The United Nations Board of Auditors concluded its 79th regular session at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday. Hou Kai, auditor-general of the National Audit Office of China, attended the two-day session as a member of the United Nations Board of Auditors.

The members deliberated and approved 21 audit reports on the United Nations Secretariat and other entities for the financial year 2024, which will be submitted to the UN General Assembly and relevant entities.

During the session, the members had a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for an exchange of opinions on the key findings and audit recommendations for the financial year 2024, as well as work priorities and challenges faced by the UN.

Guterres recognized the audit findings and recommendations in the audit of the UN for the financial year 2024. He highly appreciated the significant role played by the board and expressed his gratitude for its outstanding contributions to the United Nations.

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He underscored that strengthening budgetary and financial management and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of UN operations are more urgent than ever. He said he would urge relevant entities to actively implement the audit recommendations, enhance collaboration with the board, and advance the implementation of the UN80 Initiative, with a view to better fulfilling the UN mandate.

Since taking office over five years ago, Hou Kai has worked closely with other board members to jointly lead the UN audit. Up to now, the Chinese audit team led by Hou, strictly adhering to international auditing standards, has conducted nearly 220 audit projects, such as the audits of UN Secretariat, funds and programs, and missions of peacekeeping operation, helping the UN strengthen management and improve governance.