Girish Chandra Murmu, the esteemed Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), has been elected to the prestigious role of Vice-Chair on the UN Panel of Auditors for the upcoming year.
This appointment is not only a recognition of Murmu’s expertise but also underscores India’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in external audit practices, actively contributing to the global audit landscape, reported BS.
Murmu’s active participation in the sixty-third session of the Panel of External Auditors, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on November 20-21, 2023, highlights India’s dedicated involvement in global audit affairs.
The Panel of External Auditors, consisting of leaders from 12 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) worldwide, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the external audit processes of the UN Secretariat, funds, programs, and specialized agencies. Represented by eminent SAIs from Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Philippines, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, this independent body is responsible for conducting comprehensive financial, performance, and compliance audits of various UN entities.
Emphasizing the significance of the annual meeting, the CAG highlighted that it serves as a unique platform for collaborative discussions on a wide range of issues. These discussions include follow-up actions on the Secretary-General’s responses to the Panel Letter, addressing critical concerns related to financial and management aspects, as well as considerations surrounding climate change and digital matters.
During the meeting, Girish Chandra Murmu assumed a leadership role by spearheading discussions on critical financial and management issues affecting UN organizations.
In a separate session, Murmu and fellow panel members engaged with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, exchanging insights on risk management, the challenging financial landscape, and the imperative for well-structured funding strategies. The panel members collectively emphasized the pivotal role of the UN system in steering and managing issues related to climate finance, while also expressing concerns about the ongoing digital transformation.
India’s apex auditor added that “During the meeting, Comptroller and Auditor General of India Girish Chandra Murmu was elected as the Vice-Chair of the UN Panel of Auditors for the forthcoming year,”
Furthermore, on the sidelines of the panel meeting, the CAG of India seized the opportunity to conduct a bilateral meeting with Pierre Moscovici, the First President of Cour des comptes (Supreme Audit Institution of France). The focus of this meeting was to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral relations between the two prominent Supreme Audit Institutions. This diplomatic initiative reflects the commitment of both nations to fostering collaboration and mutual understanding in the realm of audit practices.
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