Doha, Qatar— In an era marked by growing demands for transparency and accountability, the 1st IDI–ARABOSAI Symposium on SAI Independence, held 23-24 May 2023, provided a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration for the region. Under the theme "Strengthening Relationships with Parliament," the symposium aimed to enhance the independence of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and underscore the vital role they play in the broader accountability ecosystem, with programming aimed at underscoring the enhanced role parliamentarians play in ensuring strong, lasting institutions.

Involving the Accountability Community: Insights from Practitioners on Independence Trends

The symposium centered collaboration and showcased examples and best practices for fostering an environment supporting independence at both the country and regional level. Convening leaders and representatives from 20 countries, the symposium began with an opening ceremony, setting the stage for two days of insightful discussions on independence initiatives and lessons learned. The symposium, hosted by SAI Qatar and INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), presented a comprehensive agenda that delved into the intricate web of relationships involved in upholding accountability—not least between SAIs and Parliament.

The meeting’s introductory session, led by IDI, informed the audience of developing trends in SAI Independence at the global level. Through its presentation, IDI shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by SAIs worldwide, providing valuable insights that could inform regional strategies. Then, the World Bank presented the Supreme Audit Institutions Independence Index—a valuable tool focused on understanding regional trends, while ARABOSAI outlined its strategic plan, aligning regional efforts with global best practices. Both sessions highlighted the need for a concerted effort to strengthen regional accountability institutions, particularly concerning recent trends in democratic backsliding and the unique challenges such institutions face in conducting their work.

The following day, Transparency International led a session that explored the evolving landscape of accountability from the perspective of civil society organizations involved on-the-ground. Emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between SAIs and Parliament, guest presenter Kinda Hattar outlined the importance of building collaborative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of institutions and contribute to better governance in practice. Following this a panel discussion featuring representatives from SAIs, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and TI took place, where speakers shared additional experiences from their work with SAI-Parliament collaboration. A key takeaway: listening to and learning from each other’s expertise can bolster and strengthen stakeholders and their institutions.

A Milestone for Independence: Presenting the Doha Action Plan and Further Initiatives for Enhanced Collaboration

Throughout the two-day symposium, sessions provided participants with a glimpse into the broader ongoing efforts that complement regional initiatives, creating a robust framework for collaboration and support through conversational exchange. During workshops and interactive dialogues, participants engaged in discussions on real-world challenges, exchanged best practices, and explored ways to implement facilitative strategies effectively between SAIs and Parliament.

The most crucial initiative of the event was the introduction of the Doha Action Plan. Proposed by IDI, this comprehensive plan aims to strengthen the interaction between SAIs and Parliament in the ARABOSAI region and beyond. The plan outlined strategic steps, including data collection, practical guidance development, capacity building, and support for country-level implementation; stressing the practical aspects of collaboration and the benefits it can add towards improving accountability. Recognizing that empowered institutions have the potential to contribute more significantly to the broader accountability ecosystem, the symposium emphasized the importance of investing in building core competencies in needed skills and knowledge so that stakeholders could improve relationships between SAIs and Parliament.

Action, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Symposium Programming Outlined the Blueprint for Increased Accountability via SAI Independence

In an age where citizens demand increased openness and responsibility, the collaboration between SAIs and Parliament stands out as a pillar of good governance. The symposium not only recognized the evolving global landscape for SAIs, but also provided practical solutions to address the challenges faced by SAIs and other regional institutions. As the symposium neared its conclusion, concluding focus was given to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of SAI-Parliament collaboration. Participants discussed the importance of establishing mechanisms to assess the impact of joint initiatives, and pledged to ensure continuous improvement and sustainability.

Representing a core branch of government, parliamentarians play a pivotal role in shaping the accountability ecosystem. Their legislative responsibilities, oversight functions, and engagement with the public make them key stakeholders in ensuring the effectiveness and independence of SAIs. By raising the profile and potential of this role, the symposium emphasized the interconnectedness of these institutions, outlining the need for strengthened relationships between key stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Certainly, the inception of the IDI–ARABOSAI Symposium on SAI Independence served as a blueprint for strengthening SAI-Parliament interactions. By focusing on collaboration between these accountability actors, the event provided not only a theoretical framework but also practical steps to be implemented at regional and country levels. As demand increases for transparency in the use and management of public resources, events like these pave the way for stronger, more accountable institutions and, ultimately, better governance.

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