Posted by David Nummy, member of the ICGFM Programs Committee and Executive Director at Grant Thornton Global Public Sector.
In this era of social media, rapidly expanding access to a variety of information outlets, greater activism by civil society groups, and a greater demand for results, public sector accountability has grown beyond the traditional institutions that exercised oversight of public expenditure. While auditors and legislative oversight continue to play a key role, anyone with the ability to create or read a blog can be part of the growing intertwined mechanisms to hold government accountable for how it spends public funds and what outcomes result.
The International Consortium on Governmental Financial Management (ICGFM) has issued a call for speakers, panel members, and presentations to be made at its 25th Annual International Conference which will be held in Miami from May 15-20. The theme of the conference will be: Achieving Real Accountability: A Balancing Act Among Stakeholders.
Examples of themes that might be the subject of proposals include:
- How citizens can effectively communicate with government on spending priorities
- How governments are employing new mechanisms to create both transparency and feedback
- How a responsible media plays a vital role in accountability
- How donors are using greater transparency to allow for greater freedom in the use of their resources
An expert panel will review all proposals and select the most pertinent and thought-provoking of them for inclusion in the conference program. A stipend will be provided toward travel expenses of the selected presenters. PFM professionals wishing to submit proposals can seek more information at icgfm.proposals@icgfm.org . The deadline for submission is February 24, 2011.
It is intended that the participants in the conference and those who follow the published proceedings will gain tools and insights that can be used as they consider the adoption of international standards in their PFM regime. The conference organizers are seeking both examples of a successful adoption of standards as well as lessons learned and examples of unintended consequences and challenges encountered in adopting international standards.
The ICGFM is a non-profit group established in the 1960s by the IMF, World Bank, the US General Accounting Office and others to serve as forum for those interested in public financial management around the world, and to serve as an umbrella for government, academia, practitioners, individuals, and other associations interested in public financial management. The organization has a number of activities including a monthly lunch speaker series in Washington, DC, an annual conference in Miami and a somewhat smaller winter conference in Washington, DC. It also publishes the International Journal on Public Financial Management.
Note: The posts on the IMF PFM Blog should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy.
