In May, representatives of the State Audit Office of Latvia, Silvija Nora Kalniņš and Anete Magone, participated in an international workshop aimed at continuing development support for the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Dominica. The event was held in Belize within the framework of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and focused on the planning and design of the second phase of the Global SAI Accountability Initiative (GSAI).
Support Plan for SAI Dominica
During the workshop, a detailed and coordinated support plan was developed for the period from July 2025 to December 2027 to strengthen SAI Dominica and provide capacity building support to its staff. The team prepared a donor engagement plan and a comprehensive assessment of the SAI Dominica’s strengths and weaknesses was carried out to define key development priorities. The support will target the improvement of audit methodologies, increase in application of information and communication technologies in audit work, enhancement of strategic and operational management and human resource capacity, including strengthening of ethical standards.
“Strengthening engagement with donors and partners is essential for ensuring sustainable support, increasing demand for SAI work, reinforcing SAI independence, and maximizing the overall impact of their efforts,” emphasized Muhammad Wahyudi, Head of SAI Governance at the INTOSAI Development Initiative.
Edgars Korčagins, Auditor General of the State Audit Office of Latvia, emphasized: “Participation in large-scale international cooperation projects not only enhances Latvia’s visibility as a global partner, but also strengthens the expertise of our own professionals and encourages critical reflection on our processes - also fostering innovation.”
Exchange of Experience and Best Practices
The visit also provided participants with insight into IDI’s current strategic directions and the achievements of the GSAI program to date. Presentations highlighted best practices in strategic project management, based on IDI’s Strategic Management Handbook.
Additionally, the State Audit Office of Latvia and the SAI of India shared their experiences in institutional development, with a focus on transitioning from recipients of development assistance to internationally recognized, professional and independent audit institutions. “The State Audit Office was once a recipient of development assistance. Today, it proudly serves as an independent, internationally aligned, innovative and strong institution, the example and experience of which can inspire and guide others,” noted Silvija Nora Kalniņš, Head of Strategy and International Cooperation of the State Audit Office of Latvia.
Collaborative Support Efforts
Since July 2023, the State Audit Office has been implementing the first phase of GSAI activities in support of SAI Dominica in cooperation with INTOSAI IDI and the Caribbean Organisation of SAIs (CAROSAI). The project is funded by INTOSAI IDI — with USD 100,000 allocated for the first phase. The budget for the second phase will be determined through ongoing collaboration. The development of the support plan brought together representatives from the SAIs of Belize, Dominica, India, and Latvia, along with participants from INTOSAI IDI, the U.S. Embassy and the World Bank.
International cooperation of the State Audit Office of Latvia:
- Participates in the platform of the Supreme Audit Institutions of the Member States of the European Union and the European Court of Auditors Contact Committee, as well as acts as an auditor of international organizations;
- Ensures participation in and professional contribution to the work of INTOSAI, EUROSAI international working groups and in the INTOSAI Financial Audit and Accounting Subcommittee;
- Provides development and other support to supreme audit institutions of other countries and offering international consulting services as a professional, highly qualified, and experienced consultant in public sector auditing.
About the State Audit Office of Latvia
The State Audit Office of the Republic of Latvia is an independent, collegial supreme audit institution. The purpose of its activity is to find out whether the actions with the financial means and property of a public entity are legal, correct, useful and in line with public interests, as well as to provide recommendations for the elimination of discovered irregularities. The State Audit Office conducts audits in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions INTOSAI (ISSAI), the recognition of which in Latvia is determined by the Auditor General. Upon discovering deficiencies, the State Audit Office of Latvia provides recommendations on resolving these issues, and informs law enforcement authorities about any potential infringements of the law.
Additional information
Ms Gunta Krevica
Head of PR and Internal Communication Division
Ph. +371 23282332 | E-mail: gunta.krevica@lrvk.gov.lv