Saudi Arabia, led by the General Court of Audit (GCA) President Dr. Hussam Alangari, concluded its extensive participation in the 25th General Assembly of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) in Sharm El-Sheikh on 31 October 2025, securing election to chair INTOSAI and its Governing Board for the 2031–2034 term, confirmation to host the 27th General Assembly in 2031, and the prestigious INTOSAI “Future Award,” according to the Saudi Press Agency. The gathering brought together 800 participants from more than 195 member countries and affiliates, underscoring global momentum behind advancing public sector audit standards and collaboration.
Context and Background
As the global umbrella organization for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), INTOSAI provides a platform for professional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and standard-setting to strengthen public accountability. The Kingdom’s General Court of Audit (GCA) serves as Saudi Arabia’s supreme audit institution, supporting fiscal integrity, transparency, and performance oversight across government entities. The latest assembly in Egypt focused on delivering the final milestones of INTOSAI’s Strategic Plan (2022–2025) and charting preparations for the next planning cycle.
Dr. Alangari, who chairs INTOSAI’s Policies, Finance and Administration Committee (PFAC) and co-chairs the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation Steering Committee (IDSC)—where the donor side is led by the World Bank—presented progress reports that highlighted on-schedule delivery of priority objectives, strengthened cross-committee coordination, and sustained support for SAIs in developing countries. These updates reflected a shared drive to reinforce audit independence, strengthen professional standards, and expand capacity-building initiatives across regions.
Key Details
The assembly’s decisions capped a week of substantive governance and technical discussions. In his PFAC report, Dr. Alangari underscored full implementation of INTOSAI’s Strategic Plan (2022–2025), acknowledged the contributions of Strategic Goals Committee Chairs and the General Secretariat, and reaffirmed PFAC’s commitment to supporting transparency and accountability across the global SAI community. The concurrently held 79th Governing Board meeting reviewed implementation reports from main and subsidiary committees and regional organizations, adopting decisions to further enable committee work streams.
Saudi Arabia’s delegation also contributed to the technical symposium alongside the General Assembly. Vice President of Financial Audit and Compliance Lama Alhammadi addressed “The Role of Supreme Financial Audit Institutions in Auditing Central Banks and Government Activities During Economic Crises,” emphasizing the pivotal function SAIs play in safeguarding transparency, supporting effective public sector performance, and maintaining financial stability. She highlighted lessons learned from past crises and the importance of preserving institutional independence and neutrality to advance auditing practices.
Executive Director of Financial Audit and Compliance Ahmed Alqurashi detailed the GCA’s integration of artificial intelligence to enhance audit quality and efficiency in a session on “The Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Auditing.” He outlined initiatives launched under the GCA’s 2025 digital strategy, including the Shamel Platform, the Digital Audit System that automates audit processes, and the Kingdom’s investments in professional capacity building through the Saudi Center For Financial and Performance Auditing. The delegation highlighted the application of advanced methodologies across financial, compliance, and performance auditing.
On the sidelines, Dr. Alangari held meetings with heads of peer SAIs from friendly and partner countries to discuss bilateral cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint programs. Building on outcomes from the assembly, the GCA indicated it will translate decisions into executive programs and practical partnerships with international and regional institutions to expand the impact of financial and performance audits.
Implications and Impact
Saudi Arabia’s election to chair INTOSAI for 2031–2034 and host the 27th General Assembly in 2031 signals strong confidence in the Kingdom’s audit leadership and its contributions to the global accountability ecosystem. The Future Award recognizes the GCA’s innovation and forward-looking approach, particularly in digital transformation and the deployment of advanced tools and analytics to support timely, risk-based oversight. These developments position the Kingdom to contribute actively to shaping audit priorities and knowledge-sharing across the global SAI community in the coming decade.
Through the IDSC, the Kingdom continues to support capacity building in developing countries—reinforcing public financial management, strengthening institutions, and enhancing transparency. The technical focus on auditing central banks and crisis-era government interventions speaks to a broader international priority: safeguarding financial stability and public trust. Domestically, Saudi Arabia’s AI-enabled auditing and the Shamel Platform are enhancing coverage, efficiency, and data-driven insights, contributing to stronger governance, improved risk management, and sustained fiscal sustainability.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s expanded leadership role within INTOSAI aligns with Vision 2030 objectives to deepen institutional excellence, strengthen transparency, and accelerate digital government. By advancing best practices in audit standards, promoting the independence of SAIs, and investing in cutting-edge technology and professional development, the Kingdom is reinforcing the foundations of an attractive, resilient investment climate and effective public service delivery. Hosting the 27th General Assembly in 2031 will provide a platform to showcase national progress, convene international expertise, and catalyze new partnerships. In line with official statements, the GCA’s implementation of assembly outcomes into tangible programs underscores Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking commitment to global audit cooperation and to delivering on Vision 2030’s governance and economic transformation goals.