Syria Joins The IIA’s Global Federation
Press Release | National Institutes | October 29, 2026
International footprint now spans 123 National Institutes
LAKE MARY, Fla. Oct. 29, 2026 — The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) today announced that Syria has joined its global federation as a National Institute, expanding the organization’s international reach and reinforcing its commitment to advancing the internal audit profession worldwide.
As an approved National Institute, IIA Syria has established the legal framework and organizational structure necessary to support internal auditors across the country through advocacy, training, and professional development opportunities for practitioners in both the public and private sectors.
“On behalf of The IIA, I am thrilled to welcome IIA Syria to our global federation,” said Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP, President and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors. “The addition of IIA Syria reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the profession and expanding opportunities for internal auditors around the world. We look forward to working alongside our new colleagues to support professional growth, promote excellence, and amplify the impact of internal audit in Syria and beyond.”
To achieve National Institute status, applicants must demonstrate a strong organizational and governance foundation through an extensive preparation and approval process. Requirements include sustainable strategic plans, a commitment to ethical standards, sound governance and compliance frameworks, and a long-term approach to supporting members' professional development.
IIA Syria joins a global network of National Institutes dedicated to advancing the profession through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and access to learning opportunities and globally recognized certifications, including the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®). The IIA continually enhances its offerings to meet the evolving needs of internal auditors worldwide, from resources that facilitate adoption of the Global Internal Audit Standards to expanded access to the CIA Challenge Exam, which is now available in French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.
With the addition of Syria, The IIA’s global federation now includes 123 National Institutes, collectively supporting more than 265,000 members worldwide.
About The Institute of Internal Auditors
The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is an international professional association that serves more than 265,000 global members and has awarded more than 220,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org.
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