This week, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) convened the second planning meeting of the Global Project on Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) Independence in Vienna, Austria. Hosted by the INTOSAI General Secretariat, this gathering brought together a powerful coalition of international partners, including SECO, OECD, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), all of whom share a common goal: advancing the independence of SAIs to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance globally. This milestone planning meeting marked a critical step forward in collaborating on a more transparent and accountable future at the global level.
A Unified Vision for SAI Independence
The meeting served as an important milestone in this global effort, reinforcing the critical role that SAI independence plays in ensuring that public financial management is conducted with integrity and accountability. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the autonomy of SAIs, recognising that independent oversight is essential for holding governments accountable, promoting the efficient use of public resources and building public trust in institutions. This collaborative initiative, which aims to develop internationally recognised principles for SAI independence, reflects the growing consensus among stakeholders that stronger governance systems are key to fostering sustainable development and preventing the misuse of public funds. The meeting emphasised that the protection and enhancement of SAI independence is not just a technical issue but a vital component of democratic governance and the rule of law.
At the heart of the Global Project is the power of partnerships. The diverse group of international organisations, government entities and financial institutions represented at the Vienna meeting demonstrated the value of collective action in advocating for meaningful reforms. The project has created a platform where expertise, resources and perspectives can be combined to tackle common challenges in promoting and advocating for supreme audit institutions and their independence. Each partner brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, enriching the project’s approach and broadening its impact. Whether through supporting the development of global principles, facilitating knowledge exchange, or mobilising resources, these partnerships exemplify the strength of collaboration in driving long-lasting, systemic change. Among the participants, Michael Hix, Director of International Relations at GAO noted, “Thanks to this incredible coalition of stakeholders, it is possible for us to address threats to independence and do a lot of good for accountability at the global level.”
Advocacy for Improved Transparency and Accountability
Beyond technical discussions, the meeting also underscored the importance of advocacy. Promoting SAI independence requires a unified voice, both within countries and on the global stage. Through sustained advocacy efforts, stakeholders aim to raise awareness about the need for independent auditing institutions that can provide transparent oversight of government finances. Strong advocacy ensures that the issue of SAI independence remains a priority for policymakers, international organisations and civil society. The project partners are committed to amplifying this message in various forums and encouraging the adoption of reforms that will enhance the capacity of SAIs to function free of interference or influence.
Additioanlly, the Vienna meeting was not just about laying the groundwork for technical principles, but also about rallying support for the broader cause of transparency in public financial management. The ongoing work of this project will help ensure that SAIs are equipped to provide independent oversight and hold governments accountable for how they manage public funds. As the project moves forward, the IDI and its partners will conduct regional consultations, knowledge-sharing workshops, and targeted advocacy campaigns with SAIs and other stakeholders. By engaging actors from diverse regions and sectors, the project will generate momentum, broadening the global spotlight on good governance.
Looking Ahead
As the Global Project progresses, the continued collaboration and commitment of all partners will be key to achieving lasting change. Together, IDI and its collaborators are championing the cause of SAI independence, not just as a goal in itself, but as a vital means to ensure that governments remain accountable to their citizens and manage public resources responsibly.
This initiative is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the global governance landscape and has the potential to have a lasting impact on public financial management around the world. Stay tuned as we continue to push forward on the Global Project and read about the latest developments here: https://www.idi.no/work-streams/independent-sais/global-project-on-sai-independence
