Nominations for transparency award sought

To promote the key values of transparency and integrity in Saudi society based on the teachings of Islam, customs and culture, the Saafa Foundation for Transparency and Integrity has invited nominations for its Saafa Transparency Award (STA).
The foundation’s Secretary-General Abdurahman Almotawa made the announcement at a press conference he hosted at his office in Riyadh. He said electronic nominations kicked off yesterday and will end on Oct. 10 this year. The winner, who will receive a SR 250,000 cash prize, will be announced in December, said Almotawa.
According to him, the award seeks to deepen and increase awareness of values such as transparency, integrity, justice and accountability by honoring companies and institutions in both the private and public sectors that demonstrate responsible practice in their business conduct and set a good example for others.
Saafa Foundation is a civil society institution working in accordance with the national strategy to protect integrity and transparency, and to combat corruption. It also helps in raising awareness and educating individuals and institutions on these values for which it has mapped out its strategy outlining its aims, objectives and mechanisms.
Explaining the benefits for firms participating in this contest, the official said the prize will have a great impact on all parties and will also serve the public interest. The values that are encouraged by this initiative include transparency, integrity, justice and accountability.
He said there are many candidates who meet the specifications of being good role models in Saudi Arabia. The prize was designed to generate continuous dialogue and improvement in the ethical conduct of companies and institutions in the Kingdom.
Almotawa said certain criteria will determine the conditions for the eligibility of applicants and candidates. He said applications must be from a company or an institution whether private or public or a branch or a subsidiary company. An organization of any size can apply for the award. The applicant must have and publicly display their position and attitude toward the values on which Saafah was built as well as to have undertaken specific actions that will promote the principles of ethical behavior.
A candidate’s public conduct must have a positive impact on all parties and stakeholders who look at it as a role model for others. There are no sub-categories for the award.
Almotawa said members of the award committee are independent of the whole Saafa team. The committee is made up of a group of experts who have made a significant contribution to the society.
Spelling out the rules of the award, he explained winners of the award are encouraged to broadcast their achievements. An organization can only use the Saafa Award logo throughout the year it has won or been nominated. If the winner or nominee of the award is a subsidiary or an affiliate of another organization, it must clearly state this fact each time this achievement is publicized or broadcast.
The winner of the prize can use this achievement for promotional purposes for an unlimited duration. Finalists who were nominated for the award but did not win can highlight their affiliation with the STA for promotional purposes for a period not exceeding two years after receiving the nomination.
The award is also intended to serve as a symbol of ethical conduct in the Kingdom for marketing purposes. Saafah will also strive to attract the attention of international forums, as this will not only enhance the Kingdom’s image at international level but also highlight the importance of the award inside the Kingdom.