In today’s volatile global landscape, marked by democratic backsliding and growing calls for accountability, the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) is more vital than ever. This is especially true in Sub-Saharan Francophone Africa, where SAI leaders must navigate political complexity, institutional constraints, and rising citizen expectations, all while upholding integrity and oversight.
From 28 to 30 May 2025, Heads of SAIs convened in Senegal for a high-level gathering focused strengthening their leadership skills and adapting to shifting realities. Far from a routine meeting, the event marked the expansion of IDI’s redesigned Mastery Initiative into the Francophone region, following its successful launch earlier this year for English and Spanish-speaking audiences.
Oversight leaders from Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Senegal, and Chad—members of the Regional Council for Training of Supreme Audit Institutions of Sub-Saharan Francophone Africa (CREFIAF)—came together to exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges, and explore the demands of bold, future-focused leadership. Hosted by the Cour des Comptes of Senegal (SAI Senegal), the Masterclass gave Francophone SAIs a platform to take centre stage.
In Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, where governance challenges reflect shared history and institutions, peer collaboration is vital for stronger public oversight. As participants arrived in Dakar for the Leading in a Global Context Masterclass, a sense of familiarity grew—from past exchanges and the common challenges uniting them.

The Masterclass brought together a distinguished group of high-level leaders and experts, reflecting IDI’s strong strategic relationships across the public oversight and development community. Present were regional leaders representing the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Secretariat of CREFIAF, whose participation reinforced the collaborative spirit driving progress in Francophone Africa.
Additionally, panellists from institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, European Investment Bank, European Court of Auditors, and the International Budget Partnership Senegal guided and enriched discussions throughout the event.
Their insights underscored a key reality: while national contexts differ, both threats and solutions cross borders.

SAI leaders also play a critical role in upholding transparency and accountability in such complex environments. Opening the event, Mamadou Faye, First President of SAI Senegal, emphasised the importance of this engagement, saying: “This is a unique platform for peer learning amongst SAI leaders in the region, who often face similar institutional and organisational challenges.”
To enhance CREFIAF’s leadership capacity, the event’s success depended on vital international support made possible by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Representing Switzerland, Pablo Padrut, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the Swiss Embassy in Senegal, reaffirmed this commitment: “Switzerland proudly supports strengthening SAIs and their leaders, who are essential to safeguarding public resources and reinforcing public trust.”
In today’s climate of growing public doubt, institutions face a crisis of trust. SAIs are among the few that still hold credibility, but that trust cannot be taken for granted.
To meet this challenge, leadership must evolve.
But what does it mean to lead globally when your mandate is grounded nationally? For these SAI heads, it meant reimagining leadership itself by looking beyond domestic boundaries to engage with regional realities and global trends.

Throughout the week, a range of expert speakers and facilitators offered fresh perspectives that challenged participants to reflect critically on their leadership roles. Topics like corruption, political instability, and slow-paced reform were not abstract concepts—they were lived realities for many in the room prompting candid, engaging and thought-provoking discussions. Sharing these experiences created space for genuine connection, grounded in mutual understanding and professional solidarity.


Ismahan Mahamoud, First President of the Court of Accounts of Djibouti (SAI Djibouti) and Chair of CREFIAF, confirmed the importance of this dialogue, saying: “The issues tackled during the Masterclass and the perspectives shared among heads of SAIs will equip us with precious insights in our roles as defenders of accountability.”
As conversations deepened, broader questions emerged about key topics for SAIs in the region: digitalisation, citizen engagement, and public trust.

Digital Transformation Expert and former representative from the European Court of Auditors, Magdalena Cordero, addressed the need for institutional adaptation head-on. A long-time contributor to public sector digital reform efforts, she identified the perceived tension between transformation and tradition.
Rather than calling for a disruptive revolution, she emphasised that digital transformation for SAIs should be about pragmatic adaptation— meaning, meeting institutions where they are and building their capacity in context-sensitive ways.

Participants also engaged with expert thought leadership from outside the SAI community, including insightful presentations from the World Bank and the International Budget Partnership (IBP). On the topic of citizen engagement, Aissatou Diop, Manager of IBP Senegal’s Public Policy Department, emphasised rising public demand for transparency.
While many SAI leaders in the CREFIAF region remain cautious about partnering with civil society due to political pressures and institutional sensitivities, IBP encouraged a shift in perspective. Importantly, civil society should be seen not as a threat, but as a strategic ally—one that can amplify oversight and strengthen public confidence when engagement is approached thoughtfully.

Additionally, in a region where trust in public institutions is fragile, SAIs remain one of the few oversight bodies still seen as credible by the public. Drawing on two decades of governance data across Sub-Saharan Africa, Saidou Diop, Lead, Public Sector- Western and Central Africa, from the World Bank offered a broader regional perspective.
To strengthen institutional trust, SAIs, particularly in Francophone Africa, must continue investing in performance, leadership, and resilience. From managing public debt to ensuring accountability in how public funds are used, capable and trusted SAIs are essential to tackling both long-standing development issues and emerging global risks.
Facilitating the Masterclass were INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI)’s Senior Managers, Alain Memvuh, Eduardo Ruiz Garcia, and Abdelhakim Ben Lazreg. With their vast experience from capacity development and public financial management, they helped participants navigate complex issues and reflect on their leadership roles.

Unique to the Masterclass experience, their professional backgrounds from working directly within or with Francophone SAIs from the Sub-Saharan region, enabled them to insightfully address many of the shared challenges and solutions at hand.
As CREFIAF Regional Manager at IDI, Alain Memvuh shared: “This Masterclass was not just about knowledge-sharing—it was about empowering leaders to think critically, act strategically, and drive meaningful change within their institutions and beyond.”

Combining regional and global expertise, these expert-led conversations are the heart of IDI’s Mastery Initiative. Going beyond theory, the topics discussed reflect the core demands of leadership today. Particularly for SAI leaders in complex settings, success requires more than maintaining the status quo. The Masterclass challenged participants from the region to rethink not just the institutions they lead, but how they lead them in a constantly changing world.
This Masterclass was just the beginning for Francophone leaders looking for inspiration. As the event ended, the energy in the room was palpable. Participants left not just with new ideas, but a renewed sense of direction and a network for further collaboration.
In a time when trust in public institutions is increasingly fragile, the commitment of these SAI leaders to strengthening accountability, embracing innovation, and adapting to new challenges may well be one of the region’s most valuable assets.
Having experienced the power of Mastery’s specialised dialogue and peer learning, Kanvaly Diomande, President of the Court of Accounts of Côte d’Ivoire (SAI Côte d’Ivoire) said: “The greatest benefit of the Masterclass approach is that it brings us, as SAI leaders, together to openly share our personal experiences. We were grateful to IDI for creating such a vital platform.”


IDI is already preparing a follow-up Masterclass for CREFIAF SAI heads, this time focusing on Leading Institutional Change. If leadership in a global context is about vision, then institutional change is about action: turning ideas into impact.
Are you leading a Supreme Audit Institution? With upcoming events in Spanish, English, Arabic and French, learn more about how you can join our next event.

Pendant trois jours à Dakar, les dirigeants des ISC membres du CREFIAF ont partagé leurs expériences et exploré ensemble les défis du leadership stratégique. Cette Masterclass a permis d’enrichir la vision collective, de renforcer les capacités, et de bâtir des alliances pour une gouvernance publique plus transparente.
In March and April 2025, Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) leaders from across the globe gathered in Madrid for IDI’s Mastery—a high-level leadership initiative designed to stretch the thinking, strategy, and solidarity of those at the helm of national audit offices.
Hosted with the Tribunal de Cuentas de España (SAI Spain) and the Autonomous University of Madrid, the initiative brought together seasoned and newly appointed Heads of SAIs for two weeks of exchange, introspection, and insight. It was made possible with generous support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), a key partner in IDI’s efforts to future-proof public sector oversight.
What unfolded was more than just a learning experience—it was a call to lead.


In an era of overlapping crises—climate, conflict, and economic volatility—SAIs are expected to do more than audit. They are called to safeguard public trust, hold governments accountable, and contribute to national resilience.
In the first Mastery Class, Leading SAIs in a Global Context, SAI leaders paused to reflect on these challenges and opportunities with insights from experts across the governance landscape. Sessions featured the OECD and the World Bank’s PEFA Secretariat speaking on Public Financial Management, the International Monetary Fund covering fiscal risks, and Transparency International Spain touching upon corruption and integrity systems—connecting global trends with local realities.
“The topic of this Masterclass—leading in a global context—everyone in leadership is looking for this,” said Dasho Tashi, Auditor General of Bhutan. “Things are changing all around and the tone starts at the top. To bring any change, it’s the leader. The leadership is the engine that drives an SAI.”
A standout moment was the discussion on SAIs’ roles in supporting judicial accountability. Leaders examined how audit findings can prompt legal action—if institutions are credible, coordinated, and independent.
Throughout the masterclass, participants examined what it means to lead institutions that must be both watchdogs and agents of change. Conversations centred on building cultures of purpose, cultivating internal ethics, developing strong bonds with stakeholders, and assuming a role as educators on transparency and accountability.
“Leadership is so important for an SAI because it builds public trust,” shared Brenda Neeley, Auditor General of the Bahamas. “You lead by example, with integrity, good ethics, accountability, and good governance as you advance the scene for your country.”
The dialogue sparked reflection on how SAIs can evolve to meet the expectations of a changing world—and what that demands from their leaders.
“Irrespective of your context—big or small SAI, developed or developing country—this is the programme to join,” said Nancy Gathungu, Auditor-General of Kenya. “Change is a constant, and you need to be equipped for it.”

The second week, Leadership and Leveraging the Global SAI Network, shifted focus to the community that supports SAI leadership. Designed for newly appointed Heads of SAIs, this segment offered a pilot crash course in navigating—and contributing to—the global INTOSAI framework.
Held at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, the programme introduced participants to professional standards, peer support systems, and global strategic priorities. More importantly, it built connection.
Keynotes from leaders like Vitor Gaspar (IMF) and Ester Marco Peñas (UAM) underscored how global norms and partnerships can strengthen domestic oversight. Maria Dolores Genaro gave a vivid illustration on the importance of change management through presenting the transformation journey of SAI Spain. Breakout sessions also explored how strategic communications can help SAIs engage citizens, parliaments, and donors, and highlighted the value of internal stakeholder engagement in driving change.
“This was a valuable experience—very relevant to strengthening our institution, empowering staff, and reinforcing our independence,” said Dr. Radhi Al-Hamadeen, President of the Audit Bureau of Jordan. “It will help us deliver more professional audits that serve the public interest.”
The sessions also highlighted practical tools and networks that can support smaller SAIs facing resource constraints.
“We often feel like we don’t have what we need, but this showed us the resources are out there,” said Finau Nagera, the Auditor-General of Fiji. “This is a chance to learn what trends matter, and how to connect with global partners to improve how we lead and operate.”
The peer learning environment proved to be one of the most energising elements. Several participants, just months into their roles, found it transformative to connect with others navigating similar transitions, challenges, and aspirations.
Participants also gained a deeper understanding of INTOSAI’s structure and IDI’s role in supporting SAIs in areas such as independence, governance, strategic planning, digitalisation, climate, and sustainability.


Mastery is not a training course. It’s a platform for reflection, transformation, and connection. It asks leaders: What kind of leader does my country need today? And who do I need to become to rise to that challenge?
It also embodies the belief that leadership development must be collective. In Madrid, SAIs from small island states to federal republics, from established audit institutions to those still emerging, came together. The diversity brought strength. The dialogue brought momentum.
With SECO’s support, IDI created an environment that honoured both the technical and the transformational—one where audit leaders were not just informed but inspired.


The message from Madrid was clear: this is just the beginning. Many participants left with action plans, reform ideas, and new allies to support their leadership journeys.
“For all the changes that need to happen in SAIs, leadership involvement is crucial,” said Ola Hoem, IDI’s Deputy Director General. “To operate and be independent as an SAI requires really strong leadership and high integrity—this program develops that.”
IDI will launch the next round of the Mastery Initiative in late 2025, with a fresh format, deeper engagement, and expanded collaboration with regional and global partners. Because in a world of growing uncertainty, we need leaders who are not just competent, but courageous change agents for accountability.
🎥 Stay tuned for our upcoming Mastery Initiative video and hear from the SAI leaders reshaping the future of accountability around the world.
SAIs Leaders in Francophone Africa reflect on promoting excellence in public finance management through strategic foresight
After successfully launching the Mastery Initiative for SAI Leaders in English-speaking regions of INTOSAI over the past two years, IDI has expanded its reach to the French-speaking world with its platform dedicated to sharing knowledge and experiences between heads of SAIs. This was showcased during the Masterclass on Public Financial Management and Strategic Foresight for francophone African heads of SAIs, held from June 26-28 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The event counted with esteemed guests, including Mr. Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Minister of Finance and Budget, Mr. Adama Coulibaly. Both emphasized the importance of robust collaboration between SAIs and their various stakeholders in addressing today’s public financial management challenges, particularly the government and other actors such as parliament and civil society.
The event was attended by heads of SAIs from Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Chad, and the UEMOA Court of Auditors.
Discussions revolved around PFM and strategic foresight, focusing on the role of SAIs in regional PFM reforms. The Masterclass also featured engaging conversations with heads of SAIs seizing opportunities and addressing challenges in Public Finance Management related to global trends like the digital transformation of the public sector, fiscal risk management, climate-sensitive PFM, demographic shifts, and managing global crises.
IDI Senior Managers Alain Memvuh and Eduardo Ruiz Garcia facilitated the event, supported by expert panellists from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Investment Bank, and the French Directorate General of Public Finance.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Translation in French
Les dirigeants des ISC d’Afrique francophone réfléchissent à la promotion de l’excellence dans la gestion des finances publiques à travers la prospective stratégique.
Après avoir lancé avec succès l’Initiative de Mastery pour les dirigeants des ISC dans les régions anglophones de l’INTOSAI au cours des deux dernières années, l’IDI étend son dialogue avec le monde francophone grâce à sa plateforme dédiée au partage de connaissances et d’expériences entre dirigeants d’ISC. Cela a été démontré lors de la Masterclass sur la gestion des finances publiques et la prospective stratégique destinée aux dirigeants des ISC d’Afrique francophone, qui s’est tenue du 26 au 28 juin à Abidjan, en Côte d’Ivoire.
L’événement a été honoré par des invités de marque, dont M. Robert Beugré Mambé, Premier Ministre de Côte d’Ivoire, et le Ministre des Finances et du Budget, M. Adama Coulibaly. Tous deux ont souligné l’importance d’une collaboration solide entre les ISC et leurs différentes parties prenantes, en particulier le gouvernement mais également d’autres acteurs tels que le parlement et la société civile, pour relever les défis actuels de la gestion des finances publiques.
Les présidents des ISC du Bénin, du Burkina Faso, du Burundi, du Cameroun, des Comores, de la Côte d’Ivoire, de la Guinée-Bissau, de la République démocratique du Congo, du Sénégal, du Tchad et de la Cour des comptes de l’UEMOA ont participé à l’événement.
Les discussions ont tourné autour de la GFP et de la prospective stratégique, en se concentrant sur le rôle des ISC dans les réformes régionales de la GFP. La Masterclass a également comporté des conversations engageantes sur les approches par lesquelles les dirigeants des ISC peuvent saisir les opportunités et relever les défis de la gestion des finances publiques en ce qui concerne les tendances mondiales telles que la transformation numérique, la gestion des risques budgétaires, la GFP sensible au climat, la transformation numérique du secteur public, les changements démographiques et la gestion des crises mondiales.
Les Managers Seniors de l’IDI, Alain Memvuh et Eduardo Ruiz Garcia, ont animé l’événement, soutenus par des experts de la Banque mondiale, de la Banque africaine de développement, du Fonds monétaire international, de la Banque européenne d’investissement et de la Direction générale française des finances publiques.
The INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the State Audit Institution of Oman hosted a compelling Masterclass on Inclusive Leadership from May 27 to 29 in the vibrant city of Muscat. This transformative event brought together nine distinguished SAI leaders from Malta, Thailand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Eritrea, Malawi, Kenya, Somalia, Maldives, and Oman. These leaders united in a dynamic forum to delve into the essential concept of inclusive leadership, exchange best practices on diversity, and gain invaluable insights from renowned international experts, making it a truly enriching experience for all involved.

Participants had the opportunity to hear from Virginija Langbakk, a Freelance Consultant renowned for her expertise in EU management and leadership, gender equality, and organizational change, and Zamira Grigiene, a visionary strategist known for nurturing talent and creating collaborative, safe learning spaces in complex international environments.

Mr. Ola Hoem, Deputy Director General of IDI, inaugurated the Masterclass with a powerful message: “In today’s rapidly evolving world, where change is the only constant, organisations and leaders must recognise the tremendous value that diversity brings to the table. Inclusive leadership is not merely a buzzword or a trendy concept; it is a fundamental pillar that drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and creates a positive impact on individuals, teams, and entire communities.”
Over the course of the three days, participants delved deep into the essence of inclusive leadership, understanding its crucial role in successful governance. They openly shared their current diversity and inclusiveness practices within their respective SAIs, fostering a collaborative and enriching environment.
Masterclass on Public Financial Management – A Foresight Exercise, 26-28 June 2024 (French Global)
Masterclass on Transformation – Leading Change, October 2024 (English Global)
Leaders from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) worldwide came together in Paris, France, from October 11 to 13, 2023, for the second Masterclass on SAI Independence. This event, hosted by IDI as part of the Mastery series, in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Court of Accounts of France, aimed to provide SAI leaders with essential tools and strategies to protect the autonomy of their institutions. Opening remarks from both Einar Gørrissen, Director General of IDI, and János Bertók, Deputy Director of OECD Public Governance emphasised the vital role of independent SAIs in transparency, accountability, and good governance. The Masterclass’s goal was to offer participants diverse perspectives, legal expertise and advocacy tools to safeguard their institutions’ independence, even in challenging circumstances. Discussions during the Masterclass underscored the need to broaden the concept of SAI independence beyond the content of legal frameworks. INTOSAI’s independence principles, as reflected in both Lima and Mexico Declarations, are linked to informal components of the institutional framework such as organisational culture, beliefs, incentives and expectations. There is a need to address these elements to understand the way SAI independence principles are being implemented across the INTOSAI community. In addition, SAI leaders considered how this new perspective on independence should also consider the interaction of SAIs with other oversight institutions who share the same independence needs. The Masterclass also highlighted academia’s angle on the role of SAIs as a key player in public accountability and the impact of the audit work on rule of law and transparency. Representatives from various countries, including Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Jordan, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Chad, Zambia, and France met with distinguished figures from the INTOSAI Community, including AFROSAI-E. They also heard from esteemed speakers and partners from renowned institutions like the University of Oslo, USAID, the University of Deuso, Mexico Accountability Network, Africa Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. Beyond serving as a knowledge-sharing platform, the Masterclass also provided the opportunity for active participation in shaping the IDI-OECD project on SAI independence. The collaborative spirit of the event – as evident in the group photograph – underscored these global leaders’ unwavering commitment to promoting transparent, accountable, and effective governance worldwide. Throughout the event, participants engaged in fruitful discussions, sharing their experiences and gaining valuable insights. The Masterclass, with its lively discussions and shared expertise, promised to empower SAI leaders, fostering a strong network of advocates dedicated to championing SAI independence around the world. For more information on IDI’s Masterclasses, visit Mastery on IDI’s website. For more on SAI Independence, go to IDI’s SAI Independence Resource Centre (SIRC)
IDI and the Turkish Court of Accounts hosted a transformative Masterclass on Inclusive Leadership, September 19 to 21 in the vibrant city of Istanbul. Coverage by George Phiri
The Inclusive Leadership Masterclass, attended by 13 esteemed SAI leaders hailing from Jamaica, Montserrat, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Yemen, Bhutan, Botswana, Kosovo, Zimbabwe, Albania, Lesotho, Türkiye, and The Gambia, was a dynamic forum that brought together SAIs from across the INTOSAI Community.
The SAI leaders gathered to explore the vital concept of inclusive leadership, share their diversity practices, and glean valuable insights from renowned international experts: Virginija Langbakk, a Freelance Consultant renowned for her expertise in EU management and leadership, gender equality, and organizational change; Zamira Grigiene, a visionary strategist known for nurturing talents and creating collaborative, safe learning spaces across international complex environments, and Leonard Matala-Tala, a distinguished law professor specializing in European and French Public Law at IAE Nancy School of Management and IRENEE, University of Lorraine.
Mr. Ola Hoem, Deputy Director General of IDI, opened the Masterclass, underlining that: “In today’s rapidly evolving world, where change is the only constant, organizations and leaders must recognize the tremendous value that diversity brings to the table. Inclusive leadership is not merely a buzzword or a trendy concept; it is a fundamental pillar that drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and creates a positive impact on individuals, teams, and entire communities.”
Over the course of three enlightening days, the participants delved deep into the heart of inclusive leadership. They dissected what it truly means and why it is an indispensable facet of successful governance. Furthermore, they openly shared their current diversity and inclusiveness practices within their respective SAIs.
IDI´s upcoming Masterclasses include:
– Masterclass on SAI Independence: October 11-13, 2023 | Paris
– Masterclass on Inclusive Leadership: March-April 2024 | Venue TBD (English, Global)
– Masterclass on Public Financial Management: a foresight exercise: May-June 2024 | Venue TBD (French, Global)
– Masterclass on Transformation – Leading Change: October-November 2024 | Venue TBD (English, Global)
Registration for these masterclasses will be available soon.
For additional information about Mastery, please visit our website at – https://www.idi.no/work-streams/well-governed-sais/mastery
![]() ![]() |
||
![]() ![]() |
||
![]() ![]() |

From 3 to 5 May, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the Commission on Audit (COA) of the Philippines, co-hosted a Masterclass on Public Financial Management (PFM) in Manila.
PFM encompasses sound mechanisms for the collection, allocation, and accounting of public resources in the most effective manner. It serves as a crucial tool for navigating and overcoming financial crises while promoting sustainable development. In this regard, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) play a vital role by contributing to the enhanced accountability and assurance in the utilization of public funds, as well as providing recommendations to refine public policies for the benefit of citizens.
During the Masterclass, Einar Gørrissen, Director General of IDI, emphasized that the event would empower SAI leaders to make the necessary decisions in the present to prepare their institutions for the future. The objective is to make SAIs “future-proof,” enabling them to serve society, fulfill their mission, and deliver high-quality services in the long term.
Leaders from 11 SAIs including Tuvalu, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Maldives, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Palestine, Vietnam, Cook Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Philippines participated in the Masterclass. The event facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences with esteemed guest speaker Lars Heikensten, Chairman of the Swedish Fiscal Policy Council, as well as experts from prominent organizations such as the World Bank (Tomas Sta. Maria and Patricia Mc Kenzie) and the IMF (Fritz Bachmair and Holger Van Eden). Additionally, senior managers from IDI, George Phiri and Eduardo Ruiz García, were present.
Collectively, they explored future trends, identified risks, and recognized opportunities to ensure the continued relevance of their respective SAIs.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The masterclass participants and guest speakers
Within the framework of the MASTERY initiative, IDI has scheduled upcoming Masterclasses that include:
– Masterclass on SAI Inclusive leadership – Istanbul, 19-21 September 2023.
– Masterclass on SAI Independence – Paris, 11-13 October 2023.
Submission deadline for participation in Mastery: 18 November 2022
In 2021, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) launched the Leadership and Resilience Initiative to support Heads of SAIs in leading their organisation through change towards greater effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. The initiative is being delivered through a series of ‘masterclass’ sessions on different topics based on interest.
By participating in the Masterclasses, SAI Heads will have the opportunity to share their experiences, acquire in-depth knowledge on the topics and learn from interacting with internationally renowned speakers in an inspiring and academic environment. Each masterclass is delivered as a physical event over a period of 3 days.
Following the successful pilot experience of our 2021 and 2022 Masterclasses, in 2023 we will continue with the Mastery programme roll-out, with a focus on the following crucial topics:

If you find these topics are of interest to you and the SAI in general, and you have not yet responded to the earlier invitation, kindly send us your expression of interest by completing this survey.
For more information on the initiative, topics, and the scheduled dates of the events, kindly refer to the Programme Announcement.
You can also view the news on our recent masterclass on SAIs and Public Financial Management.
(Any personal data collected by this survey will be kept confidential and is subject to appropriate safeguards to prevent from unauthorised disclosure. For more details regarding the retention period, sharing and transfer of your personal data, your rights as a data subject etc. please refer to IDI’s privacy notice.)
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
IDI in 2020 launched the MASTERY Initiative aimed at supporting SAI leadership in their role to effectively perform their mandates.
MASTERY is an initiative which supports Heads of SAIs in leading their organization through change towards greater, effectiveness, impact and sustainability. It focuses on crucial topics for effective SAI governance, provides a closed-room discussion forum where selected SAI leaders and peers can interact, share experiences and receive advice. It establishes in-depth understanding of the focus topic and translates it into concrete actions for and by SAI Leadership. MASTERY consists of a carefully crafted set of reading materials and supporting tools; two half-day workshop-style sessions led by IDI and other experts, as well as individual guidance and coaching by a dedicated IDI adviser for each selected participant. It foresees that participating Heads of SAIs will develop and implement succinct action plans in relation to the specific topic aiming to spearhead the transformation process in their SAI. MASTERY involves internationally renowned speakers and experts from and beyond the SAI community.
Initiative Objectives:
SAI Independence will be the first topic to be rolled out during the period 2021 with the first Webinar scheduled for 8th September 2021. Alongside this, Strategic Foresight and other topics are still under consideration and will be rolled out starting 2022.