GCA President Stresses Independent Audits As Pillar For National Development

General Court of Audit (GCA) President Dr. Hussam Al-Angari participated in the "External Audit as a Means to Achieve National Development Priorities" panel session at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. Dr. Al-Angari highlighted the crucial role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in driving national development by enhancing governance and accountability within the government sector.

SAIs achieve these objectives through independent and objective audits of public resource utilization, adhering to internationally recognized principles established by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). Dr. Al-Angari emphasized the importance of performance audits conducted by SAIs, which aim to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public services provided to citizens.

These performance audits identify areas for improvement and development, scrutinizing government initiatives related to sustainable development. This ensures that such initiatives are effectively implemented and align with national goals. Dr. Al-Angari noted the increasing international recognition of SAIs' vital role, supported by two United Nations resolutions promoting efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and transparency in government administration.

Dr. Al-Angari stressed the necessity for SAIs to adopt modern auditing tools and techniques, including data analytics and artificial intelligence. He also called for the development of innovative methodologies and enhanced cooperation with international and regional counterparts to facilitate the exchange of best practices in auditing standards and methodologies.

These advancements will enable SAIs to contribute more significantly to achieving national development priorities. The session underscored the importance of continuous improvement in auditing practices to ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and transparently.

With inputs from SPA