Building trust and transparency for climate finance

Supreme audit institutions across Asia-Pacific convene in Bangkok to strengthen trust and accountability in climate finance

BANGKOK, THAILAND – 10 June 2026. With the climate crisis accelerating and demanding the massive mobilization of funds, governments continue to channel public resources into adaptation and mitigation efforts. Ensuring these funds are used effectively is not just a matter of good governance: it is critical to securing a sustainable future for all.  

To contribute to this financial accountability, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—through its flagship Climate Finance Network (CFN)—and the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) organized a Regional Dialogue on Climate Audits in Bangkok. 

The mini dialogue, "Making a Difference through Climate Change Audits", convened senior representatives from supreme audit institutions (SAIs), including auditor generals from two countries, across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Supported by the Government of Sweden through Sida and the UK Government through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) Programme, it explored how countries are using audits to support climate action.  

A major highlight of the Dialogue was the launch of UNDP’s Good Practice on Climate Change Audits, which aims to equip auditors and policymakers with the practical tools needed to assess the true effectiveness of climate action. Beyond the launch, the Dialogue provided a critical platform for knowledge exchange and strengthening partnerships, allowing participants to share lessons from recent climate audits, identify common challenges, and forge stronger collaborations between SAIs, parliaments, civil society, and development partners. 

"To effectively address the climate crisis, every single dollar invested in climate action counts, and must deliver meaningful results and impact at scale. Accountability matters more than ever, and this is exactly where supreme audit institutions come in, as they enhance independent oversight and ensure that these efforts indeed translate into measurable results,” said Beate Trankmann, Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and Director of UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub. 

Beate Trankmann, Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and Director of UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, delivering opening remarks. ©UNDP

"The level of investment needed to adapt to the impact of climate change is massive. And this money has to flow through systems – national budgets, development banks, bond markets, subnational governments. And we need to have trust in these systems. That is why the work of Supreme Audit Institutions matters so much, and why the UK is proud to support this dialogue", stated Nabila Suria, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to UNESCAP.  

Nabila Suria, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to UNESCAP, delivering opening remarks. ©UNDP

Over three days, participants engaged in deep-dive sessions on the complex landscape of climate audits, the evolving role of oversight bodies, and the systemic challenges of tracking environmental investments. Through extensive peer-to-peer exchange, SAIs shared valuable lessons and findings from their recent audits of government attempts to adapt to or mitigate the effects of climate change. 

The sessions moved beyond identifying challenges to focus on actionable outcomes, as participants discussed strategies to foster transparency by building stronger synergies between audit institutions, parliaments, and civil society organizations. The INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the Working Group on Environmental Auditing (WGEA) also contributed crucial technical insights and experiences on global frameworks and approaches for climate change audits during discussions. 

"Audit institutions throw light on issues of importance to people and provide an independent view that people can rely on. With the effects of climate change literally at our doorsteps, regional and international cooperation in auditing climate change can give a louder collective voice to issues and address them to make a difference”, stated Mike Scott, PASAI Deputy Chief Executive. 

Mike Scott, PASAI Deputy Chief Executive, delivering opening remarks. ©UNDP

Participating SAIs are leaving Bangkok better positioned to integrate robust climate considerations into their national audit planning and implementation by using the good practice guide, ensuring that the global push for climate action is matched by rigorous governance and oversight at the country level. 

For more information and resources from the event, please visit the event page and the UNDP Good Practice on Climate Change Audits.  

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For more information, please contact:  

Giulio Fabris, UNDP Communications Specialist giulio.fabris@undp.org 

About the Climate Finance Network (CFN): 
The Climate Finance Network (CFN), an initiative supported by UNDP, assists countries in mobilizing and managing climate finance to achieve their climate change goals. By integrating climate change into public financial management systems, the CFN works to ensure that climate finance is targeted, equitable, and effective in reaching those most vulnerable to climate impacts. 

About PASAI: 
The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) is the official association of supreme audit institutions in the Pacific region. PASAI promotes transparent, accountable, effective, and equitable use of public resources in the Pacific by supporting its member SAIs to improve the quality of public sector auditing to recognized high standards. 

Original media release

PASAI training investigators to tackle misuse of public funds in the Pacific Islands

Hagåtña, Guam: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) is training staff from its member audit offices to conduct thorough and effective investigations in a workshop from today until 11 June 2026.

Seventeen staff (8 female and 9 male) from the government audit offices of American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National, FSM Kosrae, FSM Pohnpei, FSM Yap, Guam and the Marshall Islands have gathered for the 4-day in-person workshop.

PASAI Program Director and Certified Fraud Examiner, Sophia H Pretrick, is co-facilitating the workshop with senior staff from the US Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General, Dave House (Special Agent in Charge for Infrastructure Coordination) and Katharine Kovacek (Special Agent).

The theme for the workshop is, Advancing investigative effectiveness through practical techniques and island-style approaches.

Ms Pretrick explained many of PASAI’s member audit offices are mandated to investigate allegations of fraud, waste and abuse of public funds.

“PASAI developed this training so that participants will understand and be able to apply the principles and processes to conduct effective investigations in line with recognised standards.

“There is a range of investigative experience among participants, so I expect staff will benefit from hearing about each other’s successes and challenges.

“All participants will present an investigation action plan having gained the practical understanding needed to conduct ethical and structured investigations from initial allegations through to final case disposition,” she said.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Facilitators and participants of the workshop

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Contact information:

Sophia H Pretrick, Program Director PASAI
E: sophia.pretrick@pasai.org  P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

The Global Project findings: The impact of reputation and trust for supreme audit institution independence

Paris, France – The INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) published a report, Strengthening the Independence of Supreme Audit Institutions, calling for a comprehensive and system-wide approach to Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) independence.

“Alongside formal rules, a range of informal, political, and institutional factors influence the space SAIs have to carry out their mandates,” said Karl Eirik Schjøtt-Pedersen, Chair of the IDI Board and Auditor General of the National Audit Office of Norway. “Through its policy considerations and recommendations, this report presents practical options to address misalignments between legal safeguards and institutional practice.”

SAIs play a vital role in overseeing governments’ performance and use of public resources. Their independence is central to their credibility and effectiveness in serving the public, and when it is under threat, there is potential for misuse of public resources, corruption, or mistrust in public institutions.

Together, the OECD and IDI set out to explore the informal factors that influence how SAIs interact, make decisions, and engage with other actors within the accountability ecosystem.  The team consulted SAIs, the Executive, the Legislative, CSOs, the media, and academia worldwide to gather feedback and experiences. The resulting report, Strengthening the Independence of Supreme Audit Institutions, includes the following findings:

• SAI independence is challenged with a lack of budgetary autonomy, limited access to information, and when they face undue influence.

• Political dynamics, reputation, relationships with other actors, and professional norms are all factors that shape SAI independence.

The OECD-IDI report underscores that an SAI’s reputation as a fair and transparent institution is critical to its role as an effective actor in the accountability ecosystem.

“Trust in the SAI is a foundation to safeguard its independence,” said Einar Gørrissen, Director General of IDI. “Stakeholders and development partners are more likely to continue to support an SAI that has a credible, fair, and legitimate reputation as an independent institution.”

Read more about the joint report and the Global Project for SAI Independence.

Media enquiries:

Carolyn Lillehovde, Strategic Communications Manager, IDI:  communications@idi.no  

Original media release

PASAI gathers compliance auditors in Tonga for cooperative audit on government payroll frameworks

Nuku‘alofa, Tonga: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) is training Pacific Island auditors to deliver high-quality compliance audits of government payroll frameworks in Tonga this week.

Eighteen senior staff (14 female, 4 male) from the government audit offices of Chuuk State, the Cook Islands, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are participating in the 5-day, face-to-face workshop from 25 to 29 May 2026.

PASAI program directors, Susana Laulu and Sinaroseta Palamo-Iosefo, are co-facilitating the workshop with Senior Advisor International Engagement at The Audit Office of New Zealand, Gerhard van den Berg, and Senior Manager at the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), Shofiqul Islam.

The IDI is the capacity development arm of the global umbrella organisation for the external government audit community, the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).

Ms Laulu explained that the audit offices participating in this capacity-building program chose government payroll as its focus because payroll is one of the largest and most sensitive areas of public expenditure.

“When payroll frameworks are strong, governments can better safeguard public funds, ensure staff are paid accurately and on time, and maintain trust in public administration,” she said.

Before gathering in Tonga, participants completed research to document their jurisdictions’ payroll frameworks, the infrastructure that supports those frameworks and the data they can generate.

“By building a strong understanding of the subject matter and methodology, participants will be better equipped to develop robust audit plans that support impactful compliance audits that meet international standards,” Ms Laulu said.

In opening remarks, the Executive Director Compliance Audit at the Tonga Office of the Auditor General, Cathreen Mafi, said, “We look forward to the participants’ growth and development from this audit experience.

“Cooperative audits are great setups for accessing more resources to help with your audit than you would normally have access to.”

While the workshop is focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge of the audit subject matter, audit methodology and planning, the PASAI–IDI resource team will continue to support participating audit offices into 2027 while they finalise their planning, conduct fieldwork and report on this cooperative compliance audit.

Ms Laulu and Ms Palamo-Iosefo met with the First Secretary, Governance at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Tegan Baker, to provide a brief overview of the workshop and other PASAI programs, such as twinning support between member offices.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and DFAT.

Participants and co-facilitators of the workshop

PASAI program directors, Sinaroseta Palamo-Iosefo (left) and Susana Laulu (right), with the First Secretary, Governance at DFAT, Tegan Baker

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Contact information:

Susana Laulu, Program Director PASAI
E: susana.laulu@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

International gathering in Fiji to progress the independence of Pacific audit offices

Nadi, Fiji: Senior delegates from international development agencies, supreme audit institutions (SAIs) and regional legislative bodies attended a workshop in Nadi, Fiji from 20 to 22 May as part of the Global Project on SAI Independence.

The project was jointly developed by the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The IDI is the capacity development arm of the global umbrella organisation for the external government audit community, the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).

Senior staff from the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) actively participated in the 3-day regional workshop alongside representatives from its member offices and legislators from Fiji, Kiribati and Samoa.

In a speech made at the event’s opening ceremony, PASAI Deputy Secretary-General, Sarah Markley, acknowledged the beneficial legislative reforms made in Fiji last year to advance the Office of the Auditor General’s independence and said, “This gathering is fundamentally about enabling SAIs to achieve PASAI’s vision of a transparent and accountable public administration.

“The purpose of that is so that the people of this region are served by public administration as they should be served.”

The workshop included presentations, discussions and case studies on the project’s findings and topics such as the influence on SAI independence of imbalances between the executive and the legislative branches of government.

PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa, said there was great value in being able to discuss how PASAI could structure a regional follow-up agenda to support implementation of the project’s recommendations.

“With attendance by those from organisations as diverse as the Asian Development Bank, Pacific Island legislatures and agencies of the UN; we constructively engaged with public accounts committees and key stakeholders to explore how to strengthen independence for government audit offices in the Pacific,” she said.

As a final output of the global project, the IDI and the OECD will release a joint report next week, drawing on evidence gathered through surveys, country visits and regional workshops.

PASAI facilitated input to the global project through its connections in the Pacific.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

PASAI Deputy Secretary-General, Sarah Markley, speaking during the workshop’s opening ceremony

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Contact information:

Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba, Program Director PASAI
E: Meresimani.VosawaleKatuba@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

PASAI helping North Pacific auditors to prepare for important performance audits

Hagåtña, Guam: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) is helping 20 North Pacific government auditors to prepare for upcoming performance audits by running a workshop this week.

The participants (14 female and 6 male) have gathered for an in-person workshop in Guam from the government audit offices of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); the FSM states of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap; Guam; the Marshall Islands and Palau.

PASAI Program Director, Meegan Reinhard, is co-facilitating the 5-day workshop covering the fundamentals of undertaking impactful performance audits with the Manager, Performance Audit Practice and Methodology from The Audit Office of New Zealand, Karen Wong, at a training venue at the Guam Office of Public Accountability.

Ms Reinhard explained, “The workshop is very practical and covers how to undertake a performance audit from planning to reporting, with opportunities for participants to apply what they are learning throughout.

“By the end of the week we will have supported each participant to apply the training content to their current audit work,” she said.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Co-facilitators, Karen Wong and Meegan Reinhard (second and third from left, front row), with participants of the performance audit workshop in Guam

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Contact information:

Meegan Reinhard, Program Director PASAI
E: meegan.reinhard@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

Q3 report now available

We have just published our third quarterly report for the 2025–26 financial year.

Current and past reports are available on our Quarterly reports page.

PASAI promotes audit quality and independence for the Vanuatu National Audit Office during in-country mission

Port Vila, Vanuatu: Senior staff from the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) provided in-person support to the Vanuatu National Audit Office last week and met with members of Vanuatu’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

During the weeklong mission from 20 to 24 April, PASAI Program Director, Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba, worked with the office’s executive staff, to enhance the office’s audit quality practices.

PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa, arrived later in the week, working closely with the Auditor-General, Caleb Sandy and his executive staff to support their advocacy for the office’s independence, particularly with the PAC.

Ms Lameko-Poutoa explained they were there to support the audit office pursue financial, organisational and legislative independence so that it can operate effectively and report audit findings without limitation or interference.

“Advocating for independent, well-resourced institutions that can effectively audit public finances and report on public financial management and the public sector’s performance is one of our strategic priorities,” she said.

“We want to ensure the Vanuatu National Audit Office has an appropriate degree of independence guaranteed in the nation’s legislative framework, so it was essential we supported the office to make its case with the PAC.”

The technical training Ms Vosawale-Katuba delivered to staff throughout the week focused on strengthening audit planning, evidence collection and reporting in accordance with international auditing standards.

“I supported staff to complete a quality risk assessment identifying quality risks specific to their context, assessing and prioritising risks to design targeted responses. This helps the office direct its resources to the most important areas and tailor its quality management system to its specific needs,” Ms Vosawale-Katuba said.

“We also discussed improvements to the office’s strategic and HR management, and provided guidance on the office’s audit recommendation follow-up processes.”

The PASAI officers also made courtesy visits to the Australian and New Zealand high commissions to brief staff on PASAI’s regional role and its ongoing capacity development initiatives with the local audit office.

They met with the First Secretary Economics, Australian High Commission, Anngalee Toth; the New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Peter Kemp; and the First Secretary, New Zealand High Commission, Holly Peacock.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Vanuatu Auditor General, Caleb Sandy (far left); PASAI Program Director, Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba (fifth from left): PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa (centre); with the PAC Chairman, Hon Chadrack Gracia (fourth from right); and other PAC members and audit office staff (Image credit: Vanuatu National Audit Office)

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Contact information:

Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba, Program Director PASAI
E: Meresimani.VosawaleKatuba@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

PASAI gathers financial auditors in Samoa for training to perform high-quality audits

Apia, Samoa: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) is training Pacific Island auditors to perform high-quality financial audits of public agencies.

Twenty-three senior staff (17 female, 6 male) from supreme audit institutions (SAIs) in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are participating in the 5-day, face-to-face workshop from 13 to 17 April 2026.

PASAI Program Director, Susana Laulu, is co-facilitating the workshop with senior staff from the Office of the Auditor-General of New Zealand.

The training, which combines instruction, examples, real-life applications and a practical element, is part of PASAI’s program to strengthen the ability of Pacific Island government auditors to perform high-quality financial audits.

Participants prepared for the workshop by identifying audit areas they want to make improvements on and bringing relevant documents to use in the course’s practical exercises.

Ms Laulu explained, “We want to give participants an opportunity to identify areas where improvements could be made in their key working papers related to planning, materiality, risk assessment, risk response, concluding and reporting.

“By the end of the workshop, participants should have the practical skills needed to confidently document their audit approaches and perform reviews of key components of the audit file.”

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Participants and co-facilitators of the workshop

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Contact information:

Susana Laulu, Program Director PASAI
E: susana.laulu@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

PASAI’s 45th Governing Board meeting

Auckland, New Zealand: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) held its 45th Governing Board meeting online on 25 March 2026, chaired by Florence Bonnafoux, President of the Territorial Chamber of Accounts of New Caledonia.

PASAI’s Secretary-General and Controller and Auditor-General of New Zealand, Grant Taylor, attended along with other Pacific Island-based board members, PASAI Secretariat staff, Office of the Secretary-General staff and a representative from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa, and acting Deputy Chief Executive, Mike Scott, reported on progress implementing PASAI’s operational plan during the first 2 quarters of the 2025–26 financial year, highlighting achievements and challenges against the planned targets and indicators of progress towards PASAI’s strategic goals for 2024–34.

They also presented on the themes and developments PASAI’s program directors had gleaned from quarterly update meetings with heads of member offices in the Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian sub-regions.

Board members received updates on preparations for PASAI’s upcoming Congress to be held in Nauru this August and endorsed it having the theme, ‘Sustainable Audits for Sustainable Islands’.

The Governing Board also considered various reports including on PASAI’s connections with INTOSAI (the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions) to coordinate support to the Pacific region with international partners.

The Secretariat expresses its gratitude to the Governing Board members for their ongoing assistance and acknowledges the support of its development partners, MFAT and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Online attendees of PASAI’s 45th Governing Board meeting

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Contact information:

Esther Lameko-Poutoa, Chief Executive PASAI, Auckland, New Zealand
E: secretariat@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

PASAI supporting cooperative audits on how Pacific Island governments are tackling skills shortages

Nadi, Fiji: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) is supporting auditors to plan and conduct performance audits on their governments’ efforts to tackle skilled worker shortages this week.

The 16 participants (11 female and 5 male) have gathered for an in-person workshop in Fiji from the government audit offices of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Kosrae, FSM Yap, Fiji, Guam, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu.

PASAI Program Director, Meegan Reinhard, is co-facilitating the 5-day workshop with senior staff from the New Zealand Office of the Auditor-General, Karen Wong and Clara Pau.

The training complements support provided by the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), which is the capacity development arm of the global umbrella organisation for the external government audit community, the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).

IDI has been supporting those who audit governments’ implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to conduct high-quality, high-impact performance audits.

Ms Reinhard explained, “Workshop participants have already completed online modules as part of the IDI’s SAI SDG Auditor Initiative.

“This week we’ll be getting auditors to understand how the issue of skilled worker shortages in their jurisdictions relates to SDG targets on health, education and clean water and guiding them to plan and conduct audits on the sector of highest relevance.”

Before delivering presentations on their proposed audits, participants will also discuss anticipated challenges, plan realistic audit timeframes, and learn techniques for managing their audit projects and monitoring progress.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Facilitators and participants of the cooperative audit workshop on skilled worker shortages

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Contact information:

Meegan Reinhard, Program Director PASAI
E: meegan.reinhard@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

PASAI supports Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General ahead of legislative reforms

Honiara, Solomon Islands: Senior staff from the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) provided in-person support to the Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General this week by advocating for legislative reform.

From 10 to 13 March, PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa, and Program Director, Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba, supported the local audit office with its stakeholder consultations on the Auditor-General Bill 2026, set to be introduced to the Parliament soon.

PASAI’s first strategic priority is supporting its member audit offices to pursue financial, organisational and legislative independence to operate effectively and report audit findings without limitation or interference.

Ms Lameko-Poutoa explained PASAI has previously provided legal expertise to draft amendments to the legislation that gives the audit office its mandate but that did not progress to Parliament.

“With the Government now indicating its intention to introduce a new Bill, the audit office’s consultations were a critical and timely opportunity for us to ensure the legislation reflects international standards and strengthens the office’s independence in both law and practice.

“While the Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General has a degree of independence in its constitutional framework, it will continue to face practical constraints without financial and organisational independence written into a revised Act.

“We were here to support the reform process so it results in a robust and sustainable legislative framework for the Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General,” she said.

The consultations included representatives from the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), various integrity institutions (such as the Office of the Ombudsman, the Leadership Code Commission, the Office of the Director of Prosecutions, the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Political Parties Integrity Commissions and the Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit) and various government ministries such as the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.

Ms Vosawale-Katuba said, “We came to advocate for the work of the audit office and highlight the importance of having a fully independent, well-resourced institution that can audit and report on public finances and the performance of the public sector.

“An audit office with operational autonomy, institutional independence and sustainable resourcing is a cornerstone of effective public sector accountability.”

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa (far left); Program Director, Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba (second from left); Solomon Islands Auditor General, David Dennis (fourth from left); PAC Chairman, Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo (front centre); and other officials from the PAC and the Office of the Auditor General (image credit: Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General)

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Contact information:

Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba, Program Director PASAI
E: Meresimani.VosawaleKatuba@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

PASAI gathers audit staff in Samoa to promote effective stakeholder engagement and updates high commissions on its work

Apia, Samoa: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) delivered stakeholder engagement training to 16 staff (12 female, 4 male) from 11 public audit offices from 23 to 26 February 2026.

The staff were from the audit offices of American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

During the 4-day in-person workshop, participants learned practical steps to maximise their engagement with stakeholders such as the legislature, audited entities, the media and the public.

Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Mike Scott, led the training and explained, “Three months ago we ran this workshop in Guam for members in the North Pacific.

“This time we catered mostly to audit offices with a parliamentary system of government, supporting our members to actively reach out to their stakeholders and involve them in their work, and to effectively communicate audit findings and follow up audit recommendations, to increase the impact of their work.  

“We also shared ways our members can report on how well they do their work and how their work has a positive impact on the lives of citizens."

PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa, and Communications Advisor, Luke Eaton, co-facilitated the workshop.

Workshop facilitators guided participants on communications principles, crafting actionable recommendations, drafting media releases, maximising their impact with social media content, and incorporating multimedia into audit reports and related communications material.

As with the training in Guam, the workshop included pre-recorded content prepared by the Executive Director of the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal, as well as senior staff at the Office of the Auditor General of the Republic of Fiji and the New Zealand Office of the Auditor-General.

Mr Scott was very grateful for these contributions saying, “This knowledge-sharing sparked discussion among workshop participants on the role civil society organisations can play in the accountability system and how improved engagement with parliaments may lead to better audit impact.

“It was also very beneficial for us that strategic communications partners from the New Zealand audit office joined the workshop remotely to respond to the questions of participants.”

All participants presented short- and long-term plans for how they can implement lessons from the workshop customised to the realities they face with their various stakeholders.

During the week, Ms Lameko-Poutoa and PASAI’s Samoa-based Program Director, Susana Laulu, met with the Second Secretary at the New Zealand High Commission to Samoa, Jordan Allison, to update his office on the aims of the workshop and other support PASAI is providing in the region.

Following the workshop, the 4 PASAI staff members met with the First Secretary at the Australian High Commission to Samoa, Greg Furness, and Tautai Deputy Program Director, Charmina Saili, to provide a similar update and to discuss ways PASAI can coordinate future work with the objectives of the commission’s economic governance program, Tautai.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Stakeholder engagement workshop facilitators and participants

PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa; Second Secretary, New Zealand High Commission to Samoa, Jordan Allison; and PASAI Program Director, Susana Laulu

Tautai Deputy Program Director, Charmina Saili; PASAI Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Mike Scott; First Secretary, Australian High Commission to Samoa, Greg Furness; PASAI Program Director, Susana Laulu; PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa; and PASAI Communications Advisor, Luke Eaton

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Contact information:

Mike Scott, Acting Deputy Chief Executive PASAI
E: mike.scott@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

PASAI on the ground in Papua New Guinea for financial and compliance audit support

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: Program Director for the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI), Susana Laulu, spent the week providing in-person technical support to the staff at the Papua New Guinea Auditor-General’s Office (AGO).

One mission objective was to assess whether the AGO had, since 2023, implemented recommendations enabling it to perform financial audits at high standards.

Ms Laulu said that PASAI will always support the AGO to comply with international audit standards, adding, “I was reassured to see significant improvements indicating a commitment to audit quality.”

Ms Laulu also brainstormed topics with the AGO’s compliance audit team and provided training to staff on steps to identify audit criteria and subject matters for effective planning.

She explained, “Compliance audits help ensure that public officials and institutions are following the rules, laws, policies and executive directives they’re meant to uphold.

“A compliance audit can either reveal to those we are auditing what needs to change or it can provide assurance to the public that the government entity is applying laws and regulations fairly and consistently – there is great value in either outcome.”

Ms Laulu paid a courtesy visit to the Counsellor / Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand High Commission to Papua New Guinea, Charlie Gillard, to update him on PASAI’s support to the AGO.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

PASAI Program Director, Susana Laulu (right), conducting a brainstorming session with staff from the Auditor-General’s Office

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Contact information:

Susana Laulu, Program Director PASAI
E: susana.laulu@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

Navigating gift giving in the Pacific public service

The Samoa Public Service Commission will lead the first ‘Share Learn Connect’ session for 2026 by sharing the background, analysis and development process that informed its Gift Giving Policy. 

Gift giving is a deeply rooted cultural practice across the Pacific – one that can strengthen relationships, respect and connection. At Fono 2025, Pacific leaders raised the importance of clear gift giving policies to maintain the balance between this important cultural practice while demonstrating integrity and ethical conduct within their public services.

This Public Service Fale session is open to all Pacific public servants, especially policy leaders and those in Human Resources. This session supports the Fale’s shared goal of strengthening ethical leadership and promoting consistent standards within public services across the region.

Share Learn Connect events provide the opportunity for Pacific public service colleagues to deepen understanding, strengthen capability and connect through shared learning.

Presenter: Osana Liki-Ward, Assistant Secretary, Samoa Public Service Commission
Date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Time: 11 am – 12.30 pm NZT
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams

Participants must register online before the close of business on Wednesday 25 February 2026.

Three more Pacific Island audit offices on track to upgrade in-house quality management systems

Auckland, New Zealand: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) is continuing to support the staff of 3 Pacific Island government audit offices to set up a formal system of audit quality management (SoAQM) with a second in-person workshop, starting today.

The first workshop in August 2025 covered the main concepts of the processes in the SoAQM such as quality risk management, monitoring quality and remediation of deficiencies, and the evaluation of the system. It also equipped participants to carry out a needs analysis assessment.

Five staff (2 female and 3 male) from the government audit offices of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the FSM State of Kosrae and Tonga gathered in Auckland this week to participate in the 3-day SoAQM workshop.

PASAI, in cooperation with the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and with the support of senior staff from the Office of the Auditor-General of New Zealand and Audit New Zealand, has already helped 5 other audit offices work towards establishing fit-for-purpose systems of audit quality management over the last 2 years.

Fiji-based Program Director, Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba, is facilitating the training and said, “This second workshop will help the participants to develop a bespoke SoAQM action plan and policy for each audit office.

“All program participants have been involved in documenting their offices’ needs analysis and will be part of the team implementing an SoAQM,” she added.

Manager Methodology from Audit New Zealand, Stuart Cormack, joined a workshop session online to share insights from his experience in implementing a system of audit quality management.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

PASAI Program Director, Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba (third from left), with SoAQM workshop participants

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Contact information:

Meresimani Vosawale-Katuba, Program Director PASAI
E: Meresimani.VosawaleKatuba@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

Professional ethics a continued focus for Pacific Island government auditors

Auckland, New Zealand: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) is collaborating with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) to deliver professional ethics training to government auditors, starting yesterday.

This activity seeks to ensure those responsible for carrying out the mandates of Pacific Island government audit offices receive specialised professional ethics and integrity training.  

Ninety-two staff (61 female, 31 male) from the government audit offices of American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National, FSM Chuuk, FSM Kosrae, FSM Pohnpei, FSM Yap, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu registered to participate in the training that covers the fundamental ethical principles governing the work of accountants and auditors working in the public sector.

PASAI Program Director and course facilitator, Sinaroseta Palamo-Iosefo, said, “This year’s training builds on the course we ran last year on the ‘Essentials of the Code’.

“It highlights the significance of trust, the expectations of those working in the public sector, the importance of setting the right culture to support ethical behaviour and the need for senior leadership to ensure they have the right systems in place to manage risk effectively.

“It will promote and encourage SAIs to establish processes and practices to ensure government audit staff adhere to ethical obligations and call out breaches to enhance integrity in government systems.”

After yesterday’s introductory workshop, participants will have until 13 February to complete a self-paced micro-course on PASAI’s online Learning Platform.

The micro-course includes videos of the Auditor-General of Australia, Dr Caralee McLiesh, and the former Controller and Auditor-General of New Zealand, John Ryan, sharing insights on the importance of ethics in the public sector.

Small cohort interactive workshops will follow allowing participants to discuss how to apply ethical principles to their working environments, share experiences and learn from expert facilitators and peers.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

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Contact information:

Sinaroseta Palamo-Iosefo, Program Director PASAI, Auckland, New Zealand
E: sina.iosefo@pasai.org  P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

Q2 report now available

We have just published our second quarterly report for the 2025–26 financial year.

Current and past reports are available on our Quarterly reports page.

PASAI Chief Executive in Chuuk State advocating for good governance

Weno, Chuuk State: Chief Executive for the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI), Esther Lameko-Poutoa, visited Chuuk State of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from 29 January to 2 February 2026 to advocate for the Office of the Chuuk State Public Auditor, coinciding with the 2026 FSM Auditors’ Conference.

Public auditors from FSM’s national and 4 state audit offices convene annually for in-person capability development, knowledge sharing and stakeholder meetings.

PASAI Program Director, Sophia H Pretrick, who is based in Pohnpei State, accompanied Ms Lameko-Poutoa on her mission, arriving before the stakeholder meetings with Chuuk State leaders.

“Chuuk State has been without an officially appointed Public Auditor for nearly 2 years, so it was important for me to advocate with the audit offices at their stakeholder meetings,” Ms Lameko-Poutoa explained.

The Governor’s representatives and leaders from Chuuk State’s House of Representatives and House of Senate attended the meetings.

Of the meetings, Ms Lameko-Poutoa said, “The advocacy was mainly to foster mutual respect, enhance partnerships with the Legislature, lift their understanding of the role of public auditors and the importance of audit independence, support oversight functions and ensure the Chuuk State Office of the Public Auditor receives sufficient support.

“The Legislature is one of the most important stakeholders of public audit offices.

“The advocacy with the leaders highlighted the common challenges facing all audit offices in the FSM.”  

National Public Auditor, Haser Hainrick, emphasised the need to enhance partnerships between the audit offices and the legislatures, saying, “They must work together to exercise the oversight function. 

“Success for one audit office is success for all,” he added.

Vice President of the Senate, Wisney Nakayama, explained that he supports the Office of the Chuuk State Public Auditor’s development. 

Recruitment of the Chuuk State Public Auditor is currently in progress.

Ms Lameko-Poutoa explained functional public financial management systems are underpinned by good working relationships between public auditors and the legislative and executive branches of government.

“When audit offices are sufficiently resourced, can operate independently and are given information they need, their audits and investigations have the best chance to result in positive impacts for the people governments serve,” she said.

The targeted support provided to the staff of the Chuuk audit office included guidance on the next steps in the review of its audit legislation following the meetings, continuous engagement with the Legislature, audit follow-up and internal governance matters.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

(From L to R) US Graduate School Trainer, Drummond Khan; Kosrae State Public Auditor, Palikkun Kilafasru; PASAI Chief Executive, Esther Lameko-Poutoa; National Public Auditor, Haser H Hainrick; House of Senate Vice President, Hon Wisney Nakayama, Pohnpei State Public Auditor, Erick Paul; Yap State Public Auditor, Bryan Dabugsiy; Acting Chuuk State Public Auditor, Sarah Mori, Pohnpei Office of the Public Auditor, Sanjay KC; PASAI Program Director, Sophia H Pretrick; Audit Manager for the Office of the National Public Auditor, Midson Tom; Chairman of the Judiciary and Governmental Relations Committee (JGRC), Nelson Stephens; and Vice Chairman of the JGRC, Pius Onopey

With House of Representatives Speaker, Hon Lester Danny Mersai (centre), Floor Leader, Hon Wayne Olap (third from right); and Chairman of Ways & Means, Hon Jessy P William (second from right)

With Acting Governor, Dr Bosco Buligy (centre); and Chief of Staff, Arthur II Irons (far left)

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Contact information:

Sophia H Pretrick, Program Director PASAI
E: sophia.pretrick@pasai.org  P: +64 9 304 1275

PDF version of this media release

Webinar to launch the World Public Sector Report 2025

The World Public Sector Report 2025, published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), examines the role of SAIs in the implementation, follow up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The report highlights how SAIs are emerging as critical partners in advancing the SDGs. Through their audits, SAIs provide governments with evidence-based insights that strengthen accountability and accelerate progress toward inclusive and sustainable development.

Since 2016, SAIs have conducted hundreds of SDG-related audits, influencing national policies, laws and institutional arrangements. These audits have helped embed SDG priorities into governance frameworks and informed strategies for fiscal sustainability, equity and climate resilience.

The report’s launch webinar will comprise a presentation of the report, comments by public administration experts and a discussion.

It will start at 2 am on Saturday 31 January 2026 (NZT) so will likely be difficult to join live, but please register for a recording to be sent to you afterwards.