On 11 September 2025, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) hosted a High-Level Dialogue in Hyderabad, India, in conjunction with the INTOSAI WGITA Meeting and Summit. The event brought together leaders and experts from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) to discuss ‘Building Auditor Competencies to Use AI and Technology’.

Conducted in a hybrid format, the dialogue explored how technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics are transforming public sector auditing and the competencies needed by a future-ready SAI auditor. The dialogue also created an opportunity for IDI to share its plans for supporting SAIs with using data analytics and to celebrate success by giving away the LOTA awards.

Archana Shirsat, Deputy Director General IDI, moderated the Strategic Dialogue on Building Future Ready SAI Auditors for leveraging on technology and AI. She facilitated the panel of distinguished panellists in deliberating on the competencies needed by SAI auditors to leverage on and audit technological advancements, including AI, how SAIs were building these competencies, the specific challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and working together to grow future-ready SAI Auditors.

Key messages from the panel discussion

Ioanna Metaxopoulou stated that technology and audit methods must integrate within SAIs. She affirmed that existing international audit standards (ISSAIs) remain the main guide, with technology enhancing audit quality and efficiency. She stressed that auditors need digital fluency, data analytics skills, and adaptability. She also highlighted team-based competence, combining audit skills with IT knowledge, and fostering collaboration within the INTOSAI community.

K.S. Subramanian quoted, “AI will not replace human beings, but a human being who knows AI will replace a human being who doesn’t know AI,” showing why all auditors need basic tech skills. He proposed a three-part plan: basic IT skills for all auditors, advanced skills for tech and AI expert auditors, and Tech and AI competencies for SAI leaders. He detailed SAI India’s initiatives, including a 10-month online training for 5,000 auditors in AI and ML with, and a 3-day programme for senior management. He also shared SAI India’s initiative of urging and encouraging the audited entities to digitise, and the need for SAIs to build confidence of audited entities through non-disclosure agreements, security assessments, and robust data handling protocols.

Thato Mahlamvu reiterated that SAIs’ main job is to improve citizens’ lives, ensuring all tech investments support this goal. He spoke about balancing technical skills with soft skills like critical thinking, professional scepticism, adaptability, and digital knowledge. AGSA has a programme for young data analysts and a cyber centre to centralise tech support. He stressed that strong leadership and smart investments are key. He ended by saying AI should be a ‘co-pilot,’ not the ‘pilot,’ meaning human judgment and ethics are still most important.

Hussain Niyazy spoke about challenges faced by smaller SAIs in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which often have few staff. He noted that even AI tools don’t seem to know much about SAIs in SIDS, showing a lack of information about them. He said smaller SAIs need new and specific ways to use technology and do IS audits. He suggested clear plans and public communication about what audits cover. SAI Maldives first hired private companies for IS audits, but now has a small team of six to help other audit departments with data analysis. He stressed simple checks, like making sure data is backed up offsite, and how certified experts (like CISA) make audit reports more trustworthy.

Magdalena Cordero focused on how technology changes organisations and how they work. Ms. Cordero explained that training auditors means preparing people for the whole process of new ideas, not just teaching tech skills. She listed three main jobs for SAIs in digital change: SAIs must change themselves, audit government bodies that are changing digitally (like using algorithms), and help the public sector become more digital through advice. She said auditing algorithms means checking data, code, and how they are used, with data being the hardest part. She stressed that learning must be continuous because technology changes so fast. She also said that auditors need to work in teams with different skills, as no single ‘super auditor’ exists.

Bruce Vivian stated that AI, especially generative AI, will completely change auditing and the skills auditors need. He sees AI as an ‘audit team member,’ rather than a tool, which brings up questions about how to train AI to follow ethical rules and be professionally doubtful. He warned that AI could seriously challenge traditional audit firms if they don’t adapt to new AI-powered audit tools. He emphasised the importance of being open-minded and continually adapting, as technology is constantly evolving. Mr. Vivian also spoke about ‘democratisation of education’ through AI, meaning high-quality learning will be available to more people worldwide. He divided skills into ‘human-to-AI’ (using tech, writing good prompts, understanding AI rules) and ‘human-to-human’ (communication, critical thinking, professional doubt). He stressed that humans must stay in charge of audit decisions.

SAI Audit Analytics Initiative

Nicole Silva de Freitas, Manager IDI, shared IDI’s plans for supporting SAI auditors in using data analytics and AI in auditing. The ‘SAI Audit Analytics’ Initiative offers support to SAI auditors at three levels – foundational, intermediate and advanced levels to address the diversity of needs. Based on discussions with key stakeholders, IDI plans to link this initiative with the SAI Technology Auditor initiative and, going forward, focus more on integrating audit and tech skills, focus on systems of digitalisation, stakeholder coalitions for tech and AI and a digital mindset and culture in the SAIs.

LOTA Pioneer Awards

The High-level dialogue also provided us with an opportunity to celebrate excellence by presenting two LOTA Pio