What happens when Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) come together to reimagine accountability? Stronger institutions, greater transparency, and better outcomes for citizens.
This week, key accountability actors from across Asia convened for the ASOSAI Regional Workshop on Enhancing SAI-CSO Engagement, co-hosted by the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), ASOSAI Secretariat, the Commission on Audit (SAI Philippines), the INTOSAI Capacity Building Committee Task Force on Citizen Participation, and the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The event focused on bridging gaps, fostering collaboration, and equipping SAIs and CSOs with tools to enhance public financial management and governance.
Why This Workshop Matters
SAIs play a critical role in ensuring public funds are used effectively, while CSOs amplify transparency efforts and hold governments accountable. When these two forces collaborate, the result is stronger oversight, better service delivery, and more trust in institutions. However, despite its importance, engagement between SAIs and CSOs remains inconsistent across many countries. This workshop aimed to break down barriers, explore best practices, and develop actionable roadmaps for meaningful collaboration.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the Context is Key
Effective partnerships require a deep understanding of the national landscape. Participants mapped key players and discussed how to tailor engagement strategies to their specific country contexts.
- Collaboration Mechanisms Drive Change
SAIs and CSOs have different strengths, but by working together, they can enhance public financial management and governance. Discussions highlighted successful engagement models and how to adapt them across diverse country settings.
- Technology is a Game-Changer
From open data initiatives to digital tools, technology is reshaping accountability. Participants explored how tech-driven approaches can increase citizen participation and improve transparency.
- CSOs as Advocates for SAI Independence
An independent SAI is a more effective SAI. CSOs can play a vital role in safeguarding SAI independence by advocating for stronger legal frameworks and amplifying challenges SAIs face.
From Dialogue to Action: What’s Next?
The momentum built at the ASOSAI Regional Workshop won’t stop here. Through these working sessions, participants have now co-developed action plans and a regional rollout strategy through 2026, ensuring continued engagement beyond the event. The insights, strategies, and commitments made will fuel ongoing collaboration, influence national accountability agendas and could contribute to stronger, more transparent institutions across Asia.
We extend our gratitude to all our partners, speakers and participants for making this event a success. Stay tuned for updates on how these discussions translate into action!
