Manila 2026: Shaping the next era of responsible mining, oil and gas

In an era marked by rapid technological change, evolving energy systems and heightened public expectations of corporate accountability, the extractive industries are at a pivotal moment. Alongside an acknowledged need to secure critical minerals for the energy transition, stakeholders rightfully hold high expectations for stronger environmental, social and governance performance. Meeting these expectations is essential to secure industry’s social license to operate and ensure that energy transitions remain on track.

Against this backdrop, the multi-stakeholder approach at the heart of the EITI continues to play a crucial role in building trust, reducing governance risks and ensuring that natural resource wealth is managed for the benefit of all.

It is in this spirit that EITI is preparing for its 2026 EITI Global Conference in Manila, a flagship event for the global EITI community. Hosted by the Government of the Philippines, it is the first to be hosted in an EITI implementing country in Asia and comes at a pivotal moment, given the region’s strategic role in global supply chains and Philippines’ own ambition to attract responsible investment into its minerals sector. ASEAN’s long-term vision for sustainable minerals development underscores both the scale of the opportunity and the need for robust governance and manage evolving risks. Bringing together government leaders, civil society, investors and the world’s leading extractive companies, it will serve as a powerful platform for shaping the next era of responsible resource development.

For companies looking to invest responsibly and position themselves competitively, it provides a chance to help set the direction of transparency and sustainability in the region’s extractive sector, central to global supply chains.

Why Manila 2026 matters for global extractive companies

The EITI Global Conference is more than an opportunity to convene global stakeholders. For companies looking to invest responsibly and position themselves competitively, it provides a chance to help set the direction of transparency and sustainability in the region’s extractive sector, central to global supply chains. For mining, oil and gas companies, the conference in Manila presents three distinct, high-value opportunities.

1. An opportunity to shape emerging norms 

Companies are increasingly expected to disclose emissions, climate risks, beneficial ownership information, contracts and community contributions. In Manila, EITI stakeholders will be at the centre of discussions on how transparency standards are evolving and how they can be implemented in ways that are both ambitious and practical. It will also create space for dialogue on companies’ role in advancing environmental safeguards – an increasingly urgent priority in a region deeply exposed to climate impacts. Engaging in these conversations helps companies stay ahead of regulatory shifts and investor and stakeholder expectations.

2. Access to innovations and best practices from around the world

Across 55 implementing countries, companies are piloting digital reporting systems, contract disclosure mechanisms and community engagement strategies that reduce risk and enhance industry’s social license to operate. The conference will spotlight these innovations, offering companies a chance to learn from peers, streamline compliance and improve operational performance in a rapidly changing landscape.

3. Strengthening relationships and building trust at a global scale

Trust is a currency that is becoming more valuable each year. Companies that embrace transparency and participate actively in the EITI signal clearly to governments, investors and communities that they are committed to responsible and accountable operations. These relationships will be critical as countries pursue new fiscal strategies, navigate the energy transition and seek to expand domestic revenue generation.

For these reasons, the EITI Global Conference presents a strategic opportunity for corporate leaders to engage meaningfully in processes that will define the next era of resource governance.

A conference built around shared prosperity

The theme of the 2026 conference, “Transparency for shared prosperity” reflects a central principle of the EITI. Transparency is not an end in itself, but a means to ensuring that natural resources contribute to sustainable development. In many countries, extractive industries generate significant revenues, but the benefits do not always reach communities or support long-term national development. The conference will address this challenge head-on.

Many countries have strengthened governance frameworks and revenue systems, while others continue to grapple with significant institutional gaps. The conference will showcase progress, but just as importantly, it will create space for open conversations about addressing challenges – in revenue distribution, contract management, data availability or civic space. For companies, understanding these dynamics is essential for long-term stability and investment decision-making.

Charting the future of the EITI

The Global Conference is enshrined in the EITI’s Articles of Association as a mandatory gathering every three years. Its purpose is clear: to provide an open, visible platform for debate, advocacy, fundraising and growth.

The insights and perspectives shared by companies, governments and civil society will inform how the EITI Standard evolves and how implementation moves forward at national and local levels.

It will help determine how the EITI adapts to a world shaped by digital transformation, energy transitions and increasingly complex geopolitical shifts. The insights and perspectives shared by companies, governments and civil society will inform how the EITI Standard evolves and how implementation moves forward at national and local levels.

Looking ahead

The International Secretariat deeply appreciates the commitment from the Government of the Philippines Department of Finance and the Philippine EITI to host this landmark event. Manila promises to be a vibrant and inspiring venue for dialogue, innovation and collaboration.

Manila promises to be a vibrant and inspiring venue for dialogue, innovation and collaboration.

Above all, the 2026 Global Conference will reaffirm the principle that transparency, participation and accountability are essential to ensuring that natural resources contribute to sustainable and equitable development. The Philippines’ own journey illustrates this truth – and makes it a fitting host for shaping the next era of responsible mining, oil and gas.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues and partners from around the world to Manila next June, as we work together toward stronger, more inclusive resource governance for present and future generations.