UN Audit Committee Holds Session in Switzerland
The Independent Audit Advisory Committee of the United Nations convened for its sixty-eighth session from December 3 to 6, 2024. This hybrid meeting took place at the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in Berne, Switzerland. The session was marked by a somber atmosphere due to the recent passing of the Committee’s Chair, Mr. Imran Vanker. Despite this loss, the remaining members, including Vice Chairman Mr. Anton Kosyanenko, Ms. Dorothy Bradley, Mr. Suresh Sharma, Ms. Jeanette Franzel, and Executive Secretary Mr. Moses Bamuwamye, participated actively in the discussions.
Tribute to the Late Chair
The session began with a heartfelt tribute to the late Mr. Vanker. Committee members observed a minute of silence in his honor, reflecting on his contributions and leadership. This moment of remembrance set a respectful tone for the meeting. The Committee members expressed their condolences and shared memories of Mr. Vanker’s dedication to the UN’s mission. His absence was deeply felt, but the members were determined to continue their work in his spirit.
The meeting also featured the successful ninth gathering of representatives from the United Nations system Oversight Advisory Committees. This significant event was co-chaired by Mr. Marjan Osvald of UPU and Mr. Sharma. High-level representatives from 22 UN entities attended, fostering a robust exchange of information. The discussions focused on best practices, governance, oversight, and risk management. A notable achievement of this session was the adoption and signing of a Terms of Reference for the Oversight Advisory Committee Network, marking a milestone in collaborative oversight efforts.
Key Meetings and Discussions
During the session, the Independent Audit Advisory Committee engaged in several important meetings with key UN officials. One notable meeting was with Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, the Director General for the United Nations Office at Geneva. They discussed the effectiveness of the Organization’s internal oversight and ethics functions. This dialogue aimed to enhance the overall governance framework within the UN.
Another significant meeting involved Ms. Fatoumata Ndiaye, Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). The discussions covered various topics, including the implementation status of the peacekeeping workplan for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. They also addressed the budget proposal for peacekeeping operations for the 2025/2026 period. The Committee raised concerns about the trend of closing numerous recommendations without proper implementation, highlighting the need for better coordination with oversight bodies.
Leadership Changes and Future Sessions
At the conclusion of the session, the Independent Audit Advisory Committee made important leadership decisions. Mr. Anton Kosyanenko was unanimously elected as the new Chairman, while Mr. Suresh Sharma was appointed as Vice Chairman. Both will serve for the remainder of the current term and the following year, starting January 1, 2025. This leadership transition aims to ensure continuity and stability within the Committee as it navigates its responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the Committee has scheduled its sixty-ninth session for February 17 to 19, 2025, in New York. This upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity to build on the discussions held in Berne and further advance the Committee’s objectives. For more information about the Committee’s work, interested parties can visit its official website or contact Executive Secretary Moses Bamuwamye directly.
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