The speech of the Chairman of the ALSAI, Mr. Arben Shehu, on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the institution

Honorable Speaker of the Parliament of Albania,
Honorable representatives of the Parliament,
Honorable representatives of partner institutions,
Honorable heads of institutions of the Republic of Albania,
Honorable representatives of the media,
Dear colleagues and associates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a special honor that today, in the premises of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania, we celebrate together the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution, an institution that for a century has contributed to strengthening the culture of accountability and improving governance in the management of public finances.

This anniversary represents a historic moment not only for the ALSAI, but for the entire institutional development of modern Albania. Established in May 1925, at a crucial stage in the consolidation of the Albanian state, the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution has been present at every stage of the transformation of public administration. Over the course of a century, it has operated in different historical and political conditions, from the period of monarchy, to the centralized post-war regime, to the phase of democratic transition after the 1990s. During this time, the institution has maintained its essential mission: supervising the proper use of public funds.

Following the adoption of the 1998 Constitution and subsequent reforms, the ALSAI assumed a clear role as an independent constitutional body. It has been active in adapting auditing standards according to the most advanced models, as well as in increasing institutional accountability.

Membership in international organizations such as INTOSAI and EUROSAI, as well as regional cooperation, has helped in the professional development of auditors and in strengthening good practices, significantly increasing the quality of our activity.

This anniversary is also an opportunity to honor the dedication of the generations that built this institution. Their contribution has left a valuable legacy for the fair and efficient administration of state finances. This legacy has helped build citizens’ trust in state institutions, guaranteeing financial management that is based not only on efficiency, but above all on honesty, transparency and accountability.

Honorable participants, I would also like to express my deep gratitude for having among us today representatives of supreme audit institutions from partner countries, representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of the Albanian Parliament, heads of independent institutions and public administration, academics, representatives of universities, civil society organizations, our domestic and international institutional partners, and in particular representatives of the media, which in Albania has risen amidst difficulties to a truly institutional level, and for which on behalf of the institution I would like to express special gratitude. Your participation in this activity is not only an appreciation for the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution, but also a proof of support for the institutions of the Albanian state.

Honorable guests,

100 years of history are not just a journey to commemorate, but a solid foundation to build the future. The Albanian Supreme Audit Institution will continue to improve its professional capacities, adopt modern technologies and stand for the benefit of the common interest.

This anniversary is not only a stopping point to evaluate our journey, but also a starting point for a new commitment to build a more responsible, more efficient and more honest future in the service of the citizen.

I would like to reiterate that the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution will remain faithful to its constitutional mission in sync with the interest of the state and, in essence, the interest of every Albanian. We will continue to protect the public interest and the interest of every Albanian citizen, with commitment to the principles of the rule of law and good governance. I am convinced that our common path will continue with sustainable cooperation, mutual exchange and mutual support to build stronger institutions and a more accountable administration.

I thank you once again for your presence today, for your appreciation of this anniversary, and for the support you continue to offer to the mission of the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution.

Thank you!