BRICS Supreme Audit Institutions Meet in Ufa to Strengthen Sustainable Development Audits
The fourth meeting of the Heads of BRICS Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) took place in Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan, on 30 July 2024. Organized by the Russian Accounts Chamber as part of Russia’s BRICS chairship, the event targeted sustainable development audits. The discussion was attended by heads of SAIs from BRICS countries, the Republic of Belarus, as well as the control and audit bodies of Russia’s regions.
Embracing Sustainable Development Audits: A Key Objective
The BRICS Supreme Audit Institutions convened to address sustainable development audits, a pivotal element in realizing the SDGs. Boris Kovalchuk, Accounts Chamber Chairman, underscored the alliance’s distinctive role as a strategic partnership among major emerging economies. He accentuated the group’s ongoing efforts to bolster multilateralism under Russia’s leadership in 2024. These endeavors aim to foster equitable global development and security. Notably, the gathering explored ways to enhance the INTOSAI Guidelines, which currently lack up-to-date comprehensive guidance on sustainable development audits.
Sharing Experiences and Approaches
Boris Kovalchuk also shared Russia’s experience in conducting sustainable development audits. He presented the results of an audit conducted in 2024, which aimed to stimulate responsible business and sustainable financing. The audit showed that Russia’s system for state regulation and stimulation of responsible business is functioning at a high level. Furthermore, he highlighted Russia’s initiatives in this area, including the approval of the national standard Business Reputation Index of Entrepreneurs based on an ESG (environmental, social, and governance) rating.
Strengthening INTOSAI Guidelines for Sustainable Development Audits
Additionally, Boris Kovalchuk proposed updating the INTOSAI Guidelines, which currently lack a comprehensive document on sustainable development audits. He emphasized that “the relevant INTOSAI Guidelines were developed back in 2004 and do not take into account the changes that have occurred in the world over the past 20 years.” Therefore, he encouraged his BRICS colleagues to support this initiative and actively participate in preparing a draft update.
Joint Report on Sustainable Development Audits: A Step Forward
The BRICS Supreme Audit Institutions’ chairman proposed a collaborative report on sustainable development audit outcomes for their 2026 gathering. This initiative aims to refine existing goals, objectives, and indicators while offering an impartial evaluation of each nation’s contribution. Consequently, the oversight bodies can enhance their partnership and champion sustainable development audits. Moreover, this endeavor aligns with INTOSAI Guidelines, albeit necessitating updates to address current challenges. In essence, the alliance of auditing authorities seeks to bolster global sustainable development through their collective expertise and shared insights.
Ufa Declaration and BRICS SAI Work Plan
During the meeting, the participants approved the BRICS SAI Work Plan for 2025–2026 and adopted the Ufa Declaration. The declaration enshrines the SAI’s commitment to four key principles: enhancing the role of SAIs in achieving the SDGs, developing audits at all levels of the state authorities, combatting corruption, and ensuring openness and accountability.
In conclusion, the meeting of the Heads of BRICS Supreme Audit Institutions in Ufa was a significant step forward in strengthening the collaboration among BRICS SAIs to promote sustainable development audits and INTOSAI Guidelines. By working together, the BRICS SAIs can contribute to achieving the SDGs and ensuring global sustainable development.
The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS chairship.