President Dr. Hussam Alangari Accepts the INTOSAI Future Award on behalf of the General Court of Audit of Saudi Arabia

Author: Jessica Du, Editor and Vice President, International Journal of Government Auditing

The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) presented the INTOSAI Future Award at the XXV INCOSAI in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt on October 31, 2025. The INTOSAI Future Award, recognizes meritorious services in government auditing and is granted to a SAI for future-oriented achievements and outstanding contributions to INTOSAI community, organization stewardship, and leadership priorities. The INTOSAI Future Award represents a new iteration of the former Jörg Kandutsch Award.  

Dr. Margit Kraker, INTOSAI Secretary General, presented the INTOSAI Future Award to President Dr. Hussam Alangari, on behalf of the General Court of Audit of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (GCA). This prestigious honor recognized the GCA’s exceptional contributions to the INTOSAI community and its proactive role in shaping the future of public sector auditing and implementing innovative practices that advance the auditing and accounting profession globally.

Some of the key accomplishments highlighted at the award ceremony included the GCA’s integral involvement and leadership in numerous INTOSAI initiatives. Since 1992, the GCA has been a steadfast member of various INTOSAI working groups, task forces, and committees. It has been a part of the INTOSAI Governing Board and the boards of the International Development Initiative (IDI) and the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI). Furthermore, the GCA has played leadership roles as the Chair of Arab Organization for Supreme Audit Institutions (ARABOSAI) and the Policy, Finance, and Administration Committee (PFAC), and has co-chaired the INTOSAI Donor Cooperation steering committee. These roles have allowed the GCA to make substantial contributions to strengthening international cooperation and advancing INTOSAI’s goals.

The GCA’s commitment to mutual support among INTOSAI members has been unwavering, particularly in fostering bilateral ties and providing crucial assistance to supreme audit institutions (SAIs) in developing countries. Notably, the GCA launched “The Saudi Fund for Improving the Performance of Supreme Audit Institutions” in 2020 to help SAIs overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, over 42 SAIs have benefited from this program. The GCA has also made significant strides in promoting SAI independence through its active participation in the Global Project on SAI Independence. 

The GCA has also demonstrated excellence within its own institution. It has prioritized the professional development of its staff by establishing a dedicated training center and offering a variety of continuing education initiatives. Beyond investing in human resources, the GCA has made significant strides in advancing its infrastructure, particularly through digital technologies. Notably, it has implemented the “Shamel Platform”, an electronic control system designed to streamline data exchange and enhance audit procedures, further modernizing its functions. The digital auditing transformation is recognized internationally as a model for comprehensive auditing practices.

Since its inception at the XI INCOSAI in 1983, the Jörg Kandutsch Award has served as a prestigious recognition of the major accomplishments of SAIs. Named in honor of Dr. Jörg Kandutsch, former Secretary General of INTOSAI, the award has been presented 15 times, with the latest being at the XXV INCOSAI in 2025.

However, after four decades of recognizing traditional achievements, the INTOSAI General Secretariat revised the award’s Terms of Reference, including renaming the award to the INTOSAI Future Award, reflecting a shift toward recognizing forward-looking innovations and contributions.

The newly revised INTOSAI Future Award emphasizes the importance of future-oriented working methods and achievements, specifically focusing on the implementation of INTOSAI’s Strategic Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and initiatives promoting strong, resilient, and relevant SAIs. Additionally, the revised criteria stress the importance of gender equality and inclusiveness within the work of SAIs. While these new areas of focus were introduced, the core requirement—that the award be presented for significant contributions to the field of public auditing—remained unchanged.

The presentation of the INTOSAI Future Award to the General Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia symbolizes not only the recognition of past achievements but also a commitment to shaping the future of auditing. As the award shifts focus toward innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the GCA’s work stands as a model for other SAIs in embracing these essential values while ensuring the continued relevance and effectiveness for the future of public sector auditing.