13 November, 2025: Geneva, Switzerland – the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) held a capacity development event ahead of the 42nd session of the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR).

The event brought the ISAR and INTOSAI communities together, including policymakers, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), international standard-setters, professional accountancy bodies, and development partners. This high-level dialogue provided a platform to discuss the role of SAIs, share experiences, and explore synergies for working together for effective audit and assurance of sustainability reporting in the public sector. Key takeaways from the event included:

• SAIs for accountability: Experts emphasised the critical role of SAIs in ensuring the credibility of sustainability reporting, particularly in relation to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Collaboration is key: Public and private sector leaders highlighted challenges and opportunities in integrating sustainability into audit practices, and participants explored how private sector innovation may inform public sector audit design.
• Capacity development: IDI announced its plan to work collaboratively with a coalition of stakeholders to enhance the competencies of SAIs and advance sustainability through the Audit and Assurance on Sustainability Reporting in the Public Sector

Sustainability reporting is a cornerstone of public trust, responding to increased pressure on governments to demonstrate transparency and accountability. This international and cross-sectoral event laid the groundwork for a future where sustainability reporting is not just a compliance exercise – but a powerful tool for accountability, informed decision-making, and sustainable development.

The insights and commitments shared directly fed into ISAR’s 42nd session, shaping the global agenda for sustainability reporting. With continued collaboration between UNCTAD, IDI, and the broader auditing community, the path forward is clear: build capacity, foster trust, and ensure that public sector sustainability reporting drives real-world impact.

Quotes

“Our work is ultimately about creating public value. Better audits lead to better decisions, and better decisions lead to better outcomes for the SDGs. When SAIs provides independent and professional assurance, we help turn promises into performance” Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Alangari, Chair of INTOSAI Policy, Finance and Administration Committee, Co-Chair of INTOSAI Donor Cooperation, Board member of INTOSAI Development Initiative, and President, General Court of Audit, Saudi Arabia

“By combining our traditional strengths in independence and accountability with innovative approaches to sustainability, Supreme Audit Institutions can ensure that governments’ promises are backed by trustworthy evidence and truly deliver sustainable impact.” – Helga Berger, Member of the European Court of Auditors, and the Chair of the INTOSAI Professional Standards Committee

“Sustainability reporting should not be just another compliance driven reporting exercise, it should help shape and pave the way toward a truly sustainable future, which creates a meaningful impact both locally and globally” – Hussain Niyazy, Auditor General of Maldives

“Building the institutional and human capacities needed for high-quality financial and sustainability reporting is essential. UNCTAD’s Accounting Development Tool (ADT) plays a key role in this regard. It is a key component to strengthening the regulatory, institutional and human capacities required for such reporting.” Nan Li Collins Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD

“Whether in the public or private sector, the goal of audit and assurance is the same — to build trust through high-quality, decision-useful information. Global standards provide a common language for integrity and accountability, while capacity building equips institutions and professionals to apply that language consistently and well. Achieving this requires collaboration across the entire ecosystem. Building capacity is not just about skills — it’s about shared purpose”. — Cecile Bonino, Chief of Staff, Global Engagement and Communication, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)

“As sustainability reporting becomes central to public sector accountability, robust assurance will be essential to ensuring disclosures are credible, comparable, and truly support better decision-making for citizens and sovereign bond investors.” – Alexander Metcalfe, Senior Advisor, Climate Related Disclosure Project, International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board

Media contact: Carolyn Lillehovde, Strategic Communications Manager, IDI communications@idi.no +47 900 71 207