At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, significant financial governance discussions unfolded during the 55th Special Session of the UN Board of Auditors and the 65th Session of the UN Panel of External Auditors held from November 24-25, 2025. The meetings brought together top auditing officials from member states to address critical financial oversight matters within the UN system.
Hou Kai, China’s Auditor General and representative on both UN auditing bodies, participated actively in the proceedings. The special session featured comprehensive reviews of audit activities conducted during the second half of 2025, while participants also formulated the strategic audit plan for 2026 and addressed specific matters referred by UN legislative bodies.
In his address, Hou acknowledged the substantial achievements made by the Board throughout the year, emphasizing their contribution to ongoing UN reform initiatives, management optimization, and governance enhancement. With his six-year term concluding in mid-2026, Hou expressed confidence that China’s audit team would maintain its commitment to independence and professional excellence in executing the UN General Assembly’s mandate, ensuring both continuity and quality in audit outcomes.
The parallel session of the Panel of External Auditors facilitated substantive exchanges between Hou, fellow panel members, and UN officials. Discussions centered on several priority areas including the UN80 Initiative’s implementation framework, financial and administrative challenges, digital transformation efforts, and standardized audit practices across the UN system.
During his New York visit, Hou additionally inspected Chinese audit operations at the UN Secretariat, engaging with on-site auditors. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international auditing standards while maximizing China’s expertise in economic oversight. Hou encouraged the team to maintain focus on their core responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to developing a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable United Nations.