Investments in the extractive industries (oil, gas, and mining) have the potential to be a springboard for development in many low- and middle-income countries, through major tax revenues, technology transfer, infrastructure development, employment, and capacity building. However, reaping those benefits is challenging, and more often these investments have been a source of corruption, social degradation, resource dependency, and environmental catastrophe. Their value chains also account for most of the greenhouse gas emissions that cause the global climate emergency.
How then can resource-rich countries faced with this double-edged sword turn petroleum and mineral resource wealth into long-term sustainable development while mitigating negative externalities, including the direct and indirect impact of the extractive industries on the global climate system?
To leverage natural resources for sustainable development, countries face a number of challenges related to the development and enforcement of a robust legal and fiscal framework; revenue forecasting, management, and allocation; development planning and implementation; infrastructure design and regulation; supply chain development; vocational training; and environmental protection; among others. Achieving climate goals requires policies on mine decarbonization, responsible supply of critical minerals (both from primary extraction and through circular economy approaches), and a just transition away from fossil fuels.
The program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to promote the responsible development of the extractive industries in resource-rich developing countries and to encourage a rich dialogue about best practices from around the globe. The two-week training emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of resource-based development. By working through case studies and with practitioners and experts in the field, participants will be able to apply analytical tools and frameworks to the unique context of the extractive industries in their country.
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