DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – In a new partnership model for development in Central Asia, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) launched a milestone initiative to strengthen accountability and transparency in public financial management. The Central Asian Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) Accountability Initiative (CASAI) brings the SAIs of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan together with peer support that will create impact and build trust. 

Central Asian states face shared challenges — limited resources, rising expectations for transparency, and similar governance environments — that created natural conditions for regional cooperation. With peer support from Poland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and with IDI’s expertise and coordination to implement the partnership model, participating SAIs will receive meaningful support to promote transparency and public sector accountability. The CASAI initiative will focus on:  

• audit quality and governance 
• digitalisation 
• stakeholder engagement 
• strengthening institutional independence 

IDI and its development partners* built momentum for CASAI through the Global SAI Accountability Initiative (GSAI) supporting similar themes around long-term institutional development. This work enabled SAIs of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to strengthen audit practices to align with international standards, improve governance systems, and expand engagement with parliaments, government bodies, civil society, and media. Tajikistan completed its first institutional performance assessment using the INTOSAI SAI Performance Measurement Framework assessment tool and developed a new strategic plan.  

The regional partnership underscores a common vision for Central Asia that, with the support of peers and partners, will help create the conditions for increased trust to build confidence for growth in the region. 

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*Development partners include the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), European Union (EU), and the General Court of Audit of Saudi Arabia (GCA).  

Additional collaborators include the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI), Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO), and the World Bank.  

What our partners are saying

From Switzerland’s perspective, supporting Supreme Audit Institutions is a strategic investment in good governance and a foundation of enhanced economic outcomes and resilience. Strong and independent audit institutions help ensure the effective use of public resources, reinforce transparency, and support more resilient public financial management systems, leading ultimately to a better business climate for enterprises and improved service delivery for the population. This is why Switzerland remains committed to supporting Central Asian Supreme Audit Institutions Accountability Initiative (CASAI), together with other partners. –  Ms. Lüthi Denise, Country Director, Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan 

The European Union is proud to have supported the Global Supreme Audit Institutions Accountability Initiative and to see its results carried forward through Central Asian Supreme Audit Institutions Accountability Initiative. Strengthening Supreme Audit Institutions is essential for transparency, accountability, and better governance, and we value this continued partnership in Central Asia. – Ms. Isabel Úriz Hernández, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation in Tajikistan 

By joining the Central Asian Supreme Audit Institutions Accountability Initiative (CASAI), we expect that mutual support, joint efforts, and the exchange of experience will provide a strong foundation for strengthening capacity and ensuring the sustainable development of Supreme Audit Institutions across the region. – Chairman Djamshed Karimzoda of the Accounts Chamber of the Republic of Tajikistan  

 We are grateful to SECO for its strong commitment as the main funding partner for the period 2026–2029, and to the European Union and the Court of Auditors of Saudi Arabia for their contributions under the GSAI framework supporting the initial phase. – Einar Gørrissen, Director General of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) 

On behalf of ASOSAI, we welcome the launch of CASAI as a valuable initiative that strengthens regional cooperation and supports the continued development of Supreme Audit Institutions through shared knowledge and mutual learning. – Jiang Haiying, Director General of International Cooperation Department of the National Audit Office of the People’s Republic of China, representing ASOSAI Regional Secretariat 

Supreme Audit Institutions play a critical role in ensuring accountable public financial management. At ACCA, we are pleased to collaborate with the INTOSAI Development Initiative and international development partners to strengthen the professional capacity in the public sector and support the implementation of international standards, creating long-term sustainable value. – Gaukhar Ashirbekova, Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) Public Affairs Lead 

Through CASAI, we are not only supporting individual institutions but also strengthening a regional ecosystem of accountability in Central Asia — built on trust, collaboration, and shared expertise.- Nazgul Albanova, CASAI Programme Manager at the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) 

Media Enquiries:

Carolyn Lillehovde, Strategic Communications Manager, IDI:  communications@idi.no