Extractive Resource Governance: Creating Maximum Benefit for Countries

Abstract

In April of 2013 The School of Public Policy hosted a three-day, invitation-only symposium to discuss best practices in extractive-resource governance. The symposium, which consisted of five panel sessions and three keynote addresses, fostered an open debate and lively interaction among participants from university, industry, government and nongovernmental organizations. By providing a neutral and open platform for discussion, the symposium’s primary goal was to build common lines of communication around policy gaps related to fiscal governance, regulatory frameworks and community development in extractive-resource-producing jurisdictions and to develop strategies for bridging them. Twelve countries were represented, including: Albania, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Israel, Ghana, Nigeria, Norway, the Republic of Congo, the United Kingdom and the United States. This paper encompasses the leading thoughts and ideas discussed at the symposium and highlights points of general consensus or conflicting views. It concludes by introducing the Extractive Resource Governance Program, developed by The School of Public Policy to provide regulatory and policy education, research and analysis to jurisdictions with emerging or established extractive resources.