In a crucial step towards improving transparency and governance in the extractive industries, the Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) convened a two-day Pre-Validation Workshop from 9–10 June in Port Moresby. The workshop brought together members of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) and staff from the PNGEITI National Secretariat
The two-day workshop was facilitated by Asia Country Manager Ms. Sarah Hayton and Validation expert Mr. Riley Zecca from the EITI International Secretariat’s Validation Team with the primary focus to prepare Papua New Guinea for its upcoming EITI Validation scheduled to commence in January 2026.
EITI Validation is a cornerstone of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process. It provides an independent and comprehensive assessment of a country’s performance in disclosing critical extractive sector data—from licensing and production to revenue flows and public spending.
For Papua New Guinea, EITI Validation is not merely a compliance measure—it is a vital tool for reform. It fosters informed policy dialogue, builds public trust, strengthens institutional frameworks, and demonstrates the country’s commitment to transparency to investors and development partners. The recent Pre-Validation Workshop was strategically designed to support this reform agenda by explaining the Validation process and agreeing on the preparatory steps that the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) must undertake. It also provided hands-on training for MSG members on the newly introduced Validation templates, reviewed outstanding corrective actions from the 2022 Validation, and developed an action plan to address them. In addition, the workshop focused on building capacity around key disclosures required under the revised 2023 EITI Standard, particularly in emerging areas such as energy transition, gender, and anti-corruption.
By the end of the two-day session, MSG members had developed a clearer understanding of the specific actions required to close existing implementation gaps and strengthen Papua New Guinea’s standing ahead of the 2026 EITI Validation. Key outcomes of the workshop included a shared understanding of the critical steps needed to achieve full compliance with the EITI Standard, agreement on roles and responsibilities for addressing corrective actions, and the development of a draft timeline outlining key activities to be undertaken in preparation for the upcoming Validation. Speaking on the significance of the workshop, PNGEITI Executive Director Mr. George Kauli stated “This two-day Pre-Validation Workshop has been a timely and strategic opportunity for us to regroup, refocus, and build a shared understanding of what is required for Papua New Guinea to meet the EITI Standard. As we prepare for Validation in 2026, it is critical that all stakeholders—government, industry, and civil society—are aligned in their roles and responsibilities. Our collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and reform will ensure that the benefits from our extractive sector are managed responsibly and equitably for all Papua New Guineans.”
This statement reaffirms PNG’s national commitment to transparency and sets a collaborative tone for the coordinated efforts needed as the country advances toward its next Validation.
Papua New Guinea last underwent Validation in 2022, during which the EITI International Board awarded the country an overall score of 70.5 points, indicating a moderate level of progress in implementing the EITI Standard. The score was based on an average of three component areas:
- Outcomes and Impact: 73.5 points – showing effective use of data to inform public dialogue and policy;
- Stakeholder Engagement: 75 points – reflecting strong cooperation between government, industry, and civil society;
- Transparency: 62.5 points – highlighting a need for improved disclosures across the extractive value chain, especially in revenue collection and allocation.
While the 2022 results reflected PNG’s strong commitment to transparency, the Validation also identified several gaps—particularly in data accessibility and the completeness of reporting. Addressing these gaps is critical for improved governance and accountability.
In a resource-rich country like Papua New Guinea, where the economy is heavily reliant on mineral, oil, and gas revenues, the transparent and equitable management of these resources is essential to achieving sustainable development. The Pre-Validation Workshop has set a clear and structured path forward to enhance good governance, strengthen public oversight, and ensure that the benefits of extractive resources are shared fairly among all Papua New Guineans.
