By: Einar Gørrissen

In a time of constant change, where geopolitical challenges, a changing climate, and increasing uncertainty in the world order are all prevalent, it can be difficult to find positive elements – the silver linings to otherwise grey clouds. But here we are: the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. We have over these 40 years supported Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) globally. Our vision continues to be independent, credible, and sustainable SAIs for better societies and improved lives. 

In October 2022, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) began collaborating on a joint effort to explore the challenges faced by Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in safeguarding their independence. Rather than focusing solely on legal frameworks, the goal was to examine SAI independence from a broader and more practical perspective, taking into account informal pressures, institutional dynamics, and political realities that affect how independence is exercised in practice.

Nine SAIs in challenging contexts are strengthening their performance with the support of the Accelerated Peer-support Partnership Program, a partnership of IDI, AFROSAI-E, and CREFIAF. In spite of difficult circumstances and the negative impact of COVID-19, these SAIs have…

We all know the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been devastating and—the word of the year—unprecedented. Faced with the urgent need to be more agile, flexible, and transparent, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) across regions have had to rethink the timing, visibility, and scope of their audit work. This situation has complicated an already complex matter…