20/04/2026
๐๐๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฑ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ
Papua New Guinea is currently undergoing its third validation under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), marking a significant milestone in the countryโs ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of its natural resources.
Executive Director of the Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI), George Kauli, confirmed that the validation process commenced on the 1st of April April and is expected to conclude in June, with final results anticipated later this year.
Mr. Kauli highlighted that extensive preparatory work has been undertaken ahead of the validation, including efforts to improve data accessibility, strengthen the functionality of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) and address corrective actions identified during the 2022 validation. These measures aim to further enhance transparency and accountability across Papua New Guineaโs mining, oil and gas sectors.
An international validation team is currently in the country to assess progress. The delegation includes Validation Advisor Riley Zecca and Regional Director โ Europe Mark Burnett, who are engaging with key stakeholders. Consultations are being held with government ministers, senior officials, civil society organisations, extractive industry companies and state-owned enterprises.
Speaking on the purpose of the mission, Mr. Zecca emphasized that EITI serves as a global benchmark for good governance in the extractive sector.
"EITI is a global standard for the good governance of natural resources. This validation is a check-in on Papua New Guineaโs progress after more than a decade of implementation. The aim is to ensure that citizens understand how they benefit from the countryโs natural resources and can hold decision-makers accountable,โ he said.
He further clarified that the validation process is not intended as a test, but rather as a collaborative mechanism to support countries in refining their systems.
โWhile validation provides a score and assessment, it is not a test. We are here to support Papua New Guinea in tailoring EITI implementation to its national context and priorities,โ Mr. Zecca added.
During their mission, the validation team has met with the PNGEITI National Secretariat, the Independent Administrator for the 2024 EITI Report, Kuna Taberia Kiruwi (KTK) and representatives from the University of Papua New Guineaโs Division of Earth Sciences. The mission is expected to conclude with a high-level debrief with MSG Chair and Minister for Treasury, Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey before the teamโs departure.
Mr. Kauli explained that validation is a core component of the EITI implementation, providing an independent and objective assessment of whether a country meets the requirements of the EITI Standard.
Papua New Guinea first underwent validation in 2018, achieving a rating of โmeaningful progress.โ In its second validation in 2022, the country improved to a โmoderateโ score of 70.5 percent. The EITI International Board commended PNG for implementing reforms to address weaknesses in government systems, improving transparency, ensuring effective multi-stakeholder oversight and producing timely and accessible reports.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kauli expressed optimism that the current validation will yield further improvements, reinforcing Papua New Guineaโs reputation for transparency and good governance.
He noted that a stronger validation outcome would be particularly significant as the country works to address concerns related to its grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
A positive result, he said, would send a strong signal to the international community that Papua New Guinea remains committed to strengthening governance systems and ensuring that its natural resource wealth delivers tangible benefits to its people.
