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28 March 2024

UAE hosts key global auditing congress to fight corruption, achieve UN Agenda 2030

Published
By Bindu Rai

The UAE inaugurated the 22nd International Congress of Supreme Audit Institutions (INCOSAI) in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, with the two-fold goal of contributing to the United Nations’ global agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (STGs), which was set in September 2015.

Countries around the world adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda with specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years.

The congress, which is being hosted in Abu Dhabi with the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), also aims to promote the UN-backed body’s credibility to become a more prominent player.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE officially opened the week-long event at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, which also saw a special message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

In the message via his official representative, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) in achieving UN’s 2030 agenda.

Ban Ki-moon’s message further stated: “This congress takes place at a crucial moment, as it’s the first year of achieving the 2030 agenda and the 17 sustainable goals, which includes the world’s blueprint of ending global poverty.

“I command the congress to contribute to this cause by implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening the fight against corruption and promoting transparency in government around the world.

“It is time to recognise external auditors provide important insights. You can drive change by ensuring where resources are being routed and where they are most needed to deliver on SDG commitments.”

He continued: “You play a critical role in the fight against illicit financial flow and corrupt practices that undermine SDGs. To reach our goals, all people must work together.”