On September 12, the president of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) and chair of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), Minister Bruno Dantas, participated in the preparatory conference for the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which takes place in October in Morocco.

Held in Marrakesh, the preliminary meeting addressed the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in promoting transparency and integrity to improve governance in the public sector. Leaders of audit institutions from around the world, authorities, and representatives from the World Bank and the IMF participated in the round of discussions.

Dantas began his speech by expressing solidarity with the people of Morocco due to the earthquake that recently hit the region. In his speech, the president highlighted how corruption affects society. "Transparency and accountability are crucial for the effective functioning of governments and public institutions and for building resilience, including in times of crises caused by natural disasters. Corruption consumes valuable public resources, contributes to increasing economic and social inequalities, perpetuates poverty, and directly affects people's well-being. It also leads to a lack of trust in institutions", he stated.

Brazilian experience  

The president shared examples of Brazilian initiatives to fight corruption and improve governance, such as the National Program for Corruption Prevention (PNPC). The action is carried out by the Public Management Control Network, with support from TCU and other institutions, and  aimed at managers of public organizations - from the three spheres of government and the three powers in all states of the federation - with the goal of reducing the rates of fraud and corruption in Brazil to levels like those in developed countries.  

Dantas also highlighted the Citizen Task Force, a collaborative action to integrate institutional control and organized civil society. Recently, the action was awarded in a citizen-centered public innovation competition. “The proper performance of duties by audit institutions has a direct impact on the lives of citizens, promoting transparency and improving the governance of public administration,” concluded the minister. 

At the conference, the head of the Joint General Secretariat of External Control (Adgecex), Junnius Marques Arifa, gave a presentation on citizen engagement. He detailed TCU's strategy for engaging its target audiences, including society, in monitoring public spending. Arifa highlighted initiatives such as expert consultations, capacity building events, meetings with strategic sectors, and transparency in information sharing.

"The relationship of the Brazilian audit institution with partners, experts, civil society entities, and citizens has been intensified in recent years. This effort has resulted in improved dialogue strategies, exchange of relevant information, strengthening of strategic partnerships, and reduction of bureaucratic processes,” said the deputy secretary general.