The 2nd INTOSAI WGEA Podcast episode is out now!

02.10.2024

Last week, the world leaders adopted a Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future. This most wide-ranging UN agreement in decades aims to ensure that international institutions are capable of acting in a changing world. The pact sets clear commitments and concreate deliverables, highlighting human rights, gender and sustainable development.

When it comes to the work of our network in INTOSAI WGEA, how do we consider the future? This is the question Secretary General Vivi Niemenmaa reflects on with our colleagues in the second episode of our podcast. In this episode Vivi interviews Commissioner Jerry DeMarco from SAI Canada, Director Ahmed Demir from SAI Germany and First Nations Associate Director Carla Ware from the Audit Office of New South Wales in Australia, raising the question: How could we take into account the long-term considerations when we assess the government actions? 

Jerry points out that the long-term thinking is embedded in their legislation, as the principle of sustainable development mentions respect for nature and the needs of future generations. DeMarco shares a concrete example of long-term thinking in Canada’s tree-planting program. The timescale selected in assessing the value of the program greatly affects how we see the effectiveness.

Ahmed highlights the importance of the sustainable development aspect in SAI Germany’s work. He shared an audit example of a retirement income package and highlighted how the timescale is critical when assessing the economic impacts of pension reforms.

Carla presents the novel work of the Audit Office NSW in Indigenous space. She sheds light on the “seven generation principle”, which emphasizes the responsibility to consider our actions, behavior and mistakes, as future generations will inherit the consequences of our choices. The Audit Office NSW had an audit example on child protection related to Stolen Generation, highlighting the need to look both into the history and future to make informed decision for future generations.

Tune into Spotify or Youtube to hear more on our latest episode!