The High-Level Dialogue on SAI–Parliament Cooperation in Demonstrating Public Audit Value took place in Manila, Philippines, on 2–3 December 2024. This event was part of IDI-ADB’s Sustainable Performance Audit Practices in Asia and the Pacific initiative. 

While the initiative is now in its third year, this event stood out as truly exceptional – a “first of its kind.” For the first time, it brought together the leadership of six participating SAIs (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines) and the chairs and members of the relevant standing committees from their parliaments. The focus? A candid and collaborative conversation about enhancing public audit value.

Participants explored the full spectrum of partnership opportunities, starting with a shared understanding of public audit value and how to better demonstrate it. They shared experiences and perspectives about the current state of SAI–parliament cooperation in the six countries and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration for greater audit impact, enhanced SAI reputation and public trust in SAIs.

Participants tackled the challenge of breaking the vicious cycle: how the public audit value influences public trust in SAIs and their reputation. This “chicken and egg” conundrum – does value build trust and reputation or do trust and reputation raise the value? – sparked lively discussions.

The discussion highlighted that public trust, and a strong reputation are essential for SAIs to be effective, yet they often depend on the tangible outcomes of their work. Parliaments play a crucial role in closing this loop by acting on audit findings and and ensuring that SAI recommendations are given the attention needed for effective implementation. Participants agreed that trust, value, and reputation must be cultivated together, creating a virtuous cycle where each reinforces the other – because, as one participant joked, “Even the best-laid audit reports won’t matter if no one trusts the messenger.”

The exchange of current practices also proved to be highly rewarding, showcasing valuable contributions from all participants. This dialogue highlighted the collective strength and diverse approaches of all teams, reinforcing the importance of sharing and learning from one another to enhance public audit practices.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the ADB, and especially to Aman Trana, Srinivasan Janardanam, Akmal Nartayev, and his team, for being exceptional hosts. The IDI and participants were provided with every logistical support imaginable, ensuring the event’s success.

Manila has certainly set a high bar for collaboration, leaving participants optimistic about the future of SAI–Parliament partnerships in Asia and the Pacific. And if laughter and light-hearted moments shared during the event are anything to go by, this groundbreaking dialogue might just be the start of a truly impactful alliance!

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. 

SAI Leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines met on June 3-4 at the IDI-ADB SAI Leadership Forum in Manila to articulate their vision of sustainable performance audit practices. They shared reflections on performance auditing within their respective SAIs in a six-year outlook, discussing their aspirations, desired goals, and personal commitments to reach these goals. Not every day do you see such high-calibre commitment or so many auditors in one room plotting the future with such precision!

The forum saw intense and frank discussions and interaction between SAI leaders and their teams and amongst peers.

While each SAI leader expressed a vision which reflected their local context, the visions had a common thread of commitment to delivering value and benefits to the public by conducting highly regarded and recognised performance audits on relevant issues such as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, managing climate change, implementing social programmes, ensuring food security. Furthermore, SAI leaders recognised performance audits as essential tools in the fight against corruption. The leaders succinctly captured their collective vision with the three Cs: Competent, Committed, and Cognizant. They also envisioned their SAIs as centres of performance auditing excellence and strong advocates for performance-driven governance.

The actions envisioned by SAI leaders to achieve their visions 2030 were tailored to fit their respective national contexts, yet they all aimed to be impactful, logical, and sequential. These actions ranged from strategically balancing different audit types in their annual and long-term planning to maximise impact to building a critical mass of performance auditors and ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled auditors dedicated to upholding the standards of excellence in performance auditing.

Stakeholder engagement was unanimously voted as the key to success, and SAI Philippines took the lead in setting the stage for vibrant discussions. With leaders from the other five SAIs in attendance, this stakeholder conversation included a broad spectrum of SAI Philippines stakeholders—members of parliament, representatives from key public entities, civil society organizations, and universities. This gathering was balanced with mutual respect with open and frank dialogue. It was an exchange of opportunities, particularly spotlighting new potential partnerships and stakeholder coalitions, especially between SAI Philippines and universities.

SAI leadership recognised that while the forum was enriching and motivating, it was time to convert vision into action.

Stay tuned! We shall be back with more updates about the educational workshops for sharpening the competencies of performance auditors and strategising for maximum impact.

The first ever PASAI (Pacific Supreme Audit Institutions) Women Symposium took place from 13-15 February 2024, in Apia, Samoa. In an extraordinary example of female empowerment in public auditing, the three-day event was attended by around 80 established and emerging leaders from PASAI and the Samoan public sector, including integrity agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), regional and development partners, and the media.

Among the women present were two graduates of IDI’s SAI Young Leaders (SYL) programme. Oceanbaby Penitito, from SAI Samoa, was not only a participant in the inaugural Symposium, but was also a member of the first cohort of SYLs who immersed themselves in the programme from 2017-2018. Maritina Iloi Cirikisuva from SAI Fiji was one of the only candidates from the Pacific SAIs to participate and graduate from the third round of SYL in 2022 – 2023. Here, both SYLs discuss how their SYL experience contributed to their proud presence at the PASAI Women’s Symposium.

Ocean

As I reflect on my journey as a SAI Young Leader, I would like to re-emphasise these words: “Leadership is a journey, not a destination”.

I was in middle management when I applied for the SAI Young Leaders Programme, 2017-2018. I saw myself as a bridge, assisting senior management strategically, supporting our junior staff operationally, and relaying the message from top to bottom and bottom to top in a manner that would improve the SAI as a whole.

In this position, I realised that I needed to discover more about myself – and that is exactly what the SYL programme did, providing a stepping-stone to assist me with self-discovery to support my growth to where I am now.

The support and ‘exposure’ of SYL were also important. Having the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) as my mentor for the SYL programme gave me a great opportunity to be involved in the bigger picture of our SAI. It enabled me to build synergistic relationships in pushing for my SYL change strategy to succeed, and to shape my career development plan going forward. The exposure also expanded my network with other auditors in the SYL programme globally, as well as CAGs within PASAI.

As I reflected on SYL, I realised that it’s not the end point that matters, but the journey – and, most definitely, the learning. I was the first person from SAI Samoa to complete the SYL programme. I was involved in the first SDGs Audit on Preparedness. The SDGs Preparedness Report was our first stand-alone report to Parliament. These are significant milestones, for me personally and for the SAI.

And PASAI’s first ever Women’s Leadership Symposium in Samoa is another such milestone. As a presenter as well as a participant, I was deeply honoured and privileged to speak on behalf of the Controller and Auditor General, who was and will always be my mentor. The atmosphere was full of resilient, influential women leaders from the public and private sectors. Inspired and inspiring women speakers from all walks of life such as parliamentarians, former and current chief executive officers, lawyers, judges, governors, media reps, academia, coaches in the sports industry, financial institutions and donor partners – all shared their experiences, aspirations and challenges with very inspirational, informative and moving messages. I can personally say that ‘the leadership journey must go on!’

Maritina

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG), Fiji, is a female dominated organisation with women forming close to 60% of the establishment. From the pool of very eligible women holding senior positions in OAG, I was nominated by our current Acting Deputy Auditor General (A-DAG), Ms. Finau Nagera, to accompany her to the PASAI Women’s Symposium, where she was a speaker.

My nomination was due, in part, to my recent graduation from IDI’s SYL Programme, as well as my profile as an upcoming female leader in OAG. It’s a great achievement for SAI Fiji to have participated in and completed all three consecutive cohorts of SYL since its inception in 2017 – not just because candidates have successfully graduated from the programme, but because all three graduates are women. I’m the third female SYL graduate from SAI Fiji.

While the SYL programme has delivered on its promise to achieve its two-pronged objective of ‘changed SAI and changed SYL’, the journey was not an easy one. A high degree of sacrifice, determination and perseverance was required to carry out the change strategy from concept to implementation. Through my change strategy, “Taking full advantage of our digital working tool (Team Mate Plus)”, SAI Fiji now has a risk library with audited entities categorised according to strategic and operational risks, allowing for proper scheduling and customised procedures and folders on Team Mate Plus. I believe that I’ve also grown as a person because of the skills and knowledge learned and gained from SYL. I now consider myself more confident, competent and better equipped as an upcoming female leader in OAG.

The emotions felt when being nominated to attend the first ever PASAI Women Symposium mirrored those emotions felt when I was informed of my selection into the SYL programme back in October 2022. It was truly an honour and privilege to represent my SAI – OAG, Fiji. Being able to witness so many well-established women during the Women’s Symposium was empowering and motivating. Networking and experience-sharing during the event was not only eye opening, but it also stimulated the necessary action from the receiving SAIs, as the more developed SAIs shared their experiences on audit practices that would allow audit for impact.

Other messages and stories echoed circumstances back at home in Fiji. The “Frozen Middle” was a new concept that both our A-DAG and I learnt during the symposium, referring to the uninspired and unmotivated middle managers that most often hold the key to whether an organisation achieves its objectives or not. As an upcoming female leader, I endeavor to distance myself from this description – although it will not be easy. As upcoming women leaders, we need to assert ourselves into the leadership roles. Through the SYL programme, I believe that I have been able to step out of my comfort zone: speaking up during meetings, volunteering to lead without expecting anything in return, and doing public speaking. The symposium was a similar breath of fresh air, as everyone was allowed to feel vulnerable, without being judged, surrounded by our Pacific sisters.

Graduating from one of the best development programmes for public sector auditors is an achievement I will cherish forever. I encourage upcoming leaders to apply to the SYL programme because the friendships forged and skills and knowledge gained from the initiative are not just transformative – they are empowering, eye-opening and life changing.

SYLs together

Maritina

During the Women’s Symposium, I was delighted to learn that a graduate from the first cohort of the SYL initiative 2017 – 2018, Oceanbaby Penitito, now in charge of the Performance Audit Services in SAI Samoa, was one of the esteemed speakers. This was my additional motivation, returning from the symposium – to be a leader in the Performance Audit Unit in my SAI. Initiatives such as the SYL programme and being awarded opportunities to attend milestone events such as the inaugural Women’s Symposium are a stepping stone to bringing this vision to fruition.

Ocean

I was thrilled to meet and be alumni with an SYL member from another cohort, Ms. Maritina I. Cirikisuva of SAI Fiji. This is a good reminder for me to push for our young leaders to participate in such initiatives from IDI in nurturing and fostering future leaders. Also featured is Ms. Grace Afatia Mulitalo (left) who also joined me on the SYL programme in the beginning. I conclude this reflection on this note: I was the first of the SAI Young Leaders from SAI Samoa … and certainly, not the last.

To read the full article: CLICK HERE

SAI Young Leaders (SYLs) from OAG Zambia are among many SYLs making a meaningful difference with their change strategy. As we lead up to the next #SYL round opening up, find out more about the SYL programme and the impact SYLs are having around the world.

Driving Change in Audit: Public auditors participating in IDI’s SAI Young Leaders (SYL) programme often report that implementing their SYL change strategy in their SAI involves a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As IDI prepares to open the doors for the next cohort, hear about three SYLs’ experiences in ACCA‘s AB Magazine. Link : https://abmagazine.accaglobal.com/global/articles/2024/jan/public/driving-change-in-audit.html

Three SAI Young Leaders share their experience of implementing their SYL change strategy in their SAI

Supreme audit institutions (SAIs) are independent entities that audit a government’s revenue and spending, ensuring transparency and accountability. They provide oversight of the performance of government bodies and ministries in using public funds efficiently and as intended. But to sustainably enhance their capabilities and performance over time, SAIs rely on the skills and expertise of talented leaders who drive positive change.

This is where the SAI Young Leaders (SYL) initiative comes in. Launched in 2017, it is run by the INTOSAI Development Initiative, a body of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), which supports the capacity development of SAIs primarily in developing countries … 

Read the full article in ABMagazine.

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)

I was eager and delighted when I was informed of the nomination for SAI Young Leader Initiative by IDI,INTOSAI Development Initiative. My happiness was boundless when SAI Young Leader of 2018-2019 from SAI India gave me feedback about the programme, the exposure she had and how the Programme bettered her personality moulding out a wonderful leader of her. After much brainstorming with my colleagues and friends, I decided on my SYL Proposal topic on SDGs.My proposal is preparation of an ‘Audit Guideline for review of efforts towards SDG 14-Life on Water.’ My proposal was shortlisted out of applications from 69 countries and I was to attend an online interview. Following the interview I was informed that I am, one among the 25 SYL 2019-2020s shortlisted for the current year. I was curiously looking forward for the first SYL interaction.
SAI Young Leader First Interaction of 2019-20 was held in Cape Town, The Tavern of the Seas from 13.05.2019 to 24.05.2019.We, a group of 23 from 19 countries all around the world gathered under one roof with huge expectations and ardour.Ms.Archana Shirsat,The Director General,IDI welcomed us following which, Ms.Jade Quarell, the Course Coordinator did enlighten us on the objectives of the interaction. The interaction began with a short introduction by Mr.Eugene de Han,SAI Young Leader 2017-18 wherein he shared his Change strategy and experience of his transformation journey to a ‘Young Leader’. During the week we discovered core values of our community and attended to the workshop on EI skills. Various sessions by Ms.Archana Shirsat and Ms.Jade on change management and stakeholder management guided us to act on our strategy Proposal.
The workshop on EI skills by Mr. Michael Henderson was an eye opener to most of us. We discovered ourselves; our weaknesses and strengths as leaders, and the way forward. Discovery of learning styles suiting our personalities will help us in our long career at respective SAIs. He explained us ADKAR model, the importance of involving stake holders to bring out change and also, made us realise that management approaches should be different to different set of people in the organisation. During the workshop we were to give feedback on each SYL, on their overall personality. This was a turning point when we realised how we portrayed ourselves to colleagues around. We could also identify areas of improvement. Also, during the week, based on guidance from the faculty, we streamlined our strategy projects according to the expectations from IDI. We developed indicators and milestones for our strategy project under the close guidance of Ms.Jade and Ms.Archana.I should mention Ms.Chithra Subramaniam who was co coordinating and organising the sessions. She was energetic all through the day, ever ready to extend help to each of the SYL.
The weekend was time for knowing each other within the community. We, from different countries, different ethnicities and cultures mingled and bonded each other to form a community and unveiled the charm of diversity like of a rainbow. The trips we arranged to explore the Mother City and around further helped us to ensure that these moments are everlasting in the dells of our memory-The sky and the water was vivid blue, clear and welcoming. We chilled together in the windy seashores of Cape, ’alas’ed at Penguins strolling to the blue waters, rambled along the Fynbos strips up, above the Table Top Mountain and down, the meandering vista of Cape of Good Hope.
During the second week of the programme, we had interaction with a panel of representatives from various SAIs. The leadership story by Ms.Pamel Ellis Monroe was very much motivating. After attending to her session in pin drop silence, most of us felt empowered, strong and galvanising. The week provided us good opportunity to interact with various regional associations of SAIs such as OLACEFs , PASAI and AFRO SAI. Mr Osvaldo Rudloff from OLACEF, shared his experience on working with SDG 5-Gender Equality which had very interesting aspects.SYL coaches from respective SAIs joined us in the second week and we were given a considerable time to discuss our Change Strategy plan with the coach community. This had helped us in understanding the shortcomings and scope for improvements.
We could attend a session with INTOSAI Regional Co ordination Platform. It was enthralling to listen to voices from various SAIs, their appreciation and expectations from the leadership programme. This further reminded us of the dedication to be provided in the coming days (Yes, Commitment is one of the core values of our community.)The interaction and knowledge sharing with coaches from various SAIs helped us in designing the Integrated Plan for the Change Strategy.
Story telling by Ms. Tytti Yli Viikari,AG of Finland comes to my mind when I conclude the experience sharing. Power of storytelling while presenting a matter to the audience was conveyed to us by her. I strongly believe that, during the forthcoming interaction, all of us we will have a story, a story of success-of how we completed our Change Strategy, to which the IDI can listen to, with pride and happiness. Last, of course least to be mentioned though, from my personal side, I shall treasure the reminiscence of kind gesture IDI offered to me, the Red Velvet yummy birthday cake on 13.05.2019 eve followed by birthday wishes in 19 different languages all over the world, still ringing in my head.
Stefi
Deputy Director, SAI India

“I saw the garden as a metaphor for certain aspects of my life. A leader must also tend his garden; he, too, plants seeds and then watches, cultivates, and harvests the results.”
—Nelson Mandela
When Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, he tended his garden and spoke of throwing seeds on the ground, watering them and watching them grow. Similarly, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) has observed and nurtured young leaders from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) worldwide through the SAI Young Leader (SYL) initiative.
As these future leaders take the journey from seedling to blossoming tree, the SYL initiative, now in its second iteration, provides nourishment through enriching exchanges, as well as leveraging work and support from the pilot program.

Preparing the Ground

Before gardeners sprinkle seeds upon the ground, they must survey the land. Time and again, IDI’s experience shows that leadership drives SAI transformation and performance enhancement. While IDI and other partners can certainly play supporting roles, leadership remains at the forefront of change.

Seedlings

Once the ground has been prepared, we must plant the seeds. The SYL program selection process is designed to identify candidates with the highest potential to grow and succeed. Selection also includes examining each candidate’s change strategy project (an integral component of the SYL program) having the highest likelihood for SAI implementation.
These criteria meant ensuring a SAI environment conducive to change and possessing leadership fully dedicated to the young leader, as well as the program as a whole. The IDI fulfilled both objectives through a two-stage process—assessing change strategy projects then interviewing nominated candidates.

Watering

As spring began in March 2018, IDI and the participating SAIs began nurturing and growing the select young leaders. Through an intense interactive, engaging program that included workshops, communication platforms, support from SYL coaches, and innovative evaluation methods, candidates continued learning leadership skills and perfecting their change strategy projects.

Cultivating

Individual responsibility combined with INTOSAI community support further cultivated young leader transformation. The many gardeners tending to the seedlings provided valuable inputs—SAI-coordinated and hosted interactions, specialists and leaders sharing personal journeys, coaches providing extensive support beyond the call of duty, and, perhaps most significantly, a network that created a climate necessary for encouragement and growth.
The inaugural young leaders established five core values, identified behaviors best reflecting those values, and endeavored to hold one another accountable for them. They also introduced the “SYL Digital Yearbook” to capture experiences, memories and achievements on the personal journeys of discovery and change.

Blossoming Trees

As autumn nears, a gardener takes stock of progress and seeks to uncover key ingredients to his flourishing crop. As IDI reflects on the SYL initiative and the young leaders born from the pilot program, there is an enormous sense of pride at the blossoming trees that have taken root.
Twenty young leaders completed the first iteration of the SYL program and developed change strategy proposals on a wide variety of topics—including communications, digital solutions, data analytics employment, value chain reporting—that have already impacted SAI capacity and performance.
Some ideas and experiences have also been published (SAI Malta Unveils Audit Smart; SAI Estonia Shares Stakeholder Engagement Strategies), enabling broader outreach to the global accountability community.

Rising Above the Canopy

To motivate SYLs in change strategy implementation, the IDI will present the “Best Change Initiative” award at the XXIII INTOSAI Congress in Moscow to the young leader who demonstrated the highest level of innovation, impact, quality, inclusiveness, personal growth and community values.
Fallon Stephany Arias Calero from SAI Costa Rica earned this year’s award for her innovative change strategy on design thinking, which has profoundly impacted the SAI—Fallon developed design thinking methodology, trained a design thinking team, and facilitated a design thinking audit approach while displaying significant leadership growth.

Planting a New Crop in Spring

A gardener can never rest, and when spring comes, it is time to plant a new garden. Twenty-five seedlings were selected in March 2019 to represent the new crop of SAI young leaders.
They began the SYL journey in Cape Town, South Africa, in May, and are already benefiting from the fruits of the pilot program, as previous graduates extend support and provide valuable lessons learned.

SAI Young Leaders Lead Us to the Future

by Tytti Yli-Viikari, Auditor General, SAI Finland, and SAI Young Leader Coach, Mentor
Just before the turmoil and havoc, the sea was translucent and calm. Soft sounds of oars diving in the water—pushing a wooden boat smoothly forward—were in unison as a team of men rowed toward the shy promise of sunrise. Seconds later, the Sampo, a magical machine that could create riches, was lost forever as it slipped into the sea that now rolled and roared.
This story, “The Stealing of the Sampo,” from the epic tale “Kalevala,” has left a cultural footprint on Finnish society. Perhaps the Sampo could allow today’s young auditor to easily master challenging, emerging topics—employing data analytics, ensuring Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) policy coherence, applying design-thinking to audits, enhancing stakeholder relations, ensuring audit work independence and quality. However, no such magical machine exists, so we must come together as a professional community and build new competencies to tackle such issues.
I had the honor to evoke the Sampo with the first cohort of IDI SAI Young Leader candidates, where I observed a journey that required determination, courage and a strong belief in one’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities. I witnessed a group of bright minds, warm hearts and inspired audit professionals grow—as persons, as well as a network.
As the one-year program came to its end last October, I was touched by the magnitude of a common path and its impact—the young leaders had been transformed, and they exuded empowerment, positive self-awareness and joy. They supported each other, valuing the chance to reflect on leadership skills and openly share lessons learned.
The change projects they were charged with writing as part of the program compelled their respective institutions to discover and share new ways of thinking and working. Coaches encouraged similar participation and outreach efforts in what was clearly a change-making journey.
The SYL program contributes to my strong belief in the future of public audit. The operating environment, methods and stakeholder expectations are rapidly changing, but our young leaders give us a great source of inspiration. Personal leadership journeys link peers to experimentation and change, and such exposure to global challenges brings about a wider understanding and incorporates enthusiasm from a community of change leaders.
Let us welcome the next generation of IDI SAI young leaders, who cultivate the future of public external audit by working together, discovering the INTOSAI community, and sharing insights in transforming challenges into opportunities.
The treasure they gain will not disappear when storms come—it carries on in their hearts and minds and is shared by alumni eager to cheer them on!

Past, Future SAI Young Leaders Share Perspectives

“The SYL Program, one of the best development programs I have experienced, provides a holistic approach that includes all facets of leadership.
Through the program, I completed a project from concept to implementation and was able to share it with other teams. It was an empowering, eye-opening experience, as the challenges I faced helped me exercise knowledge and skills and helped me grow in my leadership journey.”
—Seolebaleng Nkhisang, SAI Botswana
2018 SAI Young Leader Graduate
“There is a Chinese idiom that weaves the tale of a group of blind men touching an elephant for the first time. Each touch results in a completely different answer in describing an elephant. Before this project began, I was like one of the tale’s blind men—not knowing what I would learn and experience.
Though the young leaders are from different countries, different backgrounds and different cultures, we have similar expectations—seeking growth and change. As we met for the first time in Cape Town, perhaps we hoped to touch the elephant exactly as we envisioned. Yet, much like the tale, communicating, cooperating and coordinating with others was key, particularly as personal observations tend to have limited data and biased interpretations.
I am confident to continue the SYL journey with my peers and with the help and guidance from IDI and inspirational INTOSAI leaders to further explore the “elephant” (change and transformation).”
—Boyuan Su, SAI China
2019 SAI Young Leader Candidate