On June 13, Dakar hosted the EITI Global Conference to mark its 20th anniversary at the Abdou Diouf Conference Centre. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the EITI in Senegal. The theme of the international conference was transparency in transition, and was attended by the Prime Minister of Senegal, Mr. AMADOU BA, representing the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. OULD BILAL, representing his country, the President of EITI Senegal, Ms. EVA MARIE COLL SECK, the President of EITI International, the Honourable Helen Clark, and representatives of organizations, companies and civil society.
This conference is a great opportunity to strengthen multi-stakeholder dialogue in the face of new challenges, and to respond to the needs of stakeholders for the well-being of citizens and communities. Indeed, the EITI has become a formidable forum for discussion, exchange and decision-making.
The issues facing the EITI and the extractive sector - energy transition, anti-corruption, transparency of contracts and beneficial ownership, addressing gender equity in the sector, ensuring positive community and social impact - were discussed throughout the conference. These are underpinned by the EITI Standard, which is designed to ensure that stakeholders can come together and agree on how to address the most pressing issues for extractive industry governance in their countries.
As a reminder, this conference is a first on African soil and is of the utmost importance. It continues for 2 days.