Executive Director of the Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI), George Kauli, has announced that Papua New Guinea is currently undergoing its third validation since signing up to implement the EITI Standard in 2013.
PNG’s EITI validation, which commenced on 1 April, is expected to conclude in June, with results anticipated towards the end of this year.
In a statement Mr. Kauli said that prior to the validation, efforts were focused on closing gaps in data accessibility, strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) functions, and addressing the 2022 validation corrective actions to enhance transparency in the extractive sector.
Validation Advisor Riley Zecca and Director for Europe, Mark Burnett, are in the country to meet with selected government ministers, officials, civil society organizations, representatives from companies operating in the extractive sector, and state-owned entities.
“EITI is a global standard for the good governance of natural resources in a country, and we are here to provide a check-in on progress.
“PNG has been a member of EITI for over ten years and has made progress in implementing EITI in a way that shows the people of PNG how they are benefiting from their natural resources, particularly in the mining, oil, and gas sectors.
There have also been improvements in data accessibility so that everyone can better understand what is expected and required from companies, government, and stakeholders as a whole.”
Our goal is to provide data so that citizens can hold those in authority accountable and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to,” Mr. Zecca said.
Mr. Zecca further stated: “While validation will provide a score and an assessment, it is not a test. We are here to assist in tailoring this tool to suit your needs.”
The validators met with staff of the PNGEITI National Secretariat, followed by discussions with the Independent Administrator of the 2024 Report, Kuna Taberia Kiruwi (KTK), and the Division of Earth Sciences at the University of Papua New Guinea.
The visiting validation team is expected to conclude its mission with a debrief with the Chair of the MSG and Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey, on Friday, 24 April, before their departure.
Mr. Kauli explained that validation is an essential feature of the EITI implementation process, intended to provide stakeholders with an impartial assessment of whether implementation in a country is consistent with the provisions of the EITI Standard.
PNG underwent its first validation in 2018, where the EITI Board awarded the country a rating of “meaningful progress” in implementing the EITI Standard.
In its second validation in 2022, PNG improved to a “moderate” score of 70.5 percent.
The EITI International Board commended PNG’s efforts in implementing reforms to address weaknesses in government systems and improve transparency in the extractive sector.
The Board also recognized PNG’s efforts in ensuring appropriate multi-stakeholder oversight of EITI implementation and aligning EITI objectives with national priorities.
It further commended the country for producing EITI reports in a timely manner and effectively disseminating their findings.
Mr. Kauli expressed optimism that an improved position in this year’s validation would enhance the country’s image, especially at a time when PNG is on the Financial Action Task Force grey list.