The Role of the State Audit in responding to economic risks and disasters

Abstract

In the context of risks and disasters increasing in frequency, scale, and interconnectedness, the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in ensuring public financial governance, enhancing accountability, and supporting risk management and disaster response has become increasingly recognized globally. This article analyzes the theoretical foundations and international practices regarding the involvement of SAIs in risk and disaster response. It synthesizes major trends in audit activities related to natural disasters, climate change, pandemics, and emergency situations, while clarifying the current status and distinctive characteristics of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) in this field. On this basis, the paper proposes several solutions to strengthen the role of the State Audit Office throughout the prevention, response, and recovery cycle of disasters. These recommendations align with the standards and guidelines of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) related with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the requirements for modernizing public financial governance in Vietnam.