UNDP’s Bold Plan to Revitalise FSM Financial Audits with AI—Here’s What You Need to Know

Micronesian Public Servants were in a workshop this April, looking at how they can use AI to speed up Financial Audits of Public Accounts!

Enhancing Public Audits in FSM with AI

A recent workshop in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), hosted by the UNDP under the Vaka Pasifika project, focused on improving the effectiveness of public audits in the Pacific region. The event brought together 30 representatives from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for better implementing and tracking audit recommendations. The workshop also explored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance audit processes, highlighting opportunities for automation and improved transparency.

The Role of AI in Public Audits

Participants discussed the challenges of implementing audit recommendations in the Pacific and how AI tools could address these issues. Automated systems were identified as a way to increase the visibility of audit impacts, making the process more efficient compared to traditional manual methods. AI could also enhance communication by aggregating key information and facilitating the uploading of reports, which is crucial for maintaining the independence and effectiveness of SAIs in promoting transparency and accountability.

UNDP’s Commitment to Governance

UNDP, with support from the EU, is committed to advancing governance in the Pacific through initiatives like the Vaka Pasifika project. The workshop, held from April 18-20, 2023, included bilateral meetings with SAI representatives from FSM, Palau, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru. UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative, Kevin Petrini, emphasised that integrating AI in public audits can significantly enhance their efficiency and impact, aligning with broader goals of sustainable development in the region.

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