Saudi Arabia Leads INTOSAI Talks in Cairo on Governance and Transparency

Saudi Arabia, represented by the President of the General Court of Audit, Dr. Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Anqari, participated in the 78th meeting of the Executive Council of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) held in Cairo, Egypt, on October 28, 2024. Dr. Al-Anqari, who also serves as the Second Deputy Chair of INTOSAI, presented a comprehensive report on the activities of the Policy, Finance, and Administration Committee, which he chairs, as well as the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation Steering Committee (IDSC), where he acts as INTOSAI’s lead representative. The meeting, hosted by the Egyptian government, brought together senior audit leaders from around the world to discuss the organization’s strategic direction and operational priorities.

Context and Background

INTOSAI is an international body that supports supreme audit institutions in 195 countries, promoting transparent and accountable governance in the public sector. Saudi Arabia’s active participation in INTOSAI’s leadership reflects the Kingdom’s growing role in global governance frameworks and its commitment to enhancing public financial oversight. The General Court of Audit, Saudi Arabia’s supreme audit institution, has been a key contributor to INTOSAI’s strategic initiatives, aligning with international best practices to strengthen institutional integrity.

Key Details of the Meeting

During the Cairo meeting, Dr. Al-Anqari detailed the progress and challenges of the Policy, Finance, and Administration Committee, focusing on how it supports INTOSAI’s strategic plan. He also highlighted the work of the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation Steering Committee, which coordinates financial and technical support for audit capacity building in developing countries. The executive council reviewed reports from the General Secretariat on financial and administrative status, as well as updates from strategic goal committees, including the Capacity Building Committee and the Professional Standards Committee. Additionally, reports were presented on the INTOSAI Development Initiative and regional organizations affiliated with INTOSAI, emphasizing collaborative efforts to strengthen audit frameworks worldwide.

Implications and International Impact

Saudi Arabia’s leadership roles within INTOSAI underscore its dedication to fostering transparency and good governance on a global scale. By contributing to the organization’s strategic planning and donor cooperation mechanisms, the Kingdom supports international efforts to enhance public sector accountability, which is essential for economic stability and sustainable development. This engagement also bolsters Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a reliable partner in multilateral institutions, aligning with its broader diplomatic and economic objectives under Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The participation of Saudi Arabia’s General Court of Audit in INTOSAI directly supports Vision 2030‘s goals of improving governmental efficiency and transparency. By adopting and promoting international audit standards, the Kingdom is strengthening its own public financial management systems, which is critical for economic diversification and attracting foreign investment. As Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its institutions, active involvement in global governance bodies like INTOSAI positions the Kingdom as a leader in promoting accountability and best practices in the public sector, contributing to a future defined by sustainable growth and international collaboration.

20 Questions

Q1. What is INTOSAI?

A1. INTOSAI is the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, a global body that supports audit agencies in 195 countries to enhance transparency and good governance in the public sector.

Q2. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the INTOSAI Executive Council meeting?

A2. Dr. Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Anqari, President of the General Court of Audit and Second Deputy Chair of INTOSAI, represented Saudi Arabia.

Q3. Where was the 78th INTOSAI Executive Council meeting held?

A3. The meeting was held in Cairo, Egypt, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q4. When did the INTOSAI Executive Council meeting take place?

A4. The meeting took place on October 28, 2024, with Saudi participation confirmed in an official statement the following day.

Q5. What role does Dr. Al-Anqari hold in INTOSAI?

A5. He serves as Second Deputy Chair of INTOSAI and chairs the Policy, Finance, and Administration Committee, while also leading the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation Steering Committee.

Q6. What report did Dr. Al-Anqari present at the meeting?

A6. He presented a report on the activities of the Policy, Finance, and Administration Committee and the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation Steering Committee.

Q7. What is the purpose of the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation Steering Committee?

A7. It coordinates financial and technical support from donors to strengthen audit capacity in developing countries, promoting effective public oversight.

Q8. How many countries are members of INTOSAI?

A8. INTOSAI has members from 195 countries, making it one of the largest international organizations focused on public sector auditing.

Q9. What topics were reviewed at the executive council meeting?

A9. The meeting reviewed the executive council president’s report, General Secretariat’s financial status, and reports from strategic committees and regional organizations.

Q10. What is the General Court of Audit in Saudi Arabia?

A10. It is the supreme audit institution of Saudi Arabia, responsible for auditing government entities to ensure financial accountability and transparency.

Q11. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation benefit INTOSAI?

A11. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in committees helps drive strategic planning and donor cooperation, enhancing the organization’s effectiveness in promoting global governance.

Q12. Does this meeting support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A12. Yes, it aligns with Vision 2030 goals of improving institutional transparency and efficiency, which are crucial for economic diversification and investment.

Q13. What is the role of the Capacity Building Committee in INTOSAI?

A13. It focuses on developing the skills and expertise of audit institutions in member countries to improve their oversight capabilities.

Q14. What is the Professional Standards Committee’s function?

A14. It establishes and updates international audit standards that guide supreme audit institutions in their work.

Q15. What is the INTOSAI Development Initiative?

A15. It is a program that provides training and support to help audit institutions in less developed countries improve their performance.

Q16. What regional organizations are affiliated with INTOSAI?

A16. Regional bodies like the Arab Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions and others help INTOSAI address region-specific audit challenges.

Q17. How does this meeting impact international governance?

A17. It strengthens global cooperation in auditing, promoting transparency and accountability that underpin economic stability and public trust.

Q18. Is Saudi Arabia a key player in international audit bodies?

A18. Yes, through its leadership roles in INTOSAI, Saudi Arabia is a prominent advocate for high audit standards and good governance worldwide.

Q19. What is the significance of the Policy, Finance, and Administration Committee?

A19. It oversees INTOSAI’s strategic direction, financial management, and administrative policies to ensure the organization runs effectively.

Q20. How can the public learn more about Saudi Arabia’s audit activities?

A20. Official information is available through the General Court of Audit’s announcements and the Saudi Press Agency, which provides transparent updates.

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