Amman, Aug. 13 (Petra) -- Jordan hosted Thursday the 50th anniversary celebration of the Arab Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ARABOSAI), highlighting five decades of joint Arab auditing work and the need to modernize oversight in response to rapid economic and technological developments.
Held under the patronage of Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni and themed "Towards a Brighter Audit Future: 50 Years of Giving," the celebration brought together heads and delegations of Arab supreme audit institutions, ministers, ambassadors, representatives of regional and international organizations, and audit experts.
President of the Audit Bureau Radi Hamadin said Jordan's hosting of the event reflects its commitment to joint Arab institutional work and the organization's role in strengthening cooperation, exchanging expertise, building professional capacities, and developing auditing practices.
He highlighted the Bureau's efforts to modernize its oversight work under its 2024-2027 strategic plan, including digital transformation, risk-based auditing, data analysis, human resources development and the use of modern technologies.
Hamadin stressed the need to move from traditional oversight focused on detecting shortcomings after they occur toward proactive auditing that anticipates risks, analyzes trends and helps prevent recurring deficiencies. He also underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence and data analytics while maintaining professional independence, objectivity and integrity.
Chair of ARABOSAI's Executive Council and President of Saudi Arabia's General Court of Audit, Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Alangari, described the anniversary as a historic occasion to reflect on five decades of joint Arab auditing and accounting work and chart the organization's future.
He stressed the need to continuously develop oversight methodologies and technologies amid growing challenges related to governance, cybersecurity, sustainability, and financial and economic risks.
Mohamed Youssef, President of Egypt's Accountability State Authority and current President of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), called for strengthening proactive oversight based on risk analysis, trends and early warning indicators.
He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance data analysis, risk assessment, planning and audit implementation, while emphasizing the need for clear governance, transparency and data protection frameworks.
ARABOSAI Secretary-General Fadhila Gargouri said the organization's 50-year journey demonstrates the continuity of joint Arab auditing and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. She highlighted its contributions to training, developing professional manuals and methodologies, disseminating modern auditing standards, and facilitating the exchange of expertise among member institutions.
Gargouri stressed that the next phase requires greater investment in human capital and modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital transformation, as well as stronger mechanisms to address emerging risks and evaluate public policies and programs.
Participants affirmed the importance of building on ARABOSAI's achievements over the past five decades by strengthening cooperation, developing institutional and professional capacities, and harnessing modern technologies to improve audit practices.
Additionally, participants underscored the role of effective oversight in protecting public funds, improving public administration, promoting governance, integrity and accountability, supporting sustainable development and strengthening public confidence in state institutions.
Established 50 years ago, ARABOSAI serves as a framework for professional cooperation among Arab supreme audit institutions and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise, capacity building, and the development of auditing practices.
//Petra// AJ
