Governments should grasp gender-responsive budgeting as an opportunity to address systemic gender disparities
Joe Fitzsimons, senior manager, Policy and insights, ACCA, said: 'This report offers critical insights into the strategies and tools that facilitate the effective adoption of GRB across government agencies and state-owned organisations. Accountants have a vital role in the application of GRB using their skills and knowledge of data analysis, budgetary techniques and policy advocacy. They can also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of GRB implementation. Governments are increasingly turning to GRB as they pursue more equitable and just societies.'
The Middle East Institute has recommended that the full participation of women on national adoption plans represents a key opportunity to develop gender-response policies and actions.
Kush Ahuja, Head of Middle East and Eurasia, ACCA, said: 'At ACCA we demonstrate the profession's ability to lead in addressing the world's more pressing issues. We look forward to working with government, policymakers, business and other stakeholders to see how GRB can be adopted as a force for good in the region.'
The report recommends policy makers adopt the following to move towards implementing GRB:
Build institutional capacity and awareness
Strengthen data collection and analysis
Learn from best practice and benchmark against peers
Establish inter-ministerial collaboration and partnerships
Champion gender-balanced leadership and decision-making.
Jessica Bingham, Global Sustainability Lead – Strategy, ACCA, said: 'Incorporating gender considerations into budgetary processes enables governments to ensure that resources are allocated in a way that meets the diverse needs of all. This in turn promotes fairness but also lays the foundations required for sustainable economic growth and social inclusion. Policymakers have an opportunity to embrace GRB and ensure it is a fundamental component of their strategies creating a more equitable future for all.'
Read the report here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
06-08-2025
- Mid East Info
ACCA and EY share new guidance to help businesses boost confidence in AI - Middle East Business News and Information
New paper sets out key considerations for business leaders and policy makers to help bolster confidence in AI systems Guidance aims to support effective AI assessments, through better governance, compliance and performance Paper seeks to help businesses deploy safe, reliable and effective AI systems, as AI adoption grows Businesses that undertake effective assessments of their artificial intelligence (AI) systems can better harness the technology's potential to boost innovation, productivity, and growth, according to a policy paper published by global accountancy body ACCA, (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and global professional services organisation, EY. The report – AI Assessments: Enhancing Confidence in AI – explores the emerging field of AI assessments, which encompasses a broad spectrum of AI evaluations, spanning technical, governance and compliance assessments, through to more traditional assurance and audits. It outlines the role these assessments can play in evaluating whether AI systems are well governed, compliant with applicable laws and regulations, and perform in line with business leaders' and other users' stated expectations. It makes the case that effective AI assessments allow businesses to deploy AI systems that are more likely to be effective, reliable and trusted. The paper also addresses the current challenges that come with these emerging types of AI assessments and identifies the key elements needed to make them robust and meaningful for their different users. AI assessments, whether voluntary or mandated, are increasingly being considered and used by businesses, investors, insurers and policymakers as adoption and deployment of AI accelerates around the world, and amid a growing need to build and enhance trust in the technology. The publication of the this paper comes at a time when the policy landscape relating to AI assessment continues to evolve. Among the latest developments is the Trump administration's publication of an AI Action Plan, which states that 'rigorous evaluations can be a critical tool in defining and measuring AI reliability and performance in regulated industries'. The paper details how effective AI assessments can foster increased confidence in AI. The paper identifies three emerging types of AI assessments: Governance assessments – to evaluate the internal governance structures surrounding AI systems; – to evaluate the internal governance structures surrounding AI systems; Conformity assessments – to determine compliance with any applicable laws, regulations and standards; and – to determine compliance with any applicable laws, regulations and standards; and Performance assessments – to measure AI systems against predefined quality and performance metrics. The report outlines a number of current challenges that hinder the robustness and effectiveness of some AI assessment frameworks and explains how these can be managed through the adoption of well-specified objectives; clearly defined methodologies and criteria; and competent, objective and professionally accountable providers. The report also sets out a number of concrete suggestions to help business leaders and policymakers ensure AI assessments are as effective as possible, including: Business leaders should consider the role AI assessments – including voluntary ones – can play in enhancing corporate governance, risk management and building confidence in AI systems among customers and employees. Policymakers are encouraged to very clearly define the purpose, components, methodology and criteria of AI assessments; and support AI assessment standards that are – to the extent practicable – compatible with those in other countries and in other ways minimally burdensome on businesses. Policymakers should also support capacity-building in the market to provide high-quality, consistent, and cost-effective assessments. Helen Brand, chief executive, ACCA, said: 'As AI scales across the economy the ability to trust what it says is not just important, it is vital for the public interest. This is an area where we need to bridge skills gaps and build trust in the AI eco-system as part of driving sustainable business. We look forward to collaborating with policymakers and others in this fascinating and important area.' Marie-Laure Delarue, EY Global Vice-Chair, Assurance, says: 'AI has been advancing faster than many of us could have imagined, and it now faces an inflection point, presenting incredible opportunities as well as complexities and risks. It is hard to overstate the importance of ensuring safe and effective adoption of AI. Rigorous assessments are an important tool to help build confidence in the technology, and confidence is the key to unlocking AI's full potential as a driver of growth and prosperity.' 'As businesses navigate the complexities of AI deployment, they are asking fundamental questions about the meaning and impact of their AI initiatives. This reflects a growing demand for trust services that align with EY's existing capabilities in assessments, readiness evaluations, and compliance.'
Mid East Info
15-07-2025
- Mid East Info
AI is reshaping the work of accountants as automation offers greater opportunities and responsibilities - Middle East Business News and Information
AI will reshape the accountancy profession by changing how tasks are completed at all levels. Leading global accountancy body, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) says that as AI becomes more commonplace, new responsibilities and tasks will emerge for finance teams as they focus on improving controls and specifying the desired information outcomes from machine use. New roles are also expected to support activities ensuring AI systems remain accurate and compliant with professional standards and regulations. ACCA's latest AI Monitor report explores how the gradual integration of AI over coming years is likely to change how accountants work and deliver value from the automation of repetitive tasks to increased knowledge support for decision making. The report points out that while AI can help make processes more efficient, human intervention needs to be retained at critical junctures. Ultimately, the integration of AI needs to reflect the fact that trust remains a fundamentally social concept built on human interaction, transparency, and oversight. And the future of accounting will involve navigating tensions between efficiency and human judgement, automation and control. Alistair Brisbourne, Head of Technology Research, ACCA, said: 'Professionals who can embrace uncertainty, develop strong judgement skills, and continuously adapt their expertise will thrive even as specific tasks change or become automated.' Brisbourne said: 'It should be remembered that over the decades accountancy has prospered by its intelligent and enthusiastic adoption of the latest technology.' Kush Ahuja, Head of Eurasia and Middle East at ACCA, added: 'Across the Middle East, the profession is embracing AI as a catalyst for transformation. Accountants in this region are increasingly being called upon not only to understand new technologies but to ensure their ethical and effective use. With a strong government focus on digital innovation and sustainable growth, finance professionals here have a unique opportunity to lead in building trust, resilience and long-term value.' The report sets out four key work trends that AI will drive for accountants: A contraction in routine processing; An expansion in strategic and advisory decision-making; An evolution of mid-level roles to incorporate more judgement and client interaction; and New responsibilities at the intersection of accounting, technology and strategy. The future that is unfolding isn't one where finance and accounting professionals are replaced – but one where their responsibilities will change. Success in this transition depends on making clear assessments of where AI will add value, establishing clear policies and governance in use, and the cultivation of skills that complement technical capabilities. ACCA expects that coming years will see organisations develop more integrated workflows based on the principle that AI adoption is not just about distinguishing high versus low-value activities – but focusing on outcomes, quality and value. Brisbourne said: 'Only a minority of finance and accounting teams have implemented AI solutions – but these resources are widely available, and organisations are reviewing opportunities and workforce needs. 'AI adoption is expected to accelerate in coming years, especially as our data shows investment on AI initiatives is increasing, and widespread cloud adoption provides a crucial foundation for AI implementation.' The profession is still in the invention and adoption stage of AI, as demonstrated by investment data and current adoption/usage statistics. And the profession is embracing the learning and employment challenge offered by AI as shown by the recently announced changes to the ACCA Qualification which embraces emerging advances in technology and sustainability. The report adds that widescale use of a general-purpose technology, like AI, may take longer than anticipated.
Mid East Info
24-06-2025
- Mid East Info
ACCA announces redesign of qualification for a redefined accountancy profession - Middle East Business News and Information
Future ACCA Qualification unveiled as employers look to accountants to take broader role in embracing AI-driven technology and driving sustainable business Global accountancy body ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has announced a redesign of its gold standard ACCA Qualification focused on a redefinition of accountancy which is expanding and reshaping the role of the profession. The redesign reflects the increasing role of accountants in driving the widening value needed for business success, combining profitability with ethics, sustainability, the ability to leverage new technology and the agility to deal with economic volatility. Similar changes are being seen in the public sector. Responding to and anticipating the evolving needs of employers, the changes build on the current strengths of the ACCA Qualification. They will introduce a more integrated learning and assessment experience, including AI-enhanced learning journeys, designed to equip the next generation with the professional skills and technical expertise they need to succeed in a dynamic and volatile world. The announcement follows extensive consultation with members, employers and learning providers around the world, as well as representatives of Gen Z. The redesigned qualification will be introduced from mid-2027. Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, said: 'Accountancy is being redefined. Accountants are drivers of sustainable business, promoters of social value, and enablers of new technologies. They are sharpening their financial and ethical skills for a changed world of ever-shifting opportunities and challenges. They innovate with new business models and fresh thinking about what success looks like. They focus on people, planet and prosperity to create value for all. 'The changes we're making will equip the next generation for this exciting new future that will bring wider and more varied opportunities.' Employability is a key focus of the changes, which include the introduction of Employability Modules at each of the qualification's three levels, providing simulated work experiences on topics such as digital tech, ethics, sustainability and business management. Enhanced awards and designations recognise achievement and allow students to demonstrate their skills to employers at every stage of their ACCA journey. Technology, sustainability and ethics, already integral to the ACCA Qualification, will be interwoven at every stage. Another innovation is a new Data Science Professional exam which students can choose as an option at the final 'Strategic Professional' level. Kush Ahuja, Head of Eurasia and Middle East at ACCA, said: 'The ACCA Qualification has always been the gold standard, globally recognised and highly valued by employers in the Middle East . It will remain as rigorous, relevant, and future-focused as ever, with an even sharper focus on employability. 'The redesigned qualification comes together as a unified experience at each of its three levels with learning guidance and support, assessments, employability support, and help to develop skills. Students will benefit from tailored learning journeys supported by AI technology and a digital mentor.' ACCA has prepared a smooth transition for all students currently on, or about to start, their ACCA journey. Existing achievements will be recognised and there will be no disadvantage in terms of progression and the cost to complete the qualification. ACCA students will continue to benefit from the opportunity to attain a world-leading academic qualification alongside their ACCA studies with our new BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy collaboration with the University of London. ACCA is known for its focus on inclusion and opportunity. A redesigned 'Foundations' route requiring no prior qualifications provides those not meeting the entry criteria for the ACCA Qualification with a way to meet it. Find out more at
