Tribunal de Contas da União
SAI20: Get to know the group that gathers the supreme audit institutions from the G20 member countries
SAI20 (Supreme Audit Institution 20) is the engagement group of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) from the G20 member countries. It is chaired by the SAI of the country holding the G20 presidency, which is currently Brazil, represented by the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU).
SAI20 was established in 2022 during Indonesia’s presidency of the G20. It was created with the aim of promoting collaboration, strengthening oversight, developing insights, and providing strategic forecasts with a focus on accountable governance.
The engagement group expresses its stance through the communiqué, a document in which the group members commit to a specific objective and call upon the G20 to address the issues raised therein. The communiqué is presented to the G20 summit, outlining alternative paths for the development of public policies that are aligned with society’s expectations and calling attention to issues requiring government consideration.
SAI20 – Indonesia
In 2022, the G20 theme was "Recover Together, Recover Stronger." The three priorities of SAI20 were global health architecture, sustainable energy transition, and digital transformation.
On that occasion, it was acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic not only increased the risk of fraud due to the rapid implementation of government response programs but also increased global inequality, hindering efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SAI20 therefore called on governments to adopt various measures, including collaboration with other stakeholders.
Finally, the importance of SAIs in promoting efficiency, accountability, effectiveness, and transparency in public administration, especially in the face of emerging challenges, was also emphasized.
SAI20 – India
In 2023, with India holding the G20 presidency, the theme was "One Earth, One Family, One Future" (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). Extracted from an ancient Sanskrit text, the message reinforces the value of all forms of life – be it human, animal, plant, or microbes – and connections with Earth and the universe. The theme also highlights Lifestyle for Environment, focusing on environmentally sustainable and responsible choices, both individually and in society.
The SAI20 priorities were blue economy and responsible use of artificial intelligence. The group determined that blue economy is an economic system that acts as a driver for economic progress, encompassing a range of policies and operational dimensions aimed at conserving marine and freshwater environments while promoting their sustainable use and supporting livelihoods. It concluded that SAIs can assist governments by assessing the implementation of relevant policies that promote sustainable development and the protection of oceans and coastal communities.
As to the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), the group acknowledged that AI systems have significant potential to generate economic value and help mitigate social challenges, which can be useful to achieve all 17 goals and 169 targets mentioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The conclusion was that SAIs can monitor the responsible use of AI to ensure that values and ethical principles, which are a key component of the responsible use of AI, are upheld as AI is applied to its full potential.
SAI20 – Brazil
In 2024, under Brazil’s presidency, the G20's theme is "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet." The SAI20 priorities are climate financing, the fight against hunger, and poverty eradication.
Climate change poses undeniable threats to the planet and the survival of future generations. Effective and sustainable climate financing emerges as an alternative to address the climate changes the world is undergoing. SAI20 plays a significant role in implementing governance mechanisms at both global and national levels. Ongoing cooperation initiatives, such as the ClimateScanner and cooperative audits on climate change and energy transition, are concrete examples of how SAIs can contribute to this cause.
The most recent projections indicate that, if current trends persist, hunger and extreme poverty will continue to be permanent issues. The fight against hunger and poverty eradication make up the very core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Through Resolution 66/209, the United Nations recognizes the vital role of SAIs in promoting efficiency, accountability, effectiveness, and transparency in public administration, paving the way for the achievement of internationally agreed goals outlined in the Agenda 2030.
Learn more about SAI20
As leader of SAI20 in 2024, the TCU is responsible for creating content for the SAI20 website and profiles on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Social media platforms provide updates on SAI20, information about the group, general news, interesting facts, videos, and they will soon provide details about the meetings in Brazil. The website contains the group's history, photo gallery, and official documents.