INTOSAI Congress Ends With Sharm El Sheikh Declaration

The 25th Congress of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) concluded on Friday in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, bringing together leaders and representatives from supreme audit institutions around the world. The three-day event focused on promoting transparency, integrity, and innovation in public financial oversight.

The State of Qatar participated in the global congress with a high-level delegation led by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Emadi, President of the State Audit Bureau. Qatar’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting global cooperation in financial accountability and the protection of public resources.

The Congress ended with the adoption of the “Sharm El Sheikh Declaration,” a comprehensive document outlining key principles and future directions for international auditing. The declaration called for strengthening the independence of supreme audit institutions, promoting the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in auditing, and expanding global partnerships to achieve efficient, transparent, and sustainable governance.

These recommendations reflect INTOSAI’s vision to modernize public sector auditing and enhance the role of national audit institutions in ensuring responsible governance worldwide.

A central focus of the discussions was the independence of audit institutions, considered essential for fair and effective public oversight. Delegates agreed that financial and administrative independence allows audit bodies to operate transparently and make impartial evaluations of government spending and policy implementation.

President Al Emadi emphasized during the sessions that independence and professional integrity are the cornerstones of strong audit systems, which protect public funds and promote citizens’ trust in government institutions.

One of the most innovative topics discussed at the Congress was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in auditing processes. Delegates highlighted how AI can enhance efficiency, detect irregularities more accurately, and support evidence-based decision-making.

The Sharm El Sheikh Declaration encouraged countries to adopt digital auditing tools and invest in training professionals to adapt to technological change. This move, participants agreed, would lead to faster and more reliable audit results, ensuring that public money is used effectively.

The Congress underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling global financial challenges and improving governance standards. Delegates shared experiences and best practices from various countries, discussing how to develop unified frameworks for cross-border auditing and knowledge exchange.

President Al Emadi reiterated Qatar’s support for enhancing collaboration among audit institutions, saying that global partnerships are vital for promoting accountability and preventing corruption. He also praised INTOSAI’s efforts in building a culture of transparency and responsible public management across member countries.

Throughout the sessions, participants reaffirmed that transparency and integrity are fundamental to sustainable development and public trust. Supreme audit institutions play a vital role in ensuring that governments use resources efficiently and deliver public services effectively.

The congress also discussed strategies to strengthen capacity-building programs, particularly in developing countries, where technical support and training are key to improving national audit systems.

The Qatari delegation’s presence reflected the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to enhance financial oversight and align its national audit practices with international standards. Qatar’s participation also emphasized its support for INTOSAI’s global mission to protect public wealth and encourage ethical management in both government and private sectors.

Qatar’s State Audit Bureau continues to play a proactive role in regional and global cooperation frameworks, contributing expertise in auditing, risk management, and financial transparency.

Founded in 1953, INTOSAI serves as the world’s largest organization of supreme audit institutions, with over 190 member states. The organization’s primary goal is to improve government auditing worldwide through cooperation, professional development, and the establishment of global auditing standards.

The 25th Congress in Sharm El Sheikh marked another milestone in INTOSAI’s mission to promote accountability, good governance, and sustainable development through effective auditing practices.

The Sharm El Sheikh Declaration concluded with a collective pledge from all participants to continue strengthening the global network of audit institutions. Delegates agreed to work together to advance digital transformation in auditing, uphold independence, and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of citizens.

The Congress reaffirmed the shared vision of a transparent, accountable, and sustainable global governance system, with INTOSAI members at the forefront of ensuring that governments around the world remain accountable to their people.