Azerbaijani president: AI and sustainability key to modern state auditing

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a formal address to participants of the Joint Meeting of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) and the Arab Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ARABOSAI), currently taking place in Baku.

In his message, President Aliyev welcomed attendees and congratulated them on the opening of the event, which is being hosted by Azerbaijan’s Chamber of Accounts. He underlined the significance of the joint gathering, noting the high-level participation of ASOSAI and ARABOSAI member countries, alongside representatives from the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), as a testament to the event’s global relevance, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“The holding of such a meeting in our country as a strong endorsement of Azerbaijan’s efforts to strengthen the activities of its supreme audit institution in promoting efficiency, accountability, effectiveness, and transparency in the use of state funds,” the Azerbaijani leader stated.

Aliyev pointed to two United Nations General Assembly resolutions – adopted in 2011 and 2014 – which underscore the critical importance of enhancing the effectiveness and transparency of public administration through the strengthening of supreme audit institutions. He emphasised the continued relevance of these resolutions in today’s rapidly evolving governance landscape.

Addressing the thematic focus of the Meeting, President Aliyev highlighted the importance of sustainable development and the digital transition, stressing that both challenges and opportunities require responsible governance and disciplined financial resource management. He noted that public sector cooperation, innovation, and scientific research – particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) – are key to advancing audit capabilities in a modern economy.

“The application of artificial intelligence in state auditing will contribute to the further development of auditing as an independent supervisory institution and to the sustainable development of audit services,” he said, adding that AI is already reshaping public administration, education, healthcare, defence, and beyond.

President Aliyev also drew attention to the pressing need for accountability and transparency in financing climate action. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s dedication to climate goals, citing the country’s hosting of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) as a reflection of its strong commitment to global environmental issues.

In conclusion, the Azerbaijani head of state expressed confidence that the joint meeting would strengthen ties between ASOSAI and ARABOSAI, help implement key UN resolutions, and contribute to the broader development of supreme audit bodies worldwide.

“I extend my best regards to you all and wish success to the work of the Meeting,” Aliyev concluded.