Message from the EITI Executive Director Twenty years ago, the EITI was established with the goal of promoting transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. Today, I am proud to say that we have come a long way in achieving this goal. Our global standard is now implemented in nearly 60 resource-rich countries across the globe. This is no small feat, and speaks to the dedication and perseverance of our implementing countries and multi-stakeholder groups, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. One of the unique characteristics of the EITI is that it promotes transparency across the entire upstream extractive sector value chain. From contracts to beneficial ownership transparency, revenues to commodity trading, state-owned enterprises to social and environmental aspects, it supports transparency across a range of topics that are critical to ensuring that natural resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner. Over the past 20 years, stakeholders have come together to deepen our work in all these areas, responding to emerging issues and challenges as they arise. Another aspect that sets the EITI apart is our ability to bring different stakeholders around the table to find common ground. In some cases, the EITI platform has even given stakeholders a voice in an otherwise challenging environment for civil society engagement. Natural resource governance is a complex and sometimes contentious issue, but we believe that multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration are essential for achieving lasting solutions. Thanks to this collaborative approach, the EITI has been able to respond to issues that matter most for natural resource governance. That is why we are increasingly working to leverage data and dialogue to identify corruption risks and promote sustainable development outcomes in the global transition to a low-carbon economy. We are also exploring new ways to engage with stakeholders and ensure that all voices are heard, especially those of women, Indigenous people and other marginalised groups. Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the direction the EITI is headed. We will continue to be a unique platform for dialogue and consensus in an increasingly complex and divided world. For every country, company and organisation that joins the EITI community, our mission continues to gain traction and the potential for impact grows stronger. I would like to thank all our partners and stakeholders for their continued support over the past 20 years. Together, we have accomplished a great deal in upholding the EITI’s principles of transparency, accountability and multi-stakeholder dialogue in the extractive sector, and I am excited for what we will achieve in the future as we continue to advance these principles around the world. Mark Robinson EITI Executive Director 5 Twenty years of extractives transparency