and communities… we must build systems that protect societies and ensure our people will not be deprived of dignity.”
Nyang acknowledged the challenges: “Our work is a tough one. It brings immense challenges, frustration, and sacrifice, but the hardship… is nothing compared to the social and economic suffering that corruption inflicts.”
He expressed faith and gratitude: “It has been a tough journey, but God continues to guide and sustain us… This award comes just one year after receiving the U.S. Department of State International Anti-Corruption Champions Award.”
Humbly, he added, “We are neither saints nor heroes. We are simply people who care deeply for our communities.”
Nyang thanked the media, civil society, government partners, donors, and his team at Gambia Participates.
The ceremony highlighted global anti-corruption efforts, with attendees including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and dignitaries, underscoring the award’s role in inspiring worldwide action against corruption.
