Tribunal de Contas da União
Meeting in Morocco formalizes the creation of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions with Jurisdictional Functions
Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) gathered on February 23 at SAI Morocco to continue the discussions for the creation of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions with Jurisdictional Functions (JuriSAI). During the event, participants signed the Rabat Declaration, a commitment that establishes the decision to create JuriSAI as an independent body affiliated with the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).
Minister Bruno Dantas stated that the Rabat Declaration is a milestone in the evolution of global governance and accountability. "We believe in JuriSAI's potential to promote knowledge exchange, establish professional standards, and address common challenges faced by SAIs with jurisdictional functions. We are confident that the organization will provide an environment where members will join forces to advance the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance on a global scale."
During the meeting, the SAIs discussed various aspects related to the establishment of JuriSAI, such as proposing a version of the statute, defining strategic bodies and an operational structure, and determining the composition of the organization's Governing Board. The presidency of JuriSAI will be held by France, with Portugal as the first vice-presidency. Brazil will be taking on the second vice-presidency and also chair the Administration, Finance, and Communications Committee. Morocco will be responsible for the group's general secretariat.
JuriSAI will work to establish a common framework for addressing challenges within jurisdictional models, promoting collaborative standards and guidelines for jurisdictional activities, advocating for the jurisdictional model through unified efforts, and contributing to the recognition of its relevance. It will also support the professionalization and capacity development in jurisdictional functions.
Jurisdictional functions include verifying the legality of accounts and management by public agents and public funds managers. This encompasses investigating personal culpability and imposing penalties in cases of irregularities in the management of these resources. Approximately 25% of INTOSAI members have jurisdictional functions. The international standard INTOSAI-P50, approved in 2019, establishes the essential principles for conducting jurisdictional functions of SAIs.
"By consolidating efforts and sharing experiences, audit institutions seek to enhance effectiveness, safeguard public management, and advocate for accountability. The current moment is a landmark that represents a united front among SAIs, with representatives from various nations coming together to advance the objectives and principles outlined in INTOSAI-P50," the President concluded.