Vienna (PK) – The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2023. Furthermore, its general secretariat has been located in Vienna for 60 years. At the invitation of the President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, and the General Secretary and Auditor General of INTOSAI, Margit Kraker, these anniversaries were celebrated today in a ceremony in Parliament. The thematic focus was on the contribution of higher audit institutions to global sustainable development. In his speech, the President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, emphasized the great importance of audit courts for developed democracies. INTOSAI Secretary General and President of the Court of Auditors, Margit Kraker, also said that her work would initiate reforms and thus improve government action. In a welcome message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of accountability as a cornerstone of good governance, on the one hand, and as a means of ensuring trust in politics, on the other. The event was organized by Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, Special Representative for Global Issues at the Federal Chancellery.
Sobotka: Courts of Auditors are essential for developed democracies
As in Austria, the audit courts have a long tradition that goes back a long time, emphasized National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka in his opening speech. The Austrian Court of Auditors is closely linked to the Parliament and, with its activities, is an effective and consistent companion of Austrian politics. In general, the audit courts would provide politicians with suggestions for improvements for the future through their audits. The work of audit courts may often not receive much thanks, but they are indispensable for developed democracies. Exchange at international level is very essential, also taking into account the growing tasks and challenges.
Guterres: Accountability is the cornerstone of good governance
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, also congratulated INTOSAI on its anniversary. In a welcome message, Guterres noted that accountability is one of the cornerstones of good governance. Strengthens trust between people and politics. This is the basis for a resilient social contract. Audit authorities are essential to holding governments accountable. Your work is therefore for the benefit of everyone. Guterres also emphasized the role of audit institutions in promoting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Kraker: Audit courts can initiate reforms and thus improve state structures, but they need independence
INTOSAI is an excellent example of a global institution, highlighted the Secretary General of INTOSAI and President of the Court of Auditors, Margit Kraker, in her speech. INTOSAI was founded 70 years ago in Cuba by 34 exchange auditors. Today there are around 200 members worldwide, who are very diverse in terms of tasks, functions and size.
The audit courts are very exposed, explained Kraker. With their audits, they would help control how public funds are spent, thus creating added value and the basis for a fact-based assessment of government actions. This could contribute to improving state structures and initiating reforms.
Many of the auditors’ audits would concern global issues. These issues can only be resolved globally and therefore an adequate exchange of knowledge is very important. For example, global warming can only be stopped if all continents come together – and if auditors around the world demand this of their states during audits, Kraker emphasized.
For the audit courts that want to point out, alert and demand, independence is the greatest good. Crises, upheavals and upheavals can threaten this independence, Kraker called on us to work tirelessly and vigilantly on the independence of the audit courts. (Continuation of the ceremony) pst
NOTE: Photos of this event can be found on the Parliament portal.