Appointment of Right Hon. Helen Clark as IDC Goodwill Ambassador for SAI Independence

Findings from recent research (including IDI’s Global SAI Stocktaking Report and the Word Bank’s SAI Independence Index) show that the independence of SAIs is declining in many regions of the world. Particularly in low-income countries and in countries with limited democratic space, SAIs are more likely to face shortcomings in their legal frameworks and de-facto independence, their access to resources and information, and the ability to publish and follow up on audit reports.

Against this backdrop, the INTOSAI Donor Cooperation (IDC) identified the need for an influential voice to speak to the importance of safeguarding and enhancing SAI independence – a Goodwill Ambassador on SAI independence who can position the issue solidly on the global policy arena.

Therefore, the IDC is delighted to confirm the appointment of the Right Hon. Helen Clark as the IDC Goodwill Ambassador for SAI Independence for an initial term of three years, effective 1 January 2022. As a world leader who served three terms as New Zealand’s Prime Minister, eight years as the first female head of the UN Development Programme, and is currently Chair of the Global Leadership Foundation, Helen Clark brings vast experience to the position.

The IDC Goodwill Ambassador for SAI Independence will bring the issues of SAI independence to global attention through attendance at live and virtual meetings, and through advocacy, stakeholder engagement via traditional and social media.