Malé, Maldives – April 2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Climate Finance Network (CFN), in collaboration with the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF), successfully conducted a comprehensive training programme for the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) of the Maldives from 12–23 April 2026. The initiative aimed to strengthen institutional capacities for environmental, climate, and performance auditing, enhancing accountability for climate-related interventions and sustainable development efforts in the Maldives.

Delivered in both Addu City and Malé, the training brought together AGO officials, international experts, civil society representatives, and internal auditors to build practical skills and knowledge in climate-responsive auditing practices grounded in international standards and tailored to the Maldivian context.

The programme covered a broad range of topics, including performance audit design, environmental and climate auditing, auditing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate finance oversight, sustainability reporting, and approaches to auditing vulnerable populations. Sessions also explored root cause analysis, effective audit reporting, and the integration of environmental and climate considerations into existing audit practices.

Facilitated by experts from CAAF and UNDP, including John Affleck, Kim Leach, and Loralee Williams, the training emphasized the critical role of supreme audit institutions in promoting transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making in climate action and public finance management.

Specialized sessions focused on climate adaptation and mitigation auditing, climate finance flows, and environmental audit methodologies relevant to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as the Maldives. Participants examined international frameworks, best practices, and tools to strengthen oversight of national climate commitments and sustainable development priorities.

The programme also fostered engagement beyond the audit institution through dedicated sessions with civil society organizations (CSOs), NGOs, and internal auditors. These discussions highlighted opportunities for collaboration, public engagement, and the role of non-state actors in supporting accountability and amplifying audit findings related to climate and environmental governance.

Through this partnership, UNDP, CFN, and CAAF continue to support the Maldives in strengthening public sector accountability systems and advancing resilient, transparent, and sustainable governance in the face of growing climate challenges.