"Transparency for the citizens"

29.04.2021 – Margit Kraker emphasized the importance of independent Supreme Audit Institutions at the SDG 16 Conference of the United Nations

Peace, justice and strong institutions are at the core of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16. In today's online conference, the participants discussed the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in ensuring transparency in the COVID-19 recovery phase.

Margit Kraker, President of the Austrian Court of Audit and Secretary General of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), emphasized the importance of creating "transparency for the citizens". This can only be achieved by independent SAIs.

"This crisis with such massive implications on public finances highlights the importance of ensuring that public systems are stable and resilient. However, the respective provisions must be made when economic conditions are favorable." (Margit Kraker)

The SDG 16 Conference was organized jointly by the United Nations, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Government of Italy. It was established to assess the progress made in the implementation of SDG 16. The results of the conference will feed into the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to be held in July.