The Papua New Guinea Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) has taken the first step in forging a partnership with the country’s higher learning institutions, engaging with students, staff and industry professionals on transparency, ethical resource management and good governance.
PNGEITI in collaboration with the University of Technology’s School of Engineering on the 17th of July, conducted guest lectures covering a wide range of topics from:
- Overview of the Extractive Industries,
- What is EITI?
- How EITI Works, and,
- EITI in PNG.
The presentations by Director of Communication & Stakeholder Engagement, Dickson Sorariba, Media and Communication Officer, Gideon Timothy and Officer in Charge of Policy and Programs within the PNGEITI Junior Kari Ora triggered interest among the student population within the School of Engineering.
The presentations also raised awareness on the importance of tertiary institution participation, the need for its engagement with industry professionals and generated discussions on transparency, accountability and ethical resource management.
The first of its kind engagement provided students with an overview of EITI and why it matters in a resource rich country like PNG and how it impacts governance and community benefits.
The presentations generated discussions and even questions from the students.
Executive Director of the PNGEITI George Kauli summed up the presentation saying PNGEITI produces an annual report that involves the disclosure of key data on the governance of natural resources, such as revenues, contracts, beneficial ownership, production, exports, state-owned enterprises, and social and environmental impacts.
“Our mission is to promote understanding of natural resource management, strengthen public and corporate governance and accountability, and provide the data to inform policymaking and multi-stakeholder dialogue in the extractive sector.” said Mr. Kauli
