Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity: Insights from COSP11 in Doha

Ashok Sarangapani
Dec 30, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Feb 4

I recently returned from Doha, Qatar, where I had the privilege of attending the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (COSP11) to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Participating as an observer nominated by the UN Global Compact (New York), I stood among official delegates from 192 countries—all committed to a singular goal: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.

For me, this wasn’t just a conference; it was a continuation of a journey that began at the Private Sector Forum in New York in 2022. It was a moment to bridge the gap between high-level international policy and the practical work we do every day at ABMS Consulting Sdn Bhd.

Ashok Sarangapani-COSP11 — Private Sector Forum COSP11 - Doha 2025

The Future is Now: AI and Innovation

This year’s theme, "Future-Proofing Business Integrity: AI, Innovation and Global Cooperation," highlighted a critical shift. As an anti-corruption practitioner, I believe we must embrace Tech for Good. While AI offers immense potential for detection, we must mitigate risks like bias and lack of transparency.

At the forum, I advocated for the ISO 42001 (Artificial Intelligence Management System) as the essential framework to ensure that AI-driven anti-corruption initiatives are ethical, audited, and effective.

Leading the Discussion on Incentives

A personal highlight was leading discussions in the Private Sector Forum on the Saudi Arabia-led resolution regarding Private Sector Incentives. I proposed a shift toward "Purpose-driven Integrity Incentives," where companies are rewarded for tangible, audited commitments.

I am proud to share that my recommendation to use ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management Systems) as a standardized global benchmark was accepted for review. This moves us away from vague promises and toward a world where "Integrity is a Business Advantage."

Ashok Sarangapani-COSP11-Private Sector Forum — Workshops in Private Sector Forum

My 8 Calls to Action for Global Integrity

To turn the energy of COSP11 into lasting change, I have identified eight critical pillars for states and organizations to prioritize:

Mandate Global Standards: Move key ISO standards (like ISO 37001 and ISO 42001) from voluntary to mandatory to systematically mitigate fraud, bribery, and greenwashing.
Protect & Incentivize: Strengthen whistleblower protections and create tangible rewards for organizations demonstrating elite governance.
Future-Proof through Youth: Engage children and youth in grassroots anti-corruption initiatives—they are the owners of tomorrow’s world.
Cultivate Zero Tolerance: Embed zero tolerance into the spirit and culture of organizations, not just the legal handbooks.
Decisive Justice: Ensure immediate and strong legal action against perpetrators to maintain public trust.
Leverage AI: Use data analytics and AI as proactive tools for detection and prevention.
Global Unity: Foster the mindset to “Stay United and Stand United against Corruption.”
Strengthen PPPs: Elevate Public-Private Partnerships to leverage corporate resources in the design of national anti-corruption strategies.

The Path Forward: Educate, Engage, Enlighten

At ABMS Consulting, we believe the backbone of our economy—SMEs and Micro-SMEs—must not be left behind. We are committed to helping these vital businesses transition from "compliance" to "commitment."

Whether it takes 5 years or 50, we must remain steadfast. We invite you to take your "small but certain step" with us.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

As we look ahead, it's crucial to remember that change starts with us. Each of us has a role to play in fostering integrity and transparency. By integrating governance, risk management, compliance, and digital solutions, we can create a sustainable future.

The phrase "integrity is a business advantage" resonates deeply with me. It reminds us that ethical practices are not just a regulatory requirement but a pathway to long-term success.

🚀 Join us in Dubai

If you are ready to lead this change within your organization, I invite you to join our ISO 37001 Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor courses in January 2026, in Dubai, UAE.