Friday 04 Apr
The Acoountability State Authority (ASA) has achieved a historic milestone, securing the position of External Auditor for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for a six-year term. This is the first time since the FAO's establishment that the ASA has won this role, prevailing over bids from major contenders including the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
The ASA attributed this achievement to intensive efforts initiated in August 2024, when they decided to pursue the vacant position. Their successful bid was underpinned by a meticulously prepared Egyptian file, adhering to the highest international standards in auditing and accounting, and highlighting six key areas: independence, audit methodology, member qualifications, training and experience, report preparation, and audit cost.
Counselor Mohamed El-Faisal Youssef, head of the ASA,
emphasized that this victory signifies global confidence in their advanced expertise.
He highlighted the ASA's complete independence under Egyptian law and
constitution, and the technical prowess of its members, who possess extensive
local and international experience, including audits of UNWTO, UNIDO,
leadership of the African Union Board of Auditors, and COMESA audits.
The head of the ASA also highlighted the Authority's strict
adherence to international standards in external auditing for international
organizations and its reliance on a risk-based audit approach to ensure maximum
benefit for the authority. He stated that this win strengthens their global
oversight role and fosters further international cooperation, enhancing
financial resources and promoting international good governance.
It is worth noting that the ASA is a member of the United Nations Panel of External Auditors, in addition to its leading role in the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), where it currently holds the position of First Vice-Chair and and slated to become President in October 2025. The ASA also chairs the working groups on combating corruption and money laundering, and the impact of science and technology on auditing, while actively participating in the authority's key objective committees.
