Technical Sessions of the OLACEFS Assembly Address Independence, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence

The XXXIV General Assembly of the Latin American and Caribbean Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (OLACEFS) opened on November 26 in Fortaleza with technical sessions hosted by the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). The morning program emphasized the importance of independence for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), the modernization of audits, and the use of artificial intelligence as an audit tool.

In his speech, the Chair of OLACEFS, Paraguay's Comptroller General Camilo Benítez Aldana stressed that the independence of audit institutions is one of the pillars that uphold democracy. He also praised Brazil for the credibility of its audit system. No one doubts the independence of TCU's ministers. This strengthens the Court's image and benefits the entire region, he noted.

OLACEFS Executive Secretary and Mexico's Senior Auditor, David Colmenares Páramo, highlighted that cooperation among SAIs has created internationally recognized standards and strengthened public auditing. We are generating models and products that are already seen internationally. Each audit institution contributes, drives progress, and adds value to continue improving public sector integrity, he emphasized.

Before the 41 participating delegations, TCU President, Minister Vital do Rêgo, reinforced that the decisions made in Fortaleza have transformative potential for Latin America and the Caribbean. Innovation labs allow us to rethink paradigms and accelerate digital transformation, while discussions on internal control lead us to reflect on more effective audit methods, responsible public finances, and quality services for citizens, he stated.

Commitment

Detailing the program, Minister Vital do Rêgo announced the regional launch of the GIZ AdaptaInfra project, a partnership with German Cooperation (GIZ) that integrates climate change adaptation and climate justice principles into audit criteria for infrastructure. The initiative strengthens sustainable oversight in the region by promoting innovative methodologies and technical cooperation among audit institutions.

The minister also highlighted TCU's commitment to equity and diversity and reinforced the social dimension of the meeting. We are gathered to strengthen institutions, protect the public interest, and ensure better services for the population. We are confident that each participant will do their best in their region, he concluded.

Agenda

The event continues with discussions on digital transformation and anti-corruption efforts. The schedule includes:

• Panel on the ADOPTE Program, a TCU initiative supporting audits through technology.

• A United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) panel on artificial intelligence applied to forensic auditing and criminal investigation.

• Panel on innovation training, featuring Flávia Lacerda Franco Melo de Oliveira, Director of Advanced Studies and Institutional Cooperation at the Serzedello Corrêa Institute (ISC) for Capacity Building.

• Debate on Artificial Intelligence applied to audits, coordinated by OLACEFS Information Technology Commission.

• Sixth Dialogue of the Regional AdaptaInfra Project on innovation and sustainable infrastructure, with participation from GIZ experts.

• Presentation of the final report on Technical Theme 1, led by SAI Paraguay.