The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in partnership with the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA), IFAC member, has convened leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa this week in Riyadh for IFAC Connect MENA 2025. The gathering brings together regulators, standard setters, professional accountancy organizations (PAOs), and stakeholders across the public and private sectors to share perspectives and identify practical ways the profession can advance integrity, innovation, and public value.  

Today, regional regulators convened to exchange perspectives on how greater collaboration can accelerate the adoption and implementation of international accountancy standards and best practices across the region. PAOs shared forward-looking insights on modernizing education pathways, creating more inclusive workplaces, and defining clear professional development and leadership tracks to attract and retain top talent, particularly women. 

On October 1, IFAC and SOCPA will engage with regional PAO leaders to build institutional capacity, sharpen relevance and credibility, and strengthen alignment with the public interest through clear value propositions and evidence-based communication. The IPSASB will also hold a roundtable to gather direct feedback from attendees on its work program. 

On October 2, the main IFAC Connect MENA program will spotlight the global forces shaping the profession: corporate reporting transformation, technology, and artificial intelligence while deepening regional commitments to solutions that foster trust, resilience, and innovation. 

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said: “The profession is facing unprecedented transformation. By convening regulators, PAOs, and business leaders in Riyadh, we are ensuring that global priorities are addressed with regional insight and leadership, and that PAOs in MENA move swiftly and boldly to shape solutions that serve the public interest.” 

Dr. Ahmad Almeghames, CEO of SOCPA and IFAC Board Member, said: “Hosting IFAC Connect MENA reflects our commitment to advancing transparency, integrity, and innovation in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Through partnership with IFAC and our regional colleagues, we are ensuring the profession plays a central role in supporting both national and global priorities.” 

IFAC Connect MENA follows a gathering in Nairobi this year and in Singapore, Bogotá, and Dubai in 2024. Later this year, the series will continue with IFAC Connect Global in Mexico City and IFAC Connect Asia-Pacific in Jakarta.

About IFAC 
IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global. 

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition. 

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest. 

About SOCPA 
The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) is Saudi Arabia’s leading professional accountancy body, committed to advancing professional competence, transparency, and accountability, while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. 

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) warmly welcomes the appointment of Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as Chair of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) and extends its appreciation to Ian Carruthers, for his 10 years of service as Chair to the IPSASB. Thomas was selected through a rigorous selection process led by the Independent Search Committee under the oversight of the Public Interest Committee. The Search Committee submitted its recommendation to the Public Interest Committee for review, and the IFAC Board approved the selection. 

Thomas will lead the IPSASB in advancing high-quality International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS Standards) and Sustainability Reporting Standards (IPSASB SRS Standards) and advocating for their use, which support transparency, accountability, and decision-making in governments and public sector entities worldwide. Thomas has over 30 years of experience in public sector accounting and financial management. 

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said: “I thank Ian Carruthers for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to improving public sector financial reporting across the globe. We are delighted to welcome Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as the next Chair of the IPSASB. His deep expertise and long-standing commitment to the public interest will ensure the IPSASB continues to meet the evolving needs of governments, citizens, and the global accountancy profession.”  

Jon Blondal, co-chair of the Public Interest Committee, said: 
“The Public Interest Committee welcomes the appointment of Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as the next Chair of the IPSASB. We extend our thanks to Vinod Rai, Search Committee Chair, its members, and IFAC leadership for their close cooperation and commitment throughout the process. The selection of Thomas follows a rigorous and transparent process that reflects public interest.” 

Incoming IPSASB Chair Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger said: 
“It is an immense honor to be selected as the next IPSASB Chair. For many years, I have been deeply passionate about the Board’s tremendous contribution to sound public financial management globally. I am fully committed to building on the strong foundation established by the Board to further strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in public sector reporting worldwide. On a personal note, I look forward to working with Board members, the staff team, and all relevant stakeholder groups across the globe. I am driven by the conviction that our work is vital to ensuring governments have the tools they need to achieve sustainable development and sound financial management.”  

IFAC looks forward to its continuing support of the IPSASB under the leadership of Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger.  

About IFAC   

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.      

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.      

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.      

About the Public Interest Committee 
The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.