IDI had an opportunity to deliver its statement on how Supreme Audit Institutions can contribute to Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) in Session 3 of the 7th Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development Goals (APFSD) on 20 May 2020 through a virtual meeting. The session focused on Strengthening follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda at the national level with the role of the VNRs. This meeting featured interventions from countries that have participated in the VNR Twinning Exercise to share their experience in exchanging best practices and methodologies for the preparation and follow-up of their respective VNRs.
Archana Shirsat, Deputy Director General of IDI, highlighted the natural role for SAIs, as the main independent external oversight bodies in each country, in any follow-up and review of SDG implementation. IDI believes that SAIs will be valuable partners for nations as they embark on VNRs. IDI encouraged dialogue and exchange between national governments and SAIs so that they can work together throughout the VNR process. The full statement can be found below.
IDI Statement at Session 3 of 7th APFSD: Strengthening follow up and review of the 2030 Agenda at the national level: the role of the VNRs on 20 May 2020, 13.30-14.40 hrs (Bangkok time)
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I bring you Greetings and best wishes for good health from the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI). It is my privilege to share our reflections on how Supreme Audit Institutions can contribute to Voluntary National Reviews. As the main independent external oversight bodies in each country, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), have a natural role to play in any follow up and review.
To date more than 100 SAIs across the world have conducted audits of 2030 Agenda. Most of them have used a whole of government approach based on the VNR framework. The results show that SAIs have urged national governments into action, provided independent oversight, made recommendations, contributed to raising awareness amongst citizens and stakeholders, and engaged actively in the VNR processes, where they have been invited to do so. The IDI is supporting SAIs in audits of SDG implementation by developing and piloting IDI’s SDGs Audit Model (ISAM). Responding to the COVID-19 crisis, more than 40 SAIs will be using this model to examine government efforts in building strong and resilient national public health systems (linked to SDG 3D). SAIs will also examine the impact of this pandemic on violence against women and sustainable public procurement practices.
At the IDI we believe that SAIs will be valuable partners for nations as they embark on VNRs. We encourage dialogue and exchange between national governments and SAIs, for working together throughout the VNR process. Given their extensive oversight expertise, SAIs could contribute to learning and knowledge sharing for VNRs, strengthening of VNR methodology, evidence-based information for VNRs and greater engagement with key stakeholders. Working together to act on SAI recommendations will lead to greater audit impact and implementation of the SDGs for benefit of all.
Keep healthy and stay safe. Thank you.
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