(pre-recorded video)
Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions,
Distinguished Participants,
I am pleased to open the 26th UN – INTOSAI Symposium.
UN DESA and INTOSAI have enjoyed a long-standing collaboration. We have held joint symposiums since 1971, symbolizing the strong cooperation between our two organizations. I thank Dr. Kraker and the Supreme Audit Institution of Austria for this partnership.
UN – INTOSAI symposiums present an opportunity for taking stock of timely, global topics that are relevant to all Supreme Audit Institutions. Three years ago, virtual discussions were conducted on how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted your work. This year, we will discuss your role, contribution, and experience in the implementation of SDG 13 on climate action.
The threat of climate change and addressing its global impact is underscored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and emphasized at the 2023 SDG Summit, and continuously at Conferences of Parties under the UNFCCC.
Action on climate change is complex given its interlinkages with all sectors of the economy. This requires clear prioritization of impacted areas, effective resource allocation, sound identification and management of risks, strong coordination across government entities, and effective monitoring and evaluation systems. This complexity underscores the need to assess the performance of government action on climate change in all dimensions, including governance, policies and financing.
As external oversight bodies, SAIs can conduct critical work in auditing and assessing climate action at the national level. This includes assessing interrelated areas such as biodiversity, water, transport, energy, coastal and marine ecosystems. Your work contributes to the efforts of Governments to manage climate change risks and their policy responses, be it for mitigation, adaptation or the mobilization of the necessary means of implementation to advance climate action.
Over the years, INTOSAI has developed a wide range of methodologies, tools, and practices to audit national climate action, which you will share at this Symposium for the benefit of all audit institutions. You will also deliberate on climate-related audits, adaptation, mitigation, and finance; the needs in terms of capacity building; and the impacts of your audits.
In May, the international community will gather in Antigua and Barbuda for the 4th international conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). SIDS are on the frontlines of the global climate crisis. It is critical to enhance the capacity of audit institutions in SIDS in devising sound, effective and inclusive policies to adapt to climate change and mobilize adequate resources.
Distinguished participants,
UN DESA will continue to work collaboratively with INTOSAI in building the capacity of Supreme Audit institutions to deliver their mandates effectively.
I wish you fruitful discussions.
Thank you.