Saudi Arabia wins the presidency of the International Institute of Internal Auditors for 2028
In a move reflecting the growing international influence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of governance and financial oversight, the Board of Directors of the International Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) announced that the Kingdom has won the presidency of the Board for the upcoming 2027-2028 term. This announcement was made during the Board's first meeting of 2026, held in Cape Town, South Africa, where His Excellency Dr. Hossam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Anqari, President of the General Auditing Bureau and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Association of Internal Auditors, was selected to assume this prestigious position.
A historical precedent since the institute's founding
This victory marks a pivotal moment in the history of the internal audit profession globally, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved an unprecedented feat by becoming the first Arab and Asian country to assume the presidency of the Institute's Board of Directors since its founding in 1941. The selection of Dr. Al-Anqari as the first president from Asia and the Arab region is a culmination of the Kingdom's significant professional efforts and a testament to the international community's confidence in Saudi leadership capabilities and their ability to manage major international organizations.
Enhancing the Kingdom's position in global governance
This achievement is inseparable from the broader context of the Kingdom's development drive under Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on enhancing transparency, combating corruption, and raising governance standards in both the public and private sectors. The Kingdom's assumption of this position grants it a pivotal role in shaping global professional policies and guiding the future of the internal audit profession, thereby strengthening its presence as an influential soft power within international professional organizations.
Riyadh to be the capital of internal auditing in 2027
The Kingdom's presidency of the International Institute's Board of Directors coincides with another global event hosted by the Saudi capital: the International Conference of Internal Auditors, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in 2027. This convergence presents an exceptional opportunity to unify international efforts under Riyadh's umbrella, positioning it as a global capital for the profession during that period. It also underscores the synergy between the Institute's administrative leadership and its hosting of major events that bring together thousands of experts and professionals from around the world.
Institutional work and national competencies
Commenting on this achievement, Dr. Hossam Al-Anqari emphasized that it was not the result of individual effort, but rather the fruit of diligent institutional work. He pointed to the pivotal role played by the Saudi Association of Internal Auditors in developing the national system, which contributed to its ranking among the top ten professional organizations globally in this field. He added that this position increases the Kingdom's responsibility to support national talent and showcase the profession's development internationally.
About the International Institute (IIA)
It is worth noting that the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is the world's leading professional body in this field. Headquartered in Florida, USA, the IIA comprises more than 170 chapters and professional entities, and its network extends to over 140 countries worldwide. This makes the Kingdom's presidency of this organization a global recognition of the excellence of the Saudi experience in the field of oversight and auditing.
