Vietnamese Auditor General and Chair of ASOSAI for 2018 - 2021, Trần Sỹ Thanh, leads the 15th ASOSAI Assembly. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The 15th Assembly of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) was successfully concluded, ratifying many important issues.

The virtual event, held between September 6-9, hosted 43 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and fully accomplished its agenda, despite being online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Important decisions ratified

At the assembly sessions, the SAIs discussed and approved important issues.

The assembly assessed the achievements of ASOSAI in implementing the Hanoi Declaration on environmental auditing for sustainable development; approving the Strategic Plan for the period of 2022-2027, which focuses on supporting SAIs to promote IT solutions to emerging challenges; adopting the establishment of a Working Group for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) audit, and another on Crisis Management Audit.

At the plenary session, the assembly selected the SAI of India to host the 16th ASOSAI Assembly in 2024. The assembly also elected a 12-member ASOSAI Governing Board and a two-member Audit Committee.

At the event, the State Audit of Việt Nam, ASOSAI Chair during the 2018-2021 period, officially handed over the ASOSAI Chairmanship to the SAI of Thailand for the 2021-2024 tenure.

Speaking at the event, the Vietnamese Auditor General and Chair of ASOSAI for 2018 - 2021, Trần Sỹ Thanh, said that the COVID-19 pandemic had seriously impacted the economies and societies of most Asian countries. However, the ASOSAI has shown solidarity through their efforts and prompt initiatives to respond to the pandemic.

He said, that during the three years as ASOSAI Chair, the State Audit of Việt Nam had coordinated with SAI members to carry out the Hanoi Declaration on environment auditing for sustainable development.

Although the assembly was held online, the 15th ASOSAI Assembly and the 56th meeting of the ASOSAI Governing Board ensured the discussion and ratification of all agenda items, he said.

One of the assembly's highlights was the ratification of the Bangkok Declaration on “SAIs and Preparing for the Next Normal” which proposes recommendations for post-pandemic economic recovery and dealing with environmental issues for sustainable development.

The Bangkok Declaration also showed ASOSAI’s determination to remain ready to cope with evolving challenges.

One of the sessions that drew the most participation and discussion was the 8th Symposium with the theme: “ASOSAI and the new normal – recovering power amid challenges”.

It focused on discussing four main topics; SAIs and encouraging better governance during the new normal; SAIs efforts in accomplishing SDGs; Utilisation of modern technology in Public Auditing; and SAIs response to natural disasters and pandemics.

Deputy Auditor-General Hà Thị Mỹ Dung said the 15th ASOSAI Assembly officially closed in preparation for the next term, in which they will successfully fulfil the targets of the Bangkok Declaration.

The State Audit of Việt Nam and member SAIs will share experiences from each other to adapt to the new situation, particularly after the pandemic, according to Hà.

The State Audit of Việt Nam is committed to being a responsible member of the ASOSAI community, especially in contributing to successfully implementing key pillars of the ASOSAI Strategic Plan during the 2022-2027 period.

The State Audit of Việt Nam will work with other members of the ASOSAI Governing Board to carry out the Bangkok Declaration, contribute to the activities of the two working groups on the development of goals and managing emergencies, and prepare plans to join common audits in areas of mutual concern. — VNS