IDI and OECD recently hosted a high-level meeting and planning session in Paris to advance the Global Project on SAI Independence. The event, held from 27-29 January, 2025 brought together key stakeholders, including INTOSAI leadership, international organisations, and Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), to discuss the evolving challenges to SAI independence and the critical role of collaboration in safeguarding public accountability.
A Collective Effort to Strengthen SAI Independence
The high-level meeting underscored the urgency of protecting SAIs from undue influence, emphasising that independence is not just a legal matter but a dynamic process influenced by political, institutional, and societal factors. Representatives from INTOSAI, OECD, the World Bank, and key national audit institutions highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach that considers both formal and informal influences on SAI independence.
Gene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, reinforced that defending SAI independence requires more than legal frameworks—it is a relationship-driven effort that depends on strong alliances at both the country and global levels. Similarly, Karl Eirik Schjøtt-Pedersen, Auditor General of Norway and Chair of the IDI Governing Board, highlighted data from IDI and the World Bank showing that SAIs worldwide face increasing threats to their ability to operate independently. In addition, Dr. Hussam Alangari, Chair of the Policy, Finance and Administration Committee, as well as President of the General Court of Audit of Saudi Arabia, highlighted that the importance of SAI independence has been globally recognised since the Lima Declaration over 40 years ago, and remains an ongoing process that SAIs continue to strive for.
The Global Project, a joint initiative between IDI and OECD, aims to address these challenges by identifying the informal factors that shape SAI independence, such as political dynamics, organisational culture, and stakeholder interactions. By leveraging research and strategic advocacy, the project seeks to provide actionable recommendations for strengthening SAI independence beyond legal provisions.
Looking Ahead: Country Visits and Next Steps
Following the discussions, the project will now enter its next phase: conducting in-depth country visits to identify good practices and assess the real-world challenges SAIs face. These visits will gather critical insights on how SAIs navigate informal pressures and the mechanisms that help sustain their independence. Representatives from Jamaica, Liberia, Jordan, Morocco, and Spain have committed to participating in this effort, alongside key international partners such as the INTOSAI General Secretariat, the Saudi Arabian General Court of Audit (GAC), the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the World Bank.
An IDI-OECD report summarising the findings will be developed, offering a set of recommendations based on international best practices. This report will serve as a valuable resource for SAIs and their allies, helping to shape future advocacy efforts and policy decisions to protect audit institutions from political and institutional pressures.
Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact
Beyond shaping the content of the Global Project, the meeting in Paris reinforced the importance of global partnerships in advancing SAI independence. A notable highlight was a meeting between US Comptroller General Gene Dodaro and the OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, further strengthening collaboration between key international actors.
The Global Project is not just about research—it is about fostering a movement that mobilises governments, oversight bodies, and civil society to champion SAI independence as a pillar of good governance. Through continued dialogue, data-driven advocacy, and strategic alliances, the project aims to ensure that SAIs worldwide can fulfil their crucial role in holding power to account.
As the project progresses, IDI and OECD will continue engaging with stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Stay tuned for updates as we move forward in this collective effort to enhance public sector accountability and governance.