September 30, 2002

ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEMS DEVELOPER DISCUSSES FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AT WORLD BANK SMALL STATES FORUM
PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, DC -- Accountability Systems Developer Dr. Saul B. Wilen called upon a group of finance ministers from small countries around the world to make their financial systems more accurate and reliable, and improve their credibility and integrity among those who support their countries by supplying financial and other resources.

Dr. Wilen addressed the group with dinner remarks entitled, Creating Solutions, at the Small States Forum at The World Bank Main Complex. The Small States Forum meets as part of The World Bank’s annual meetings.

Dr. Wilen’s remarks followed a lecture by the Independent State of Samoa Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, The Honorable Misa Telephoni Retzlaff, who is chairman of the Small States Forum. He spoke on the topic of good governance.

“I commend Deputy Prime Minister Retzlaff for his efforts in promoting good governance,” said Dr. Wilen, who is president and CEO of International Horizons Unlimited of San Antonio, Texas, a prevention and accountability systems think-tank supporting problem solving.

“However, good governance requires that accountability systems be put in place from the outset to provide current and accurate information finance ministers need to track their programs and the funding in real-time,” Dr. Wilen said.

He stated that the primary problem with most audit systems used by governments and the private sector is that they provide the required data months out of step with the needs to monitor, manage, and fulfill accountability responsibilities.

“The solution is to use accountability systems that provide real-time feedback producing immediate information from which trends can be determined,” Dr. Wilen stressed. “The sooner a problematic trend can be identified, the sooner corrective actions can be taken to prevent the loss of valuable resources.”

Dr. Wilen emphasized that such systems will allow leaders of small countries around the world “…to demonstrate their integrity, reveal their credibility, and show their leadership to the providers of the resources they need.”

He added, the creation of solutions that blend and balance essential components and interests along with parallel accountability mechanisms can be put in place throughout the world. This approach takes into account the vast cultural differences of the world’s small countries and avoids interfering with national uniqueness and cultural heritage.

“You can maintain the culture while implementing competence and good governance,” Dr. Wilen concluded.