The PNGEITI Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) held its third quarter meeting of 2026 at gateway hotel in Port Moresby on Friday, September 18. Acting MSG Chair, John Uware chaired the meeting. The meeting brought together MSG members and PNGEITI National Secretariat staff to discuss issues of importance concerning the National Secretariat. They (matters for discussion) include special projects and National Secretariat operational updates. The meeting began with the review of matters arising from meeting minutes of second quarter, 2026 followed by updates from respective branch directors. Under Special Projects, Director Projects and Procurement, Diclah Taureka provided update on the following: Officer In-Charge of Policy & Programs, Kari Junior Ora presented the following updates: Under Projects and Procurement, Mr. Taureka provided updates on the follow projects: Director Communication & Stakeholder Engagement, Dickson Sorariba provided update on the following: Manager Finance and Human Resource, Kelly I’mane provided update on the following: Arianne Kassman from Transparency International PNG provided an update for Resource Governance Coliation (RGC). PNG Chamber of Resource and Energy (PNGCORE) also provided an update on the upcoming activities.

Papua New Guinea has existing substantial body of extractive-sector governance data that could help shape the country’s emerging Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting landscape. PNGEITI Executive Director George Kauli told accounting and finance professionals in Lae on 28 August, 2026. Mr Kauli who delivered a presentation titled “Bridging Transparency and Transformation: Integrating PNGEITI Data into National ESG Reporting Frameworks,” at the 2026 Certified Practising Accountant PNG (CPA PNG) in Lae, explained how information generated through the EITI process could contribute to stronger ESG reporting, bringing assurance and investment confidence in Papua New Guinea. It was PNGEITI’s first presentation at a CPA PNG conference, opening a new avenue for engagement with the accounting and finance profession. Mr Kauli said the engagement was particularly important because accountants and finance professionals play a central role on how information is collected, verified, reported and ultimately used for decision-making. Mr Kauli told participants that PNG does not necessarily need to start from scratch in developing the information base required for ESG reporting. Instead, the country has an opportunity to make better use of the credible governance data already being collected, reconciled and disclosed through PNGEITI. Under the EITI Standard, reporting government agencies and extractive companies involved in PNG’s mining and oil and gas sectors disclose information across the extractive industry value chain. This includes contracts and licences, production and exports, government revenues, company payments, beneficial ownership, state participation and subnational payments and transfers, as well as social and environmental expenditures. Mr Kauli explained that existing information provides a strong foundation for connecting transparency with ESG reporting, while potentially reducing duplication across reporting systems. The EITI value chain generates information from licensing and production through to revenue collection, allocation and the benefits received by communities. When these datasets are connected, they provide a more complete picture of how Papua New Guinea’s natural resources contribute to the economy and society. He however, stressed that data is only valuable when it is reliable, comparable, transparent and capable of supporting sound decisions. This is where the relationship between EITI and ESG becomes particularly important. Mr Kauli also emphasised that PNGEITI is more than an organisation that produces annual reports. ‘As Papua New Guinea’s national implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, PNGEITI collects information from reporting government agencies and extractive companies, reconciles payments and receipts, produces independently verified reports and publicly discloses the results. Its broader purpose is to improve transparency, strengthen accountability and support evidence-based policy-making.” He said. Looking at the EITI value chain through an ESG lens, Mr Kauli identified significant areas of overlap. PNGEITI provides governance information on revenues, tax payments, beneficial ownership, contracts, state participation and subnational transfers, whilst capturing social information relating to community investments, local content and benefit sharing. He clarified that PNGEITI is primarily a governance initiative and not an environmental reporting framework. He however, said the information generated through PNGEITI can contribute to all three ESG dimensions and provide a trusted governance-data foundation that complements wider ESG reporting. Mr Kauli said ESG is increasingly influencing how investors assess companies, projects and jurisdictions. For PNG, he said the conversation should therefore go beyond whether companies are producing ESG reports and consider whether investors can trust the information they receive, whether resource revenues can be managed transparently, whether communities are benefiting and whether institutions have the capacity to produce reliable information. “Investment follows confidence and confidence requires credible information,” Mr Kauli said. “ For the accounting profession, one of the key messages was that the focus should not simply be on what data is available, but on how reliable that data is,” he said. Mr Kauli highlighted several characteristics of PNGEITI data, including independent reconciliation, multi-stakeholder oversight, public disclosure and production according to an internationally recognised standard. He added that these principles are closely aligned with the work of accountants and assurance professionals, where the quality of a final report depends on the quality of underlying information, controls, verification processes and supporting evidence. The presentation prompted a question from an accountant, who wanted to know if revenue data collected by PNGEITI is credible and can be relied upon in its reporting. Mr Kauli in response said PNGEITI does not simply accept information provided by extractive companies at face value. Instead, the EITI reporting process applies several layers of verification to establish the reliability of the information. “The credibility of PNGEITI’s revenue data is supported by several layers of verification. Extractive companies provide financial and other relevant information for the specific financial year being reported and that information is subject to their own internal processes and controls, including internal audit processes,” Mr Kauli said. He explained that PNGEITI further verifies company-reported information against records held by relevant government reporting agencies. For example, where an extractive company reports a specific amount of Corporate Income Tax paid for a particular financial year, PNGEITI compares and verifies the information against the corresponding records of the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC). “We don’t just accept the information as reported by companies. We compare and verify it against the relevant government reporting agencies. For example, if a company reports a particular amount of Corporate Income Tax for a financial year, we verify that information with the Internal Revenue Commission,” he said. Mr Kauli added that PNGEITI reporting extends beyond revenue data, covering production, exports and sales, subnational payments and transfers and other information across the extractive industry value chain. The information submitted by reporting entities is ultimately reconciled by the Independent Administrator, providing an additional independent layer to the overall reporting process. He also highlighted further steps PNGEITI is taking to strengthen assurance around government-reported data through the JICA-funded Revenue Management Project, in partnership with the Office of PNG Auditor-General (AGO). “ Through the Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP), PNGEITI is supporting an additional layer of verification around selected extractive revenue streams and government reporting processes. Unlike a financial audit, AUP involves specific procedures agreed between the relevant parties, with the practitioner reporting factual findings rather than providing an audit

Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) participated in PNG Resources Week held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby from 13–18 July 2026. PNGEITI participated through an exhibition and a presentation by Executive Director, Mr George Kauli. The participation provided a strategic platform to raise awareness on EITI Standard, promote transparency and accountability in the extractive sector, showcase PNGEITI’s work, and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders across government, industry, civil society, development partners and the wider public. Another star attraction was the PNGEITI booth, showcasing interactive displays and  informative brochures and QR cards which drew interest among the visitors. It (booth) featured the theme “From Natural Resources to Public Benefit” and used the EITI Value Chain to demonstrate the journey from natural resource extraction through contracts and licences, production, revenue collection and allocation, to social and economic spending and public benefit. The booth generated meaningful engagement and provided an opportunity to explain PNGEITI’s mandate, EITI reporting and key areas of disclosure. A notable observation was a question most visitors asked “What does PNGEITI stand for?” and this highlighted both the interest in the initiative and the continued need for broader public awareness. Discussions with visitors focused on how extractive revenues are generated, collected and distributed, including company payments, government revenues, royalties, production, subnational payments and transfers, beneficial ownership, contracts and licensing. PNGCORE also supported PNGEITI’s participation by providing the Secretariat with complimentary exhibition space on Saturday, 18 July, enabling continued engagement with Resource Week participants on the final day. Executive Director delivered a presentation titled “ From Transparency to Trust: Strengthening Governance, Revenue Assurance and Subnational Reporting to Build Community Trust and Investor Confidence in Papua New Guinea’s Extractive Sector.” The presentation outlined PNGEITI’s work within the broader resource governance agenda and highlighted revenue assurance, subnational reporting, community benefits, the JICA Revenue Management Project, the role of the MSG and progress towards the 2026 EITI Validation. Mr. Kauli reinforced the importance of moving beyond disclosure towards ensuring that credible and accessible information contributes to better decision-making, accountability, community participation, public trust and investor confidence. PNGEITI’s involvement in Resource Week 2026 strengthened both its public profile and its relationship with stakeholders. It offered a valuable opportunity to communicate that transparency serves as the foundation for accountability, trust, and effective resource management.

The PNGEITI Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) held its second quarter meeting of 2026 at Mining Haus, Konedobu in Port Moresby on Friday, June 19. Acting MSG Chair John Uware chaired the meeting. The meeting brought together MSG members and PNGEITI National Secretariat to discuss issues of importance concerning the National Secretariat. The meeting began with the review of matters arising from meeting minutes of first quarter, 2026 followed by updates from respective branch directors, Officer In-Charge of Policy & Programs and Manager Finance and Human Resource. Under Special Projects, Director Projects and Procurement, Diclah Taureka provided update on the following: Under Projects and Procurement, Mr. Taureka provided updates on the follow projects: OIC Policy and programs, Kari Ora Junior provided update on the following: Director Communication & Stakeholder Engagement, Dickson Sorariba provided updates on Promotion of FY2024 Report and promotional and educational awareness on FY2024. Manager Finance and Human Resource, Kelly I’mane provided update on 2026 First Quarter Financial Report and staff movement within the National Secretariat. Executive Director, George Kauli in his Mid-Year Report thanked the three constituents who make up the multi-stakeholder group for their support during his one year in office since his appointment.

Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) warmly congratulates Mr. Richard Kassman (OBE) on his appointment as the new Executive Director for PNG Chamber of Resource and Energy (PNGCORE). PNGEITI Executive Director Mr. George Kauli, in his congratulatory message, said Mr. Kassman fits all credentials to lead PNGCORE’s strategic initiatives, shareholder engagement and policy advocacy. Mr. Kassman has been a longstanding leader in advancing transparency in Papua New Guinea’s extractive sector, serving as an early advocate for EITI adoption, a central figure in shaping the initiative’s foundation, and a key industry representative on the PNGEITI Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG). His continued leadership across industry has reinforced alignment between resource development and transparency standards. Mr. Kauli further described Mr. Kassman as a “fine gentleman” who brings more than 40 years experience across petroleum, energy, tourism, insurance and civil society sectors to lead PNGCORE. “Mr. Kassman is a respected leader with a proven track record, integrity and a wealth of experience to lead PNGCORE,” said Mr. Kauli. Mr. Kassman succeeds Mr. Philip Samar who has served as interim Executive Director during the transition period. The PNGEITI also acknowledges Mr. Samar on his tenure as interim Executive Director of the PNGCORE and his steadfast support to the PNGEITI during the crucial 2026 PNGEITI Country Validation. PNGEITI looks forward to continued collaboration with the PNGCORE and the industry under Mr. Kassman’s leadership to advance shared goals of responsible resource management, data transparency, governance and inclusive development.