Yuri Dolidze is the Board Member for SARAS, also the EU and World Bank consultant dedicated to accounting and sustainability reforms implementation in Georgia, Ukraine and Armenia. 

Yuri founded and managed two local leading SMPs in Georgia, worked as a local contractor for Deloitte and Ernst & Young, initiated opening of PwC Georgia branch in 2005, acting as its Assurance and Advisory Services Director and Academy Leader for 9 years. Yuri also participated as ICAEW consultant in the ADB’s Audit Quality Assurance Technical Assistance Project in Armenia.

Yuri was significantly involved in developing professional society in his country. He was one of the founders of IFAC member Georgian Federation of Professional Accountants and Auditors (GFPAA), presented in its Board and various committees for 15 years. 

In 2016, the Prime-Minister of Georgian assigned Yuri to the position of the Head of Service for Accounting, Reporting and Auditing Supervision (SARAS) where upon term expiration he represents business societies in its Board. 

As the World Bank and EU/DAI consultant, Yuri continues supporting accounting and auditing reform with regional coverage including Georgia, Ukraine and Armenia. His mandate as consultant recently also included the sustainability reporting and assurance matters.

His Excellency Saif bin Abed Al Muhairi has strategically repositioned the Emirates Association of Accountants and Auditors (EAAA) as a pivotal force in the evolution of the accounting and auditing profession in the UAE.

Under his leadership, EAAA has been instrumental in spreading financial knowledge and building competence in emerging areas of the UAE financial sector, such as tax implementation and public-private partnerships (PPP). Al Muhairi’s efforts were key in launching the UAE Chartered Accountant (UAECA) certification, which aligns with prestigious international qualifications like ACCA, enhancing both local and global recognition.

His strategic vision also led to EAAA’s full membership in the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), broadening its global influence and facilitating valuable partnerships with key global players, including the World Bank and significant regional entities.

Additionally, Al Muhairi has championed initiatives to attract and develop local Emirati talent in the profession. Programs such as the “Emiratis in Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Management” and the “100 Emirati Chartered Accountants Initiative” have successfully elevated the profession and bolstered the UAE’s economic development. These initiatives underscore EAAA’s role as a catalyst for innovation and excellence, fostering the growth of Emirati professionals and advancing the UAE’s financial sector.”

Olga Akimova is the Managing Partner of Lynceus Management Consulting, a consultancy practice based in the United Arab Emirates, leading the firm’s work with the public sector, professional accountancy organizations and education institutions.

Olga has over a decade of experience with a Big4 accountancy firm in Eurasia working in external audit and governance, internal audit, risk and compliance services with a focus on developing and implementing international best practice and tailored governance frameworks. She has also worked as Head of Education and Policy with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) leading initiatives in developing the finance profession in Eurasia through accountancy education and collaboration with regulators and professional accountancy organizations on establishing sound legal frameworks and infrastructure for professional accountancy education.

Full Event Recording

In December 2023 the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) published the 

Natashia Soopal is the Executive of Ethics Standards and Public Sector at the South African Institute of Chartered  Accountants (SAICA) where she is responsible for overseeing the development of thought leadership, technical updates, technical resources and technical support for members, as well as advocacy for both ethics standards and public sector.  She plays a significant role in developing and implementing an integrated ethics plan and professionalizing the public sector plan at SAICA. She is also responsible for maintaining the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct and its alignment with the IESBA Code.

Prior to joining SAICA, Natashia Soopal was an audit manager at the Auditor General of South Africa and a Chief Financial Officer at a public entity.

Natashia Soopal is a chartered accountant and a member of SAICA and has a Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) degree.

Deepa Agarwal became a Technical Advisor for Mr. Amarjeet Singh in July 2024.  An Assurance Partner at S.R.Batliboi & Associates LLP (member firm of Ernst & Young Global, UK), Deepa has over 20 years of experience in Auditing, Accounting, Indian Companies Act, Quality and Risk Management, Sustainability Reporting & Assurance and Regulatory matters.  She is the Sustainability Assurance Professional Practice Leader for India and is part of EY’s global Sustainability Professional Practice Group involved in the formulation of policies, methodology & comment letters.  She also oversees guidance and training for the firm’s assurance practice, advising practitioners on the application of professional standards, and regulatory requirements.  

Deepa is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Over the years, working with regulators and large professional service firms, Deepa has led and participated in the preparation of standards and implementation guidance and comment letters on behalf of industry bodies in India and the implementation of ISQM.  She is an author & speaker at various public forums & conferences. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (Australia).