Global Audit Symposium Opens in Ukulhas to Strengthen SDG Oversight

Delegates from 26 nations have gathered in Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll, for the SIDS-SAIs Symposium 2026, an international initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of Supreme Audit Institutions across Small Island Developing States. The event, which runs from August 3 to 5, focuses on strengthening the oversight and auditing of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation. Launched by Auditor General Hussain Niyazi, the symposium is a collaborative effort between the Auditor General’s Office and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). A total of 46 delegates are participating in the forum to share practical auditing methodologies and foster greater accountability through international knowledge exchange. During the opening ceremony, Auditor General Niyazi emphasized the unique systemic challenges faced by audit institutions in small island nations. He noted that collaborative forums are essential for developing tailored strategies to overcome these hurdles and ensure that sustainable development is measured and managed effectively. The symposium's agenda is structured to address the most pressing issues facing island economies. The first day focuses on the critical role of audit institutions in achieving SDGs, with specific discussions on budgeting and financial management for sustainable projects. The second day will shift toward the role of audit agencies in combatting climate change and the modernization of audit systems through digitalization. Following the conclusion of the symposium, the Auditor General’s Office will jointly host the IDI Global Summit on August 6 and 7, organized in partnership with the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). Beyond the technical objectives, the Auditor General’s Office highlighted the strategic decision to host these high-level international events on a local inhabited island. By bringing dozens of foreign dignitaries to Ukulhas, the government aims to stimulate the local economy and promote community-based tourism, showcasing the capacity of inhabited islands to host global diplomatic and professional gatherings.