Rabat, 15–16 September 2026

On 15–16 September 2026, the annual meeting of the INTOSAI Working Group on Evaluation of Public Policies and Programs (WGEPPP) was held in Rabat, under the theme “Assessing the Relevance of Public Policies”.

The meeting brought together representatives of Supreme Audit Institutions, as well as WGEPPP members and observers, who discussed an issue of particular relevance to audit activities: whether the objectives of public policies, programs and strategies continue to respond to society’s needs and priorities in a constantly evolving economic and social environment.

The Albanian Supreme Audit Institution was represented by Ms. Valbona Gaxha, Ms. Joniada Gocaj and Ms. Arminda Bushi.

As an INTOSAI body, WGEPPP promotes the development and improvement of practices for evaluating public policies and programs through cooperation among member institutions and the exchange of methodologies and good practices. In this regard, one of the key reference documents is INTOSAI GUID 9020 – “Evaluation of Public Policies”, which addresses the principles and methodological approaches underpinning this process.

The discussions focused on the distinction between achieving the results of a policy and assessing whether its objectives remain appropriate to the current needs of society. Participants highlighted the importance of examining not only whether policy objectives have been achieved effectively and efficiently, but also whether they continue to address the problems and priorities for which the policy was originally designed.

The conceptual, institutional and methodological aspects of this approach were also addressed through presentations by the SAIs of India and Morocco, while the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) focused on communication with government, parliament and stakeholders.

The meeting continued with workshops presenting practical cases from audits conducted by the SAIs of Morocco, Madagascar, Thailand, Algeria and the Maldives. These cases provided a practical basis for discussions on the selection of audit criteria, the use of evidence, the involvement of stakeholders and end users, and the formulation of findings and recommendations supported by sound analysis, with a view to safeguarding institutional independence, objectivity and impartiality.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that a useful and professional evaluation should be based on sufficient and appropriate evidence, clear methodologies, and well-defined criteria. At the same time, the results should be presented in an objective, clear, and balanced manner, while respecting institutional mandates and competences, particularly when the audit addresses issues related to the objectives and choices of public policies.