Last month, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), peer partners, and key development stakeholders gathered in Tashkent and online for the Strategic Readiness for Long-Term Impact: GSAI Phase 2 Workshop. Organised by the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), with support from a key GSAI programme partner—the European Union—this workshop marked a critical step toward strengthening sustainable support for SAIs operating in challenging contexts, particularly in Central Asia.
The workshop was opened by Ms. Jana Kurpisa, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, who underscored the essential role of SAIs and the need for continued support and capacity development.
Launched in 2022 by the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation, the Global SAI Accountability Initiative (GSAI) aims to help SAIs in complex environments secure well-coordinated, long-term development support. Poised to enter its second phase soon, the initiative's focus is shifting toward building more partnerships, aligning with donor priorities, and mobilising resources for impactful capacity development.
Peer Support as a Pillar for Success
A standout theme of the workshop was the transformative value of peer support. Many SAIs operate under challenging conditions, benefiting not only from donor assistance but also from collaboration with more experienced peers.
As Jeremi Sliwinski of SAI Poland, a peer support partner, shared:
“I’m really impressed and happy to be included to provide support. It’s an occasion for me to learn from our Kyrgyz colleagues. Through this cooperation, we gain knowledge from them, and they receive knowledge from us. So for me, personally, it’s been important.”
The workshop showcased how well-established SAIs can play a vital role in mentoring their peers, fostering a culture of shared learning and mutual growth. Peer-to-peer exchanges focused on strategic planning, donor engagement, and strengthening institutional independence, offering practical insights and encouragement.
A Collaborative Approach to SAI Development
The workshop brought together a broad spectrum of partners—including representatives from the European Union, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and peer SAIs from Poland, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Their engagement highlighted the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to advancing public sector accountability and transparency.
Mavzuna Shozodaeva, representing SECO’s Tajikistan office, noted:
“SAIs are playing a vital role in ensuring strong public financial oversight. I think this benefits the whole macroeconomic system and public financial management of the country. I am confident our collective efforts will further enhance financial accountability, promote transparency, and support good governance in the region through programs like GSAI.”
Key Outcomes: Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term Support
Participants took part in practical sessions designed to translate strategic discussions into concrete, actionable roadmaps. By the end of the workshop, beneficiary SAIs had developed project plans and donor engagement strategies, forming a solid foundation for potential long-term technical and financial support.
Highlights included:
• Establishing a shared understanding of GSAI Phase 2 goals, roles, and expectations
• Mapping current project statuses and identifying priority areas for support
• Drafting strategic plans aligned with SAI needs and donor priorities
• Developing country-specific donor engagement frameworks to strengthen collaboration and ensure sustained funding
Looking Ahead: Turning Plans into Action
The energy and momentum generated by the workshop will continue as SAIs and partners implement their strategies for long-term capacity development. With robust peer networks, clear strategic direction, and increasing donor interest, GSAI Phase 2 is well-positioned to deliver meaningful progress for SAIs in complex environments.
Nazgul Albanova, IDI Manager and Head of the GSAI programme, reflected:
“We believe the idea of these partnerships has delivered effective results, and we hope they will continue. From the preparation for Phase 2, we see that both the support providers and beneficiary countries are ready to carry these partnerships forward—toward stronger SAIs and sustainable development.”
The success of the workshop underscores the power of partnership and the collective commitment to strengthening audit institutions worldwide. As preparation for the GSAI Phase 2 moves forward, continued collaboration between SAIs, donors, and peer partners will be essential—not just to support SAIs, but to truly empower them for long-term impact.
Stay connected with the GSAI programme through our website. Periodic updates are also added to the INTOSAI Donor-Cooperation website, where more information on future activities and opportunities to engage can be found. Learn more by visiting the GSAI page.