From the desk of ASOSAI Chair
General Chanathap Indamr a, President of the State Audit Commission State Audit Office of the Kingdom of Thailand
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is my distinct honor to address you in the April 2024 edition of the ASOSAI Journal, dedicated to the theme of ‘Auditing Sustainable Urban Development’. In our rapidly urbanizing world, the importance of this topic cannot be overstated. As cities expand and evolve, they become hubs of economic activity, cultural exchange, and social innovation. However, they also face significant challenges related to sustainability, equity, and resilience.
Sustainable urban development is a critical component of the global agenda, particularly in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 11 explicitly aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Achieving this goal requires robust policies, effective implementation, and rigorous oversight. This is where our role as Supreme Audit Institutions becomes essential.
Auditing sustainable urban development involves evaluating how well urban policies and projects align with sustainability principles. This includes assessing the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of urban initiatives, as well as their environmental and social impacts. By scrutinizing urban development projects, SAIs can ensure that resources are used judiciously, risks are managed appropriately, and the benefits of urbanization are distributed fairly among all citizens.
The SDGs audit framework provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating sustainable urban development. It might extend the eight aspects known as the 8Es: Economy, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Environment, Equity, Ethic, Emergency Preparedness, and Engagement with Stakeholders. Each of these aspects is crucial for holistic urban development.
For instance, auditing the economy and efficiency of urban projects ensures that financial resources are utilized optimally. Effectiveness audits measure the outcomes and impacts of these projects, while environmental audits assess their sustainability. Equity audits examine how these projects address the needs of all urban residents, particularly marginalized groups. Ethics audits ensure transparency and accountability, emergency preparedness audits evaluate resilience, and engagement audits assess the involvement of stakeholders in urban planning and implementation.
The impact of auditing sustainable urban development extends beyond accountability. It promotes transparency, fosters trust in public institutions, and encourages continuous improvement in urban governance. Through our audits, we can highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide actionable recommendations to policymakers and implementers.
Moreover, our audits can serve as a catalyst for change, driving the adoption of innovative solutions and sustainable practices. They can also raise public awareness about the importance of sustainable urban development and the role of citizens in shaping the future of our cities.
In summary, auditing sustainable urban development is not just a professional responsibility for us as auditors; it is a vital contribution to the global pursuit of sustainable development. By ensuring that our cities are developed sustainably, we can help create a better future for all.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.
Best regards,
General Chanathap Indamra
Chairman of ASOSAI