A high level EITI delegation led by the newly appointed Board Chair, Maria Van Der Hoeven and Executive Director EITI International Secretariat, Mark Robinson visited Papua New Guinea and had meetings with Prime Minister, James Marape on the 30th and senior government officials on the 31st October, 2026 before leaving the country.
The visit follows the EITI Board’s decision on 6 October 2026 that PNG had achieved a validation score of 63.5 points, classified as Limited, under the 2023 EITI Standard.
The EITI Board acknowledged PNG’s progress in beneficial ownership transparency, public understanding of Community Development Agreements and improvements in reporting quality.
Prime Minister, Marape following his meeting with the Chair and Mr. Robinson released a statement affirming PNG’s commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), pledging stronger government engagement to improve transparency, accountability and responsible management of the country’s mineral and petroleum resources.
“We want the country to succeed with EITI. We are in full support, and we will attend to what needs to be done,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We see it as a partnership, and we are there to support you.” He said.
The delegation acknowledged PNG’s progress but expressed concern over insufficient participation by senior government officials in the EITI process.
It stressed that stronger ministerial and departmental leadership was essential to implementing the EITI Board’s recommendations.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the observations and emphasised that the approaching 2027 National General Election must not become an excuse for government institutions to slow down their work.
“The public service must continue working. Elections should not be used as an excuse for people not to do their jobs,” he said.
During the discussions, the delegation acknowledged Prime Minister Marape’s leadership in advancing beneficial ownership transparency and strengthening PNG’s international reputation as an investment destination.
The Prime Minister said transparency was essential to maintaining investor confidence, noting that major international companies, including ExxonMobil and Newmont, operated within PNG’s established taxation and regulatory systems.
He thanked Ms van der Hoeven and Mr Robinson for visiting PNG, the first EITI implementing country visited by Ms van der Hoeven as the newly appointed Board Chair.
“I appreciate you coming all this way, and I want to give you my utmost support,” he said.
“This is in our own interest. We must ensure that we produce the maximum benefits from mining and petroleum for our people.
“These are not sustainable industries forever, and the cost to the environment is also big. Any gains from these resources must be invested in other parts of our economy.”
The Prime Minister stressed that revenue from PNG’s finite mineral and petroleum resources must be invested in sustainable economic activities that would continue benefiting future generations.
He commended the PNG EITI National Secretariat, its Executive Director Mr George Kauli, and the broader Multi-Stakeholder Group for their ongoing work.
“We will support you to the fullest,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Also as part of the delegation, Sarah Hayton and Trine Moa from the International Secretariat arrived two days ahead.
The duo met with the members of the Multi-Stakeholder Group and the National Secretariat conducted discussions on results of 2026 Validations.
