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.

The Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) Secretariat from the 11th-15th May, 2026 completed phase two of the Subnational Roadshow and Awareness Program in Enga and Southern Highlands Provinces respectively. This Subnational roadshow and awareness are part of PNGEITI’s ongoing commitment to strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance in PNG’s extractive sector at the provincial and local level government levels. The roadshow is focused on conducting EITI awareness and capacity building training for subnational stakeholders from provincial and district administrations, local-level governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), landowner associations, youth and women’s groups among other key beneficiaries of extractive activities in resource provinces. Executive Director, George Kauli led a team of four PNGEITI officers accompanied by Dr. Wilfred Lus from the World Bank and National Petroleum Authority’s Kutubu Coordinator Glen Lucas on this five-day roadshow and awareness program. The objective of the five-day awareness program was to: Speaking during the outreach program, Executive Director George Kauli emphasized that one of the key roles of PNGEITI is to report on the imbalance between payments made by extractive companies to the government and the actual receipt and distribution of those revenues by government entities. “PNGEITI exists to help track and report the flow of revenues generated from Papua New Guinea’s extractive sector. It is the right of every Papua New Guinean citizen to know how much revenue is being paid by extractive companies and how those revenues are received and managed by the government,” Mr. Kauli said. “Although PNGEITI is not yet legally established like other State agencies, the data we publish is voluntarily provided by extractive companies and relevant government agencies, and we commend them for their continued cooperation and commitment to transparency. This voluntary disclosure forms the foundation of transparency, accountability and public trust within the extractive sector,” he added. The roadshow commenced in Mt Hagen, where the PNGEITI team visited tertiary institutions including Mt Hagen Technical College and Holy Trinity Teachers College to conduct awareness sessions with students and academic representatives. The team later engaged with the National Broadcasting Corporation in Mt Hagen for a pre-recorded radio interview aimed at promoting public awareness of PNGEITI’s subnational outreach activities and the importance of extractive sector transparency. The team then travelled to Enga Province, where an awareness workshop was conducted focusing on “Who is PNGEITI,” its role and the importance of EITI reporting at the subnational level. The workshop brought together representatives from the Porgera Local Level Government, the Enga Provincial Administration and landowner representatives. The engagement aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of transparency and accountability in the management of extractive sector revenues and benefits. Participants were introduced to the role of PNGEITI in promoting open and accountable reporting within Papua New Guinea’s mining, oil and gas sectors, as well as the significance of subnational reporting in ensuring that revenues and benefits reaching provinces, districts, local-level governments and landowner groups are adequately disclosed and understood by the public. During his observations at the Enga workshop, Dr. Wilfred Lus from the World Bank highlighted the broader importance of transparency in promoting stability and trust within resource communities. “Transparency and accountability are important tools for peace-building in resource-rich communities. Where there is transparency in the reporting and management of revenues and benefits, it helps build trust among stakeholders, reduces misunderstandings, and supports informed dialogue and responsible decision-making,” Dr. Lus stated. The workshop also provided an important platform for dialogue on stakeholder collaboration, accurate reporting and community awareness as critical components of strengthening trust and good governance in the extractive sector. While in Enga Province, the team also visited NBC Wabag to conduct another pre-recorded radio awareness session for broadcast on the local station. The Subnational Roadshow and Awareness Program concluded on 15 May 2026 in Southern Highlands Province, where PNGEITI conducted a final awareness workshop focusing on the role of PNGEITI and the importance of subnational EITI reporting. The workshop brought together representatives from the Southern Highlands Provincial Administration and landowner representatives to further strengthen understanding of transparency, accountability and reporting within Papua New Guinea’s extractive sector. Participants were introduced to the importance of open and accountable disclosure of revenues and benefits generated from the mining, oil and gas sectors, particularly the need for transparent reporting of benefits distributed to provinces, districts, local-level governments and landowner groups. The engagement also encouraged stakeholder participation, collaboration and informed public awareness as essential elements of responsible resource governance and sustainable development. This Subnational Awareness and Capacity Building Program marks a significant outreach milestone for PNGEITI and represents an important step toward fulfilling the EITI Standard’s subnational reporting requirements. Through this initiative, PNGEITI continues to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening subnational participation in extractive sector governance and ensuring that benefits derived from Papua New Guinea’s natural resources are managed transparently and shared equitably across all levels of society.

The PNGEITI Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) held its first quarter meeting of 2026 at Tuna Bay Resort, Central Province on Thursday, March 26. Acting MSG Chair and Acting Deputy Secretary, 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 fourth quarter, 2025 followed by update from respective branch directors. Director Projects and Procurement Branch, Diclah Taureka provided update on the following: Mr. Taureka also provided further updates on the following: Manager Finance and Human Resource, Kelly I’mane  provided 2025 Financial Report. The MSG during this meeting endorsed 2026 workplan and 2026 annual budget for the National Secretariat.

Executive Director of Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI), George Kauli has announced that PNG is currently being validated for the third time since it signed up to implement the EITI Standard in 2013. The PNG’s EITI Validation which started on the 1st of April is expected to end in June with  results expected towards the end of this year. Mr Kauli said prior to the Validation, there has been efforts focused on closing gaps in data accessibility, strengthening Multi- Stakeholder Group functions and addressing the 2022 validation corrective actions to enhance transparency in the extractive sector. Validation Advisor, Riley Zecca and Director for Europe Mark Burnett are in the country to meet with selected government ministers, government officials, Civil Society Organisations, representatives from companies operating in the extractive sector and representatives from state owned entities. “EITI is a global standard for the good governance of natural resources in a country and we are here to provide a check-in, on progress. PNG has been a member of EITI for over ten years and has been progressing EITI implementation that best show the people of PNG how they are benefitting from their natural resources particularly in the mining, oil and gas sector and are improving data accessibility so everyone can understand what is expected and required from companies and government and the broader constituents as a whole. Our goal is to provide data so that citizens of a country can hold those in authority accountable to ensure that they are getting the benefits that they should receive,” said Mr Zecca. Mr Zecca further said “while validation will provide a score and an assessment, it is not a test. We are here to assist you all in tailoring this tool to suit your needs.” The validators met with the staff of PNGEITI National Secretariat followed by discussions with the Independent Administrator of the 2024 Report, Kuna Taberia Kiruwi (KTK) and Division of Earth Sciences from University of Papua New Guinea. The visiting Validation team is expected to conclude its mission with a debrief with Chair of MSG and Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey on Friday 24th April before their departure. Mr. Kauli explained that validation is an essential feature of the EITI implementation process intended to provide stakeholders with an impartial assessment of whether EITI implementation in a country is consistent with the provisions of the EITI Standard. PNG underwent its first validation in 2018 where the EITI Board granted ‘meaningful progress’ in implementing the EITI Standard. PNG underwent its second Validation in 2022 where it improved to ‘moderate score’ of 70.5 percent. The EITI International Board commended PNG’s efforts in implementing several reforms to address weaknesses in government systems and in improving the level of transparency in the country’s extractive sector. The Board also recognised PNG’s efforts in ensuring appropriate multi-stakeholder oversight of EITI implementation and aligning objectives of the EITI with national priorities. It further commended the country’s efforts to produce EITI reports in a timely manner and to effectively disseminate the findings of the Reports. Mr. Kauli is optimistic that improved position in this year’s Validation would mean a positive image for the country, especially at this time when PNG is grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force.

The PNGEITI Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) held its fourth quarter meeting of 2026 at Tuna Bay Resort, Central Province on Thursday, March 26. Acting MSG Chair and Acting Deputy Secretary, 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 fourth quarter, 2025 followed by update from respective branch directors. Director Projects and Procurement Branch, Diclah Taureka provided update on the following: Mr. Taureka also provided further updates on the following: Manager Finance and Human Resource, Kelly I’mane  provided 2025 Financial Report. The MSG during this meeting endorsed 2026 workplan and 2026 annual budget for the National Secretariat.

The Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) National Secretariat has officially launched its 2024 Annual Report during the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) Quarter 1 meeting held at Tuna Bay in Port Moresby on the 26th of March, 2026. The report presents a comprehensive overview of Papua New Guinea’s extractive sector performance, financial disclosures and the country’s continued commitment to transparency and accountability for the 2024 financial year. Speaking at the launch during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Acting Chairman of the Multi-Stakeholder Group, John Uware, emphasized the importance of the report in strengthening public trust and promoting informed dialogue among government, industry and civil society stakeholders. “This report reflects Papua New Guinea’s dedication to the open and accountable management of its oil, gas and mineral resources,” said Mr. John Uware, Acting Chair of MSG. “It serves as a critical tool for stakeholders to assess sector performance and to support responsible and transparent resource governance.” he said. The launch comes ahead of Papua New Guinea’s upcoming Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Validation, scheduled to commence on April 1, 2026. Validation is a key component of the global EITI process, assessing the country’s compliance with the EITI Standard while identifying opportunities to strengthen reporting practices and enhance transparency. The 2024 Annual Report outlines revenue contributions from the mining, oil, and gas sectors, including insights into beneficial ownership disclosures and key government and industry initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and equitable resource management. It also highlights the strong collaboration between the PNGEITI National Secretariat, MSG members, and international partners in advancing transparency and accountability across the sector. Members of the MSG present at the meeting welcomed the report as an important reference for guiding policy decisions and strengthening stakeholder engagement. the report is expected to inform national dialogue as Papua New Guinea enters the Validation phase, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to international transparency standards. The PNGEITI National Secretariat encourages all stakeholders including civil society, government agencies, the private sector, the general public and resource owners in extractive provinces to download and review the 2024 Annual Report from the PNGEITI website, to stay informed and better understand how Papua New Guinea’s extractive resources are managed as the country progresses toward its April 2026 Validation milestone.