India’s CAG Girish Chandra Murmu elected vice-chair of UN external auditors’ panel

Introduction

In a significant achievement for India, Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, has been elected as the vice-chair of the UN Panel of External Auditors. This recognition not only highlights India’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of external audit but also showcases its active role in shaping the global audit landscape.

Participation in the Sixty-Third Session

Girish Chandra Murmu actively participated in the sixty-third session of the Panel of External Auditors, which took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on November 20-21, 2023. The session brought together the heads of 12 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) from around the world. The primary responsibility of the panel is to oversee the external audit of the UN Secretariat, funds and programmes, and various specialized agencies.

Composition of the Panel

The independent body is composed of representatives from 12 countries, namely Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Philippines, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Together, they conduct financial, performance, and compliance audits of UN entities, ensuring transparency and accountability in the organization’s financial activities.

Key Discussions and Emphases

During the panel meeting, members, including Girish Chandra Murmu, emphasized the pivotal role of the UN system in guiding and managing climate finance issues. The discussions also delved into concerns related to digital transformation, recognizing its impact on the functioning of the UN entities.

Bilateral Meeting with Supreme Audit Institution of France

On the sidelines of the panel meeting, CAG Girish Chandra Murmu held a bilateral meeting with Pierre Moscovici, the First President of Cour des comptes, the Supreme Audit Institution of France. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two SAIs, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices in the field of external audit.

About the Panel

The Panel of External Auditors of the United Nations, the Specialized Agencies, and the International Atomic Energy Agency was established by the General Assembly Resolution in 1959 to further the coordination of the audits for which its members are responsible and to exchange information on audit methods and findings. The Panel has an essential duty to contribute to enhancing accountability, transparency, and governance of the organizations that compose the United Nations system.

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