High-Level Meeting on SAI Independence: Dr. Hussam Alangari, President of the General Court of Audit, and Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank, met to discuss enhancing cooperation and expanding support for the independence of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs).
Focus on Strengthening Capacities: The discussions focused on the IDSC's mission, INTOSAI priorities, and donor goals, emphasizing the need to develop SAI capacities and independence, as highlighted by the World Bank’s SAI Independence Index.
Notable Attendees and Outcomes: The meeting, attended by Gene L. Dodaro, US Comptroller General and IDSC Vice Chairman, reviewed the INTOSAI Development Initiative’s global assessment of SAIs and underscored the IDSC’s role in improving SAI performance and accountability.
Washington, September 4, 2024 — In a significant meeting aimed at strengthening global financial oversight, Dr. Hussam Alangari, President of the General Court of Audit (GCA) and Co-Chair of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) Donor Steering Committee (IDSC), engaged in high-level discussions with Axel van Trotsenburg, the Senior Managing Director of the World Bank. The focal point of their meeting was to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation and expanding the World Bank’s support for the independence of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) worldwide.
The dialogue centered on several key topics, including the mission of the IDSC, the strategic priorities of INTOSAI, and the overarching objectives of international donors. Both Dr. Alangari and van Trotsenburg emphasized the critical importance of bolstering the capabilities of SAIs to ensure their operational independence. This objective is particularly highlighted in the World Bank’s SAI Independence Index, which measures the autonomy and effectiveness of these institutions. Additionally, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the findings from the INTOSAI Development Initiative’s (IDI) comprehensive global assessment of SAIs, which offers insights into their performance and areas for improvement.
Dr. Alangari underscored the substantial progress achieved through the collaborative efforts of INTOSAI and its donor partners, facilitated by the IDSC. He pointed out that the IDSC has played a crucial role in empowering SAIs by promoting knowledge exchange, adherence to international best practices, and overall enhancement of performance. These efforts have significantly contributed to greater accountability and transparency in public financial management across the globe.
The meeting was further distinguished by the presence of Gene L. Dodaro, the US Comptroller General and head of the US Government Accountability Office, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the IDSC. Dodaro’s participation underscored the importance of cross-national collaboration and support in advancing the objectives of the IDSC and INTOSAI.
This meeting marks a pivotal step in reinforcing the commitment to strengthening SAIs and ensuring they have the necessary support to function independently and effectively. The discussions are expected to lead to enhanced strategies and initiatives that will further bolster the global financial oversight framework, ultimately fostering greater integrity and accountability in public financial management systems worldwide.