Papua New Guinea was applauded as a fully active member in implementing the Global EITI Standard from its recent participation and country presentation at the recent 8th EITI Global Conference in Paris France in June.
The triennial event which saw over 1000 participants from member EITI countries as well as supporting countries and other key stakeholders, showcased PNG as a model country for mainstreaming the EITI standards required for extractive projects revenue transparency and accountability.
The EITI Global Conference witnessed all EITI implementing and supporting countries converge to discuss on pressing issues, share experiences, network and provide useful implementation updates and also on the progress of implementation.
PNG was represented at the Global Conference by the Multi-Stakeholder Group delegation comprised of the Mineral Resources Authority, Internal Revenue Commission, Oil Search Limited, Exxon Mobil PNG Ltd, the PNGEITI National Secretariat and the Consultative and Implementation Monitoring Council and the PNG Council of Churches.
“We commend them all for their active participation and contributions in the conference. We hope that they found the conference to be highly useful and a means to drive us to collaborate better and more effectively in our implementation of EITI in PNG as we make effort to promote transparency and address resource governance issues,” said Mr Alkan.
The 8th EITI Global Conference in Paris was considered a general success.
“The level of discussion and interaction on the various topics discussed was testament to the event’s value and in bring our EITI community together,” said Mr Alkan.
The conference also saw the launch and incorporation of the 2019 EITI Standard. This is the third version of the Global EITI standard, previous standards were 2013 and 2016 standards.
“The conference also involved a lot of high level dialogue and engagement to enable the EITI to mobilise and sustain much needed political commitment essential for achieving many of EITI’s goals,” said Mr Alkan.
Mr Alkan thanked all MSG member agencies and entities who continue to support the EITI implementation in the country and also for ensuring that PNG is full represented in such global events.
“The PNGEITI National Secretariat acknowledged the significant contributions and support of industry companies who funded various costs associated with the Global Conference. We request for your continued support and commitment to EITI in PNG and hopefully we can have a more diversified representation in future Global Conferences,” said Mr Alkan.
The delegation visit was partly sponsored by the PNG Government, Exxon Mobil PNG Limited, Oil Search PNG Limited and Newcrest Mining Limited.