KUWAIT: Acting Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) Najat Ibrahim affirmed Kuwait’s strong commitment to developing national talent in the internal auditing sector, highlighting its essential role in building a more efficient and sustainable institutional future. Speaking on behalf of Minister of State for Communications Omar Al-Omar, the patron of the 2025 Annual Conference on Internal Auditing in the Public and Private Sectors, Ibrahim said the two-day event — held under the theme “Impactful Auditing Towards a Better Future” — serves as a vital platform to advance cooperation among entities and elevate professional standards.
She noted that the conference supports national efforts to reinforce governance, strengthen risk management, and enhance institutional performance, adding that the gathering represents a major step in establishing a more mature and organized professional framework by enabling communication between practitioners, experts and decision-makers. It also provides an opportunity to review global trends and best practices aimed at improving audit systems across sectors.
Annual Conference of the Internal Audit Profession 2025.
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of internal auditing in ensuring institutions remain capable of adapting to rapid technological advancements, particularly in areas related to cybersecurity, data protection and operational reliability. She pointed out that emerging technologies — including artificial intelligence and data analytics — have become indispensable tools that enable audit teams to adopt proactive, comprehensive methodologies.
Vice President of the Kuwaiti Association of Internal Auditors, Waleed Al-Saeed, said the profession is undergoing a critical transformation driven by technological progress, interconnected risks, and a fast-paced operational environment. He underscored the role of internal auditors in risk assessment, data analysis and decision-making in line with international standards. Al-Saeed noted that the 2025 conference includes specialized sessions and professional exchanges, with the participation of more than 250 attendees representing over 36 institutions, all aimed at strengthening audit performance nationwide.
Secretary General of the Kuwait Banking Association, Dr Yaqoub Al-Rifai, stressed that internal audit remains a cornerstone of the banking sector’s safety and stability, contributing to enhanced risk management and compliance with global industry standards. He added that Kuwaiti banks are committed to embracing international best practices that support sustainability, competitiveness, and long-term institutional resilience. Conference discussions also addressed the role of regulatory and governmental bodies in developing the skills and qualifications of internal auditors, in addition to enhancing the capabilities of audit firms and ensuring their readiness to meet expanding supervisory responsibilities. — KUNA
