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Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
1 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) - Donor Community
Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Accountancy and Improve Collaboration (MOSAIC)
DRAFT Minutes of the Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
February 22, 2012
Attendees:
NAME ABB. ORGANIZATION
Amarjit Chopra AC Member—IFAC PAO Development Committee
Angela Corcoran AnC Assistant Director General, Program Strategy & Design—Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
Anthony Martin
Hegarty
AMH Chief Financial Management Officer—World Bank
Ashok Jain Chairman, Jaipur Chapter—Institute of Cost Accountants of India
B. L. Jain Chairman, Northern India Regional Council—Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Bruce Robertson Deputy Secretary-General— Pacific Association of
Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI)
Carmen
Mataragiu
Member—IFAC PAO Development Committee
David Ostermeyer DO Chief Financial Officer—United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Deborah J.
Williams
DJW Chair—IFAC PAO Development Committee
Dylan Roux Working in Partner Systems, Program Strategy & Design—Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
Einar Gorrissen Deputy Director General IDI—INTOSAI Development Initiative
Eroni Vatuloka Executive Director, Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI)
Gabriella Kusz GK Technical Manager—International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
Gary Scopes Member—IFAC PAO Development Committee
Gene L. Dodaro Controller General of the United States—United States Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO)
Håkon Mundal HM Senior Advisor—Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD)
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
2 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
Jaydeep Narendra
Shah
JNS President—Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Jorgen Kosmo Auditor General and Chairman of the IDI Board—INTOSAI Donor Secretariat
Larks Wilke Policy Analyst / Seconded National Expert—EuropeAid for Development and Cooperation
M.
Gopalakrishnan
President—Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Manvinder Mamak Senior Financial Management Specialist—World Bank
Manuel Vargas Senior Financial Management Specialist—World Bank
Monica Rubiolo MR Head of Macroeconomic Support Division—State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Nishant Bharwaj NB Senior Advisor—Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Patricia Arriagada Subcomptroller—General Comptroller Office of Chile
Paul Hurks PH Manager of International Accountancy Education &
Development—Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut van
Registeraccountants (Royal NIVRA)
Peter Rostedt Swedish National Audit Office (Riksrevisionen)
Rakesh Sehgal Additional Secretary—Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Rakesh Singh Vice President—Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Russell Guthrie RG Executive Director, Quality and Member Relations—International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
Sanjay Gupta Council Member—Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Sanjay KW Jain Secretary - Jaipur Chapter of Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Stephan Sharples SS Senior Advisor—Department for International Development (DFID)
Subodh K
Agrawal
Vice President—Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Sudhir Kumar
Sharma
Joint Director (Technical)—Institute of Cost Accountants of India
T Karthikeyan Secretary—Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Tom Hennessy TH Senior Advisor—Irish Aid
Vickson Ncube Chief Executive Officer—Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA)
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
3 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
Vijay Kumar Garg Central Council Member—Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Rakesh Jhalani Chairman, Jaipur Chapter – Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
1. Opening Remarks
The meeting commenced with a welcome from Anthony Martin Hegarty [AMH] to
attendees and special thanks to the International Federation of Accountants, the
International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions and all attendees. Deborah J.
Williams [DJW] also welcomed and thanked attendees for their attendance and
participation in the day’s events.
2. Welcome Address: Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Mr. Jaydeep Narendra Shah [JNS] welcomed all to India and expressing his gratitude for their attendance and participation in this historic meeting. JNS then went on to introduce the audience to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India as a statutory body established under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (Act No. XXXVIII of 1949) for the regulation of the profession of Chartered Accountants in India. JNS noted that during its 61 years of existence, ICAI has achieved recognition as a premier accounting body not only in the country but also globally, for its contribution in the fields of education, professional development, maintenance of high accounting, auditing and ethical standards. ICAI now stands as the world’s second largest accounting body. JNS then went on to discuss the various international activities of the Institute of Chartered Accountants including their current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the College of Banking and Financial Studies in Oman which seeks to provide assistance in the institutionalization of the accounting profession in Oman. Their MOU with the Center of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) in Dubai which seeks to assist in the conceptualization and creation of an international curriculum in accountancy integrating local needs with a focus on the various requirements of different levels of the profession. As well as insight into their provision of technical assistance to the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) association of Mongolia and the University of Djibouti.
3. Welcome Address: Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Mr. M. Gopalakrishnan [MG] began by welcoming all to the city of Jaipur and expressing
his gratitude for their attendance and participation in this historic meeting. MG then
noted India’s position as one of the most vibrant economies in the future global
economic environment and went on to describe how India has aligned itself with the
global accounting community over the course of the past decade. MG noted that the
Institute of Cost Accountants, with its focus on the performance management sphere
targeting the optimal utilization of scarce resources, has been active in promoting
transparency and accountability and also in fostering efficient and effective public
resource management. MG noted that the world of performance reporting is moving from
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
4 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
one-dimensional financial reporting towards multi-dimensional management reporting -
with a concentration on the proactive measures to plan the efficiency of business
decisions on a futuristic basis. But this is not possible unless a strong and robust
financial accounting system exists.
MG commented on the various international development activities of the Institute of
Cost Accountants – particularly those which have assisted the development of the
profession in Sri Lanka and the Middle East. MG noted that in their experience, it is vital
for the establishment of professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) to have access
to financial resources in order to ensure sustainability and undertake long-term planning.
In this respect, they believe that the IFAC - Donor Community MOSAIC can play a key
role in enhancing the sustainability of PAO development efforts.
AMH noted that it has taken a number of years for the Institute of Cost Accountants and
the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India to reach their current level of
development and contribute to the Indian economy as they do. AMH then noted that to
date, there have been over 120 Accounting and Auditing Reports on the Observance of
Standards and Codes (AA-ROSCs) conducted around the world and the main finding is
that capacity is weak and that accounting development in this regard is needed in both
the public and private sectors.
4. Overview of IFAC
Russell Guthrie [RG] then provided a brief PowerPoint presentation regarding IFAC and
its development activities. RG noted that IFAC is the global not-for-profit organization for
the accountancy profession which is comprised of 167 members in 127 countries around
the world. RG then discussed IFAC’s role in the global economy in serving the public
interest, establishing and promoting adherence to high quality professional standards
and furthering their adoption and implementation, supporting the global development of
the accountancy profession, sharing in the regulation of the profession, and speaking out
on public interest issues where the profession’s voice is most relevant.
RG went on to describe IFAC’s Member Body Development Team, the Compliance
Program and the PAO Development Committee focus on developing the capacity of the
accountancy profession, increasing awareness building and knowledge sharing around
adoption and implementation of international standards, and engaging and deepening
development partnerships with the international donor community, regional
organizations, and public/private sector stakeholders. The full IFAC Overview
PowerPoint presentation is available to the public via the IFAC PAO Development
Committee webpage (http://www.ifac.org/about-ifac/professional-accountancy-
organization-development-committee).
5. Discussion of Goals and Objectives of MOSAIC MOU Cooperation
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
5 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
Steven Sharples [SS] initiated the discussion on goals and objectives of MOSAIC MOU
Cooperation through a PowerPoint presentation on the various aspects of the MOU and
the key questions to answer in addressing the goals/objectives of MOSAIC. SS began
by highlighting the key components of the MoU – the background / context of the
MOSAIC relationship, the identified goals of IFAC and the donor community, the
underlying principles, as well as the indicative types of activities (global, regional,
country) and meeting arrangements (Steering Committee). SS focused the attention of
the attendees on two key elements included in the MoU: the interest of signatories in
“optimizing their joint efforts in enhancing the capacity of the accountancy
profession in emerging and developing countries, taking into consideration the
varying levels of development and unique country contexts of partner countries”…so that
there is “sustained improvement in public and private sector accountancy and
financial management and reporting and there are sustainable PAOs to support this.”
Discussion focused on how this forms the core of the efforts of signatories and
observers to the MOSAIC agreement and how together we can further these concepts.
SS ended his presentation for the goals and objectives session by leaving the group with
a few key issues to consider, most notably the need to have continued focus on the
greater public interest. Additionally, SS asked attendees to reflect on the distinctive
strengths of IFAC and of the donors as well as to reflect on how donors and IFAC’s
agendas evolving. In considering these issues, IFAC and the donor community will need
to consider how they can get political support for their agendas (domestically and in
partner countries), to identify where donor and IFAC agendas may overlap, and to
contemplate how together, IFAC and the donor community will measure the success of
their joint efforts.
Paul Hurks [PH] noted that success may be shaped through locally driven initiatives. PH
explained that his institute, the Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut van Registeraccountants
(Royal NIVRA) provides support to emerging and developing nation PAOs, but that the
largest indicator of success in these efforts is the leadership coming from the emerging
and developing nation PAOs. PH raised the issue that his institute, similar to the Indian
institutes, provides a number of mentoring relationships and technical assistance to
PAOs around the world, but that the main constraint is funding.
AMH followed this comment by noting that over the last three years, overseas
development assistance has surpassed USD $500 billion to emerging and transitioning
countries, and that the issue of accountability at the country level is significant. AMH
noted that one of the key messages of Busan was that “strong national institutions” are
necessary and that building capacity at the national level, supported by regional and
global frameworks, is crucial. The World Bank has had more than 90 projects which
focus on accountancy development, but these are generally small projects and are not
sufficient to adequately build sustainable capacity. Leveraging more
established/developed PAOs to assist in building the capacity of those in emerging and
developing nations will be an important part of strengthening these institutions.
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
6 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
Following this conversation, David Ostermeyer [DO] questioned what success would
look like to IFAC in the short and long term. RG responded by noting that short term
success may be further developing of the nascent profession and greater engagement
by government in 10-15 countries globally. DW added that although the number of
members in IFAC is growing, it is not growing as much in some of the least developed
countries in the world. Specifically, DW noted that an area of greatest need is Africa. SS
added that perhaps prioritization of countries and their needs would be most helpful in
answering the question of what defines success as it may be more important for some
countries versus others to establish and develop a PAO.
In an effort to leverage the lessons learned of INTOSAI, Einar Gorrissen [EG] provided
his perspective regarding defining success. EG commented on the need for
development to be demand v. supply driven. He also noted that capacity development in
SAIs takes time, maybe ten years before real development can be seen. EG shared how
INTOSAI members undertook local assessments of their needs and drove identification
of the need for assistance.
RG agreed with this insight and noted that success may not be a PAO in every country,
but rather respecting national sovereignty of our partner PAOs and respecting country
context. Additionally, RG emphasized IFAC’s current position in considering country
context when providing technical assistance. For example, when considering cases
where the national profession has decided to structure itself in more than one PAO (e.g.,
a country which maintains a Chamber of Auditors and a Chamber of Accountants),
although IFAC’s preference is for one PAO per country in order to pool resources and
share expertise, IFAC takes into consideration the unique country environment and
respects the decisions of national stakeholders in the formation of the profession.
Discussion leaders then called on PH to provide his experience in working with the PAO
from Kosovo to further expand on the issue of respecting country context and on taking
a long-term approach to capacity development. PH noted that one of the areas of his
efforts with the Kosovar PAO was in enhancing the program of audit quality assurance
conducted by the PAO. He noted that in a demand driven model, it has taken
approximately five years of phased-in technical assistance to successfully support the
development of this program:
First Year: Legislative/regulatory strengthening
Second Year: Education of professionals ahead of implementation of program
Third Year: Development of system of quality assurance. Development of internal
quality control systems by local firms.
Fourth Year: Initiation of audit quality assurance system.
Fifth Year: Review of initial year results and modifications to system.
DO noted that IFAC is in a leadership position with regard to this initiative. DO noted that
MOSAIC could potentially be a very significant document. He wanted to see IFAC
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
7 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
provide a greater set of metrics to better describe the world map graphic presented by
RG during the IFAC Overview PPT presentation. DO commented that metrics would
define areas where further investment in accountancy capacity development would be
needed. At present, DO noted that prior to financing, the donor community would need
more information. Additionally, to garner internal political support, DO noted that IFAC
may wish to develop additional materials tailored to donor needs so that they would be
better positioned to provide more support to emerging and developing nation PAOs.
DO also noted that for example, in the US and India, PAOs are key players in the public
sector accountancy discussion. This may be an area to strengthen among PAOs in
emerging and developing economies.
Amarjit Chopra [AC] commented that one of the key issues will be how we measure
success. He added that it may not be the number of PAOs created/established which
should serve as an indicator of success, but rather that those which are already
established are achieving what we expect them to achieve (e.g., does the PAO integrate
with governments and universities?). Setting up a PAO is one issue, but working to
ensure its successful contribution to the financial sector and economy is another.
6. Establishment of the MOSAIC Steering Committee
RG began with a call for any comments/reactions on the Meeting Discussion Paper
entitled “Steering Committee Design and Development Discussion Paper.” He then
focused discussions on Paragraph #9 of the paper which discussed the concept of ‘open
membership’ to the Steering Committee. RG went on to note that the Steering
Committee may want to consider the principle of open ended membership to be
continued as this may foster a strategic partnership which constitutes a global forum in-
line with the spirit in which the Partnership has been developed and the MoU written. RG
then requested EG to discuss the INTOSAI experience in this regard.
EG noted that the INTOSAI Steering Committee liked the concept of ‘open
representation’. Moreover, although various donor organizations may not be signatories
to the MoU with INTOSAI, they still maintain a mechanism for participating and
contributing to the success of the joint INTOSAI - donor community efforts.
RG noted his agreement with the spirit of openness associated with maintaining an
‘open membership.’
Action Item #1 For the interim, it was agreed to maintain open representation
to the Steering Committee.
DO was interested in understanding whether or not there were any constraints holding
back some of the observers from signing the MoU. AMH noted that this question was not
meant to pressure any observers, but rather to better understand the challenges which
might be facing potential signatories and other observer organizations.
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
8 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
In response to DO’s question, Angela Corcoran [AnC] of AusAid noted that their
organization was interested in MOSAIC and that at present there were no constraints to
their signing.
Tom Henessy [TH] of Irish Aid agreed with AnC’s comments.
Håkon Mundal of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) noted
that there were capacity constraints of their organization which prevented them from
signing, but noted their interest in continuing on as an observer to the IFAC-donor
community efforts.
RG then directed the discussion to Paragraph #10 of the Steering Committee Design
and Development Discussion Paper which presents IFAC’s proposed composition on the
Steering Committee. RG discussed how IFAC is considering that its representation to
the MOSAIC Steering Committee be comprised of the acting members of its PAO
Development Committee. Half of the IFAC PAO Development Committee are appointed
as representatives of IFAC regions and the remaining members are appointed “at large.”
Members of this Committee are selected through a nominations process which
considers candidate professional experience, technical skills, and knowledge of the work
of the PAO Development Committee. The nominations process promotes diversity of
gender, geographical, and professional balance. RG noted that following further
consultation, IFAC will present its proposed Steering Committee representation to the
IFAC Board in June 2012 for approval. RG then requested comment from the Steering
Committee regarding this proposed way forward.
AMH noted that IFAC may wish to work to ensure that the ‘concept of inclusiveness’
prevails in that representatives from less developed countries are also represented.
SS noted that as PAO mentoring may be a key component of MOSAIC implementation,
having not only emerging and developing nation representation, but also representation
from mentor organizations may be crucial.
RG noted that presently, the PAO Development Committee does maintain a balance of
representatives from developed as well as developing PAOs.
Action Item #2 IFAC will reflect on the comments provided and further
develop its proposal for internal consideration.
EG provided some insight from the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation example by sharing
that leadership will be important to the structure of the Steering Committee.
AMH noted how monthly conference calls between the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation
leadership and the Secretariat helps provide momentum and direction and may offer the
same guidance to the IFAC-Donor Cooperation in its efforts.
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
9 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
RG noted that in order to keep momentum of IFAC-Donor Community activities that it
might be good to agree upon interim leadership arrangements. Discussion was held
among the signatories in attendance at the meeting and it was determined that for the
interim and to facilitate commencement of activities, leadership will be comprised of a
system of co-chairing from the IFAC and Donor community.
Action Item #3 For the interim and to facilitate commencement of activities,
Steering Committee leadership will be comprised of a system
of co-chairing from the IFAC and Donor community.
From the donor community side, it was suggested and confirmed that Anthony Martin
Hegarty of World Bank and David Ostermeyer of USAID shall act as interim co-Chairs
until the second Steering Committee meeting to be held in October 2012.
Action Item #4 For the interim, Mr. Anthony Martin Hegarty of the World Bank
and Mr. David Ostermeyer of USAID will act as co-Chairs to
the MOSAIC Steering Committee from the Donor side.
From IFAC, it was suggested and will await confirmation that Deborah J. Williams and
Ahmad Almeghames shall serve as Chair and Vice-Chair to the Steering Committee.
Action Item #5 As IFAC’s representation to the leadership of the Steering
Committee, it was suggested that Deborah J. Williams and Dr.
Ahmad Almeghames serve as Chair and Vice-Chair to the
Steering Committee.
DO raised the issue of the need to involve partner country governments in the effort to
strengthen the capacity of PAOs. It was noted that presently, donors and PAOs are
represented, but partner country government involvement may also be useful.
There was general agreement on the aforementioned point and DJW followed by
addressing the issue of the need for greater representation by suggesting a rotation of
Steering Committee meetings in a planned way across the regions. Invitations to
representatives from regional accountancy organizations as well as national level
government could work to ensure representation of perspectives.
EG noted that INTOSAI has included among its membership in the Steering Committee
representatives from each of its member regional organizations to ensure geographic
coverage and inclusion. Additionally, EG noted that this helps in communications and in
informing membership more generally.
DO inquired as to INTOSAI’s recognition and support for the IFAC-donor community
initiative. EG responded by noting that although they are two distinct initiatives, INTOSAI
and IFAC plan to collaborate as much as possible. In follow up to this point, AMH noted
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
10 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
that IFAC had recently visited Norway to meet with the INTOSAI-Donor Secretariat and
learn from their achievements.
7. Establishment of the MOSAIC Secretariat
RG began with a call for any comments/reactions on the Meeting Discussion Paper
entitled “Secretariat Discussion Paper.”
Representatives MG from the Institute of Cost Accountants and JNS from the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India offered the support of both of their institutions in either
locating the Secretariat in India or of supporting the Secretariat.
AC noted that as a great deal of the focus for developing the profession is likely to lie
within the Asian and African regions located the Secretariat, either in part or in whole, in
India may be attractive.
RG thanked MG, JNS and AC and noted that their offer for support and assistance will
be evaluated further.
SS noted that in the INTOSAI model, the International Development Institute (IDI) had
previously existed and questioned if there might be a similar natural home for the IFAC-
donor community secretariat.
RG noted that IFAC currently maintains the Member Body Development Team and the
Compliance program which comprises 7 professional and 2 administrative staff
dedicated to Compliance Program and PAODC activities both of which are designed to
encourage and strengthen PAO development.
Nishant Bharwaj [NB] of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) noted that cost for the
Secretariat should be a consideration as the ability of the Secretariat to carry out its
tasks will be dependent in large part upon its financial resources.
RG noted that these aspects are still at an early stage, but what it is aspired to be done
between now and October will most likely be funded in part by a diversion of resources
from activities which are currently ongoing. However, targeted financing either in part or
in whole of Secretariat activities will greatly accelerate and enhance the capacity of the
Secretariat to achieve its work program.
AnC noted that there are two tasks proposed of the Secretariat, capacity building and
administrative/logistical, and that the Secretariat needs to have the skills to undertake a
broad range of functions.
EG offered the insight of INTOSAI by noting that the work of the Secretariat is partly
administrative, but also partly technical. It has been their experience that Staff should
have a mix of donor and technical SAI experience.
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
11 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
AMH noted that it is important to recognize that a Secretariat-type function is already up
and running as can be seen through the production of meeting discussion papers and
logistical arrangements made for the Steering Committee meeting. As noted through the
INTOSAI experience, supporting the Steering Committee is a full-time job and requires a
strong staff and Secretariat.
RG noted that IFAC will continue to investigate the best option for a permanent base of
operations for the Secretariat, leverage the generous support offered by the Indian
Institutes and in the interim, IFAC will provide a temporary home to the Secretariat
ahead of the October meeting.
Action Item #6 IFAC to locate the Secretariat on an interim basis within its
offices and leverage the generous support of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants and Institute of Cost Accountants of
India.
8. Work Program
Gabriella Kusz [GK] began with a brief overview of the Meeting Discussion Paper
entitled “Preliminary Steering Committee Work Program Discussion Paper.” GK
introduced this paper by noting that as the Partnership is still in a development phase
the Preliminary Steering Committee Work Program is limited to eight months: February
2012 - October 2012. GK went on to note that there are three key deliverables:
1) Global Priorities Report: GK noted that this report may provide identification of
up-to-date key challenges, success factors and proposed activities for enhancing
the development of PAOs at both the regional and national level. Additionally, it
may give insight as to current funding levels and Donor community technical
assistance projects which are planned or are already in existence to support the
development of PAOs. Finally, GK noted that in developing this report, the SC
may wish to build upon information collected through the PAO Development
Committee Regional Collaboration Program and IFAC Member Body Compliance
Program to leverage current information available on PAOs around the world.
2) Joint Work Program: An outline of the focus of Secretariat activities and
Steering Committee focus for the 2012-2013 year.
3) Preliminary Steering Committee Work Program: The Preliminary Steering
Committee Work Program provides direction to the activities of the Secretariat for
the time period between February and October 2012 (Assuming two SC
meetings in 2012 - February and October) and includes timelines for achieving
the key deliverables of the Global Priorities Report and Joint Work Program.
AMH noted that the GPR should draw relevant information from the AA ROSC Program
as it could be a potentially useful resource.
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
12 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
NB noted that efforts of the Secretariat should take into account country partnerships.
The methodology must be harmonized with country partner programs of donors.
SS noted that to the degree PAOs are involved in supporting the capacity development
efforts of government, MOSAIC should link up with them.
Monica Rubiolo [MR] noted that the GPR could act as a Strategic Framework. It may be
requirement for participation in MOSAIC for PAOs to participate in the GPR. Additionally,
MR noted that expectations must be managed around the development of the GPR.
DO noted that he disagreed with the use of the word ‘Priorities’ and the title of the
document ‘Global Priorities Report’ as it may appear that the document is dictating to
donors what their priorities should be. However, he agreed with the content of the report.
He suggested perhaps using another word such as needs assessment or stocktaking.
In response, there was general agreement around the need for renaming the report.
Action Item #7 Secretariat will reflect upon the nature of the GPR and
consider alternative titling which removes the word priorities.
EG noted that the INTOSAI undertook a Stocktaking Report which did not prioritize
efforts or countries, but rather provided information on the status of development of
SAIs. This then led to a global call for proposals.
AC noted though that at some point, there must be a prioritization of efforts of the group.
DO questioned the purpose of the Work Program and what its focus is to be.
EG noted that the Work program helps to layout the deliverables for the Secretariat and
provide a roadmap for activities.
SS noted that there is a need to consult with PAOs on what their priorities are. As such,
he noted how the GPR would need to be completed in advance of the Work Program.
AMH noted that in the Long-Term there will be a need for resources in order for the
Secretariat to take on its roles and responsibilities. Under the INTOSAI MoU, the
Austrians, Irish, and Norwegians are financing the operations of the Secretariat.
When questioned, RG noted that the amount IFAC may be interested in seeking to help
support Secretariat operations for the next 8 months would be in the range of $200,000
– USD$250,000.
9. Summary of Decisions, Concluding Remarks and Next Steps
DW noted that she was very impressed with the input and that the feedback and
commentary collected today will feed into the implementation of the MOSAIC MoU,
Steering Committee activities, as well as Secretariat activities. She continued by
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
13 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
commenting that the next few months will include aligning how IFAC and donor
community interests coincide.
Another key area of interest for further consideration will be how we measure success,
how we create a demand led program and how we address accounting/auditing in the
public sector.
DW noted MR’s comment regarding the need to manage expectations- this will be an
area, along with communications which the Secretariat will work to address going
forward.
DW concluded by noting that the next meeting will be held in October 2012 and will most
likely be held in London, UK.
10. Closing Remarks
All were thanked for their participation and the meeting was closed.
*Presentation slides will be circulated to all committee members and observers.
CONFIRMED: ……………………………………...
(CHAIR)
DATE: ……………………………………………….
Minutes of the MOSAIC Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting
14 MOSAIC: Jaipur, India – February 22, 2012
APPENDIX: List of February 22, 2012 Steering Committee Identified Action Items
Action Item Description
Action Item #1 For the interim, it was agreed to maintain open representation to the
Steering Committee.
Action Item #2
Taking into consideration the comments provided at the inaugural
Steering Committee, IFAC will propose that its representation to the
MOSAIC Steering Committee be comprised of the acting members of
its PAO Development Committee. Approval by the IFAC Board is
anticipated for June 2012.
Action Item #3 For the interim and to facilitate commencement of activities, Steering
Committee leadership will be comprised of a system of co-chairing
from the IFAC and Donor community.
Action Item #4 For the interim, Mr. Anthony Martin Hegarty of the World Bank and
Mr. David Ostermeyer of USAID will act as co-Chairs to the MOSAIC
Steering Committee from the Donor side.
Action Item #5
As IFAC’s representation to the leadership of the Steering
Committee, it was suggested that Deborah J. Williams and Dr.
Ahmad Almeghames serve as Chair and Vice-Chair to the Steering
Committee. This will be presented for confirmation by IFAC Board in
June 2012.
Action Item #6 IFAC to locate the Secretariat on an interim basis within its offices
and leverage the generous support of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants and Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
Action Item #7 Secretariat will reflect upon the nature of the GPR and consider
alternative titling which removes the word priorities.
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