Top auditor stresses key role of UN

The United Nations plays an important role in promoting the noble cause of peace and the development of mankind, and a stronger UN is needed to build a community with a shared future for mankind, said Hou Kai, chair of the United Nations Board of Auditors.

Hou, who is also auditor-general of the National Audit Office of China, presided over the recently concluded 77th regular session of the UN Board of Auditors held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the UN headquarters in New York.

Stressing the importance of advancing the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said that as part of that effort he would continue to cooperate closely with other board members and focus on truthfulness, compliance and efficiency in relation to budget and financial management.

The United Nations Board of Auditors has deliberated over and approved 21 audit reports on the UN Secretariat and other entities for the fiscal year 2022.

Its recently concluded session also discussed requests from legislative bodies that require follow-up actions by the board, and proposed a work plan for the second half of the year.

The board members had a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for an exchange of opinions on key issues identified in the United Nations audit for fiscal year 2022, as well as important priorities and challenges faced by the world organization.

Guterres said that he appreciates the significant role played by the board in assisting the UN in improving management, strengthening internal control and improving governance. He added that he would continue to strengthen cooperation with the board, actively implement the audit recommendations and support the work of the Board of Auditors.

The Board of Auditors, an independent professional body, plays an important role in promoting accountability and transparency in the UN. Since taking office as a member of the board in July 2020, Hou has cooperated with other members to jointly lead the implementation of the audit work.

The Chinese auditors conducted audits of nearly 130 projects in four categories — the UN Secretariat, funds and programs, peacekeeping missions and the Umoja enterprise resource planning system.