The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions celebrates its 70th anniversary

On November 20 heads of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) from around the world gathered to celebrate INTOSAI's 70th anniversary. A solemn ceremony was held to celebrate the organization's trajectory in the Parliament of Austria, in Vienna. The date also marks 60 years of activities of the General Secretariat. The President of the National Council of Austria, Wolfgang Sobotka, and the President of the Austrian Court of Audit and Secretary-General of INTOSAI, Margit Kraker, opened the ceremony. 

INTOSAI was founded in 1953 by 34 countries gathered in its first congress in Havana, Cuba. Today, with 195 members, it actively works to enhance accountability and transparency in public administration, fostering good governance and ensuring proper allocation of resources and services to society. 

At the ceremony, the President of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) and Chair of INTOSAI, Minister Bruno Dantas, highlighted the organization's evolution, its historical achievements, and role in guiding nations towards transparent governance and effective supervision. 

"As we reflect on the organization's journey, let us acknowledge its impact in shaping a global landscape in which citizens can trust the integrity of public institutions. The progress in international standards for government auditing, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and promotion of good governance are legacies of INTOSAI”, said the Minister. 

In addition, Dantas highlighted the organization's performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the cooperation between audit institutions. The President also addressed future challenges, such as the deadline for implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

"INTOSAI has supported its members in addressing the challenges imposed on governments by climate change. In this regard, ongoing global initiatives such as the ClimateScanner further exemplify the organization's commitment to navigating the complexities of our time", he explained. The ClimateScanner tool is under development and will provide a global assessment of government actions related to climate change. 

The head of SAI Saudi Arabia and the INTOSAI Policy, Finance and Administration Committee, Hussam Alangari, the U.S. Comptroller General and Vice-Chair of the INTOSAI Policy, Finance and Administration Committee, Gene Dodaro, the Auditor General of South Africa and Chair of the Capacity Building Committee, Tsakani Maluleke, the head of SAI Germany, Kay Scheller, and the Head of the United Nations Division of Public Institutions and Digital Government, David Le Blanc, also attended the ceremony. The General Counselor and Director of the Legal Department of the International Monetary Fund, Rhoda Weeks-Brown, sent a video message to INTOSAI. 

UN Secretary-General congratulates INTOSAI 

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, congratulated INTOSAI and highlighted its role in promoting the SDGs. "Audit institutions are essential for holding governments accountable. By ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of government programs, they work for the benefit of all. For 70 years and counting, INTOSAI has supported its members in this vital mission. Today, we celebrate essential contributions to our planet and recognize its role in driving progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals", said Guterres.

Audit institutions and the Sustainable Development Goals 

In celebration of the organization's anniversary, the publication "70 Years INTOSAI – The Contributions of Supreme Audit Institutions to Global Sustainable Development" was launched. The document features articles discussing the role of SAIs in implementing the SDGs and the engagement of INTOSAI’s regional bodies and groups in this regard. 

Minister Bruno Dantas wrote one of the articles. In the text, he recalls the adversities that nations are currently facing and points out that the celebration of the organization’s 70th anniversary is an occasion to reflect on the role that SAIs play in the joint effort for sustainable development. 

"In addition to ensuring good internal governance through the effectiveness, efficacy, transparency, and accountability of relevant public policies, SAIs can and should contribute to the promotion of the 2030 Agenda by acting as drivers of government action and seeking to ensure that national governments fulfill their duties within the global partnership for sustainable development”, he wrote.

Access the full publication in English here.