2006年-世界发展银行全球_Transparency_in_Extractive_Industries_5页_214kb

EITI Conference Summary: Transparency in Extractive Industries

Core Content

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) was discussed at the 2006 EITI Conference in Oslo, Norway, by Paul Wolfowitz, then President of the World Bank. The conference aimed to address the challenges of managing revenue from oil, gas, and mineral resources in developing countries, particularly in the context of corruption, poverty, and good governance.

Main Points

1. Global Poverty and Extractive Industries

• Over a billion people live on less than one dollar a day, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty has doubled in the last 25 years.
• Oil revenues in Africa have reached $500 billion over the past three decades, yet they have not translated into improved living standards for the people.
• In Nigeria, $300 billion in oil revenues have disappeared, leaving the country among the poorest in the world.

2. EITI as a Response to Corruption

• The EITI initiative was launched in 1999 by the UK and has since become a global effort to promote transparency in the extractive industries.
• The goal is to ensure that revenues from natural resources are used for public benefit, not for personal gain or corruption.
• Corruption leads to inequity, social unrest, and economic distortion, undermining development efforts.

3. Success Stories and Lessons Learned

• South Korea and Burkina Faso are cited as examples of countries that have achieved development through good governance and social harmony.
• Nigeria has set a benchmark for EITI implementation, both in scope and speed, and has gone beyond EITI requirements by addressing license awarding and revenue management.
• Nuhu Ribadu, head of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, highlighted the cost of corruption and the need for accountability.

4. Role of Civil Society and International Support

• Civil society is a critical component of the EITI process. Their participation is mandatory and ensures that the information generated is used to hold governments and companies accountable.
• The World Bank supports EITI in 22 countries and is engaged in dialogue with over 10 more.
• Donor support is essential for capacity building and sustaining EITI efforts. The multi-donor trust fund is a key mechanism for this support.

5. Challenges Facing EITI

• Civil society engagement: Must be active and supported to ensure transparency leads to real change.
• Government capacity: Many governments need technical and financial support to implement EITI effectively.
• Asset recovery: A critical area for future focus, as stolen assets often reside in developed countries.
• Sustainable development: Extractive revenues alone are not enough; investment in human capital (health, education) and private sector growth is essential for long-term progress.

Key Information

• EITI is an international coalition of developing countries, donors, extractive companies, civil society, and multilateral organizations.
• Nigeria has made significant progress in EITI implementation and corruption recovery, with $5 billion in assets recovered.
• Liberia and Burkina Faso are examples of countries struggling with extractive-related conflicts, but with international support, they are beginning to reform.
• Transparency is a cornerstone of good governance, and information is power in the fight against corruption.
• EITI is a crucial first step, but broader reforms are needed to transform resource wealth into development.

Conclusion

Paul Wolfowitz emphasized that while EITI is an important initiative, it is not a silver bullet for the resource curse. It requires sustained support, active civil society participation, and comprehensive governance reforms. The ultimate goal is to ensure that natural resources benefit all citizens, especially the poorest, and to create a more just and equitable society.