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Gov Data Initiative Participates in the 17th OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris

Writer's picture: Dawn Po QuimqueDawn Po Quimque
 

(L-R) Abigail Ocate, Marco Zaplan, Marianne Fabian participate at the 17th OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris, France from 21-24 May 2024. Photo by Dawn Po Quimque from Gov Data Initiative.)

The Gov Data Initiative (GDI) participated in the 17th Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris, France from May 21-24, 2024, with a key theme of bridging long standing focus areas like conflict financing risks with the opportunities for enhancing the sector's contribution to sustainable development through the increasing strategic profile of transition minerals. Led by Executive Director Marco Zaplan, the GDI team engaged in discussions on ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and the socio-economic impacts of mineral extraction.


GDI Team meets with various stakeholders during the 4-day OECD Forum in Paris, France. (Photos by Dawn Po Quimque, Marianne Fabian, and Abigail Ocate)


The forum provided a valuable networking opportunity for GDI, allowing interactions with international development partners such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) International Secretariat, the Natural Resource Governance Institute, GIZ - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Latitude Five, Talisman International, The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, Global Battery Alliance, Bantay Kita, and Transparency International. Supported by USAID's JET Minerals Challenge, GDI's participation included the presentation of the PREDIC Tool (Projecting Revenues from the Extractives for the Development and Investment in Communities Tool) within the Community Development Agreement (CDA) Digital Innovation Hub during side meetings with these organizations. These interactions have opened new avenues for collaboration, enhancing GDI's ability to promote transparency and accountability in the extractives sector.


Marianne Fabian, GDI Partnership & Grants Manager at OECD Headquarters, Paris, France, May 2024. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque from GDI)

Marianne Fabian, GDI's Partnership & Grants Manager, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, "This event has been crucial in forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. Collaborating with global leaders and organizations dedicated to responsible mineral sourcing allows us to amplify our efforts and bring innovative solutions to the challenges we face in the Philippines."


The discussions at the OECD Forum covered a wide range of topics essential to establishing global standards and guidelines for responsible mineral supply chains. Key areas of focus included conflict risks, development minerals, policy coherence, and responsible business practices in government agreements, particularly regarding transition minerals. These minerals are increasingly important for energy technologies, and the demand for them is expected to grow significantly.


Marco Zaplan, GDI Executive Director Research, Data, and Policy Lead at OECD Headquarters, Paris, France, May 2024. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque from GDI)

Marco Zaplan emphasized the significance of transparency and accountability in the Philippines' mining industry, stating, "In the Philippines, where mining is being eyed by the government as a key driver of economic growth, transparency and accountability are not just ideals but necessities. Our participation in the OECD Forum has reinforced our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of mineral extraction are shared equitably and sustainably, and that the voices of communities are heard and respected."


Abigail Ocate, GDI Operations & Programs Manager at OECD Headquarters, Paris, France, May 2024. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque from GDI)

Abigail Ocate, GDI's Operations & Programs Manager, expressed appreciation for the valuable insights gained from the event, stating, "The OECD Forum has provided us with valuable insights that will shape how we execute our projects moving forward. By learning from global best practices and engaging in in-depth discussions with industry experts, we can refine our approaches to ensure that our initiatives meet international standards and address the unique needs of our local communities."


The OECD Forum is an annual event that fosters international cooperation and sets global standards, bringing together key players from various sectors to discuss the future of ethical mineral sourcing and sustainable practices.


GDI Team at  OECD Headquarters, Paris, France, May 2024. (L-R) Dawn Po Quimque, GDI Strategic Communications Manager, Abigail Ocate, Marco Zaplan, Marianne Fabian. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque from Gov Data Initiative.)

 

The PREDIC Tool (Projecting Revenues from the Extractives for the Development and Investment in Communities Tool) was developed by the Gov Data Initiative. The tool is currently being piloted in Cebu and Palawan in partnership with the Manila Observatory and the Sustainable Development Strategies Group under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) Digital Innovation Hub.


The PREDIC Tool helps estimate and visualize production, sales, and revenue from mining operations, enabling informed decision-making and discussions related to local mining governance. Funded by the American people through USAID's JET Minerals Challenge, this 15-month project aims to enhance transparency and accountability in natural resource governance, empower local stakeholders, and ensure a fair distribution of benefits from extractive industries.


For more updates about the activities of Gov Data Initiative:


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