This year's Association of the Pacific Islands Public Auditors (APIPA) conference theme reflects one of the founding principles of APIPA - to promote public awareness of the purpose and importance of conducting audits of public resources and strengthen the auditing/accounting profession in our jurisdictions.
SAO's ACAG, Terence Su'a, participated in the conference that was held from August 28th to September 1st, 2023, in Majuro, the Capitol of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and hosted by the Office of the Auditor General of the RMI. This was the first in-person APIPA conference since the global pandemic, with the last three years' conferences held virtually.
Promoting Public Accountability
The APIPA conference brought together government officials, auditors, and financial experts from across the Pacific region, including Samoa. The central focus remained on promoting public accountability and transparency, aligning perfectly with Samoa's commitment to maintaining a robust and transparent public financial system.
This year's conference featured a diverse array of auditing and finance courses throughout the week. Thanks to support from the Graduate School USA and the US Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, participants had access to first-class instructors offering courses ranging from basic to advanced levels in both the Audit and Finance tracks. This educational opportunity empowers attendees to contribute more effectively to their respective organizations upon returning home.
APIPA, established in January 1988, has evolved significantly since its inception. The organization was formed by the heads of audit organizations from five Pacific Island nations, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Over time, APIPA has expanded to include Public Auditors from various Pacific Island nations, showcasing the growing importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening financial accountability.
The APIPA conference, an annual event lasting five days, serves as a platform for continuing professional education and as a forum for discussions and interactions among APIPA members and individuals involved in auditing and government financial management in the region. APIPA remains committed to promoting efficiency and accountability in the use of public resources in emerging nations of the Pacific.
SAO's participation in the APIPA conference underscores our dedication to transparency, accountability, and good governance. As we move forward, the knowledge and experiences gained at this conference will further enhance Samoa's public auditing practices, contributing to a brighter financial future for our nation and the entire Pacific region
"Assuring Good & Ethical Governance, Transparency & Integrity"
