The Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) has a new Executive Director and he is George Kauli. Mr Kauli succeeds Lucas Alkan, who served as the organization’s first head since its establishment in 2013.
PNGEITI governing and oversight body, the PNGEITI Multi Stakeholder Group (MSG), appointed Mr. Kauli after a rigorous recruitment process.
Mr. Kauli brings a wealth of experience in policy, governance, and resource sector management, backed by a distinguished career spanning over two decades. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sciences & Physical Geography from the University of Papua New Guinea, complemented by numerous certificates in energy governance, economic aspects of production sharing, and public service induction from institutions in the USA, Australia, and PNG.
Since joining PNGEITI in 2024 as Director of Policy and Programs, Mr. Kauli has led the Secretariat’s preparation for transition into a Commission. He also played a lead role in ensuring subnational reporting clauses were integrated into major resource agreements such as the Porgera Community Development Agreement and the recently initialled Hidden Valley Community Development Agreement—a first for the PNG extractive sector.
Prior to PNGEITI, Mr. Kauli held several senior roles at the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management, contributing to the review of major mining laws and policies, and representing Papua New Guinea in international forums on deep sea mining and sustainable resource development. He brings a wealth of experience to drive the National Secretariat through.
Mr. Kauli expressed his gratitude to the MSG (Multi-Stakeholder Group) for having confidence in him. The PNGEITI MSG is a tripartite body comprising key economic government agencies, all mining and petroleum companies in operations, and relevant civil society bodies including Transparency International PNG.
“I am honored to take on this role and would like to thank the MSG for their confidence in me. I am committed to working collaboratively to further strengthen transparency and accountability in our resource sector,” he said.
He also acknowledged Mr. Alkan’s significant contributions.
“I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Lucas Alkan for his dedicated service over the years. His efforts have laid a strong foundation that has propelled EITI implementation in PNG forward, setting us on the path to progress to the next level,” Mr. Kauli remarked.
Mr. Kauli highlighted immediate initiatives following his appointment.
“One of our immediate priorities is passing the PNGEITI Commission Bill, which will formalize and strengthen the organizational framework. Additionally, we are preparing for PNG’s third EITI validation, set to commence in 2026. These two tasks are chief among other important tasks immediately before me to execute head-on going forward,” he said.
“Together with our stakeholders, I am eager to advance our programs and ensure that our extractive industries contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and national prosperity,” he added.
“Formalizing our legal framework through the Commission Bill will ensure long-term sustainability and give us the mandate needed to implement the EITI Standard he said. “Additionally, the 2026 validation will be a defining moment for PNG, and we are focused on ensuring that all corrective actions and new requirements under the 2023 EITI Standard are fully addressed.”
