1. The 2013 Resource Governance Index
A measure of transparency and accountability in
the oil, gas and mining sector
New York, UNDP, May 16, 2013
http://www.revenuewatch.org/rgi
2. What’s at stake?
• Oil, gas and mining sector governance as a development
challenge
– In resource rich countries, over 1 billion people live on
less than $5 a day, and 640 million live on $2 a day or
less.
– In 2011, Nigeria’s oil revenues alone were 60 percent
higher than international aid to all of sub-Saharan
Africa.
– In 1980-2006: Oil-rich states 3 times less likely to
democratize than non-oil producers.
• Governance is the challenge, but also the solution.
• The RGI aims to help advance this effort.
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3. Why is a measure of resource governance needed?
• Raise awareness about a major development
challenge
• Concretize what may be seen as a vague challenge
• Enable empirical research and analysis
• Enable evidenced-based policymaking and advocacy
• Inform dialogue across all stakeholders
• A diagnostic tool to identify global and country
reform priorities
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4. What is the Resource Governance Index?
• A measure of transparency
and accountability of the
oil, gas and mining sector in
58 countries.
• For each country,
researchers, gathered
primary information in 2012
to answer a standard
questionnaire with 173
questions, vetted by a peer
reviewer.
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5. How is the Index built?
Resource Governance Index composite
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10. Concrete Illustrations of the governance deficit
• In 20 countries (e.g. Venezuela) substantial resource
revenue bypass the treasury.
• 21 countries (e.g. Guinea) do not publish information
on primary sources of revenue (royalties, profit shares
or taxes)
• In 18 countries (e.g. Alberta, Canada) government
officials do not disclose their financial interest in any
extractive activity.
• Azerbaijan, Russia and Kazakhstan have poor records in
key areas including corruption, civil and political
liberties and democratic accountability.
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14. Recommendations to improve resource
transparency and accountability
• Disclose contracts signed with extractive companies.
• Ensure that regulatory agencies publish timely,
comprehensive reports on oil, gas and mining operations.
• Extend transparency and accountability standards to SOCs
and natural resource funds.
• Concerted effort to control corruption, strengthen the rule
of law and guarantee civil and political rights.
• Adopt international reporting standards for governments
and companies.
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15. RGI products on http://www.revenuewatch.org/rgi
• 58 printable country pages
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