The AUA Center for Responsible Mining in partnership with the Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center is organizing an introductory discussion on the role of civil society in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an initiative that the Armenian government has expressed interest in joining. Under EITI a government must disclose the funds it receives from extractive companies operating in its country and the companies must fully disclose their payments to the government. EITI is an international standard for openness and transparency around the management of revenues from natural resources. Civil society's substantive participation is an important part of a country's ability to become an EITI member. The discussion offers participants an opportunity to learn about EITI's goals, civil society’s role, and the benefits and costs of joining the Initiative.

An essential element of EITI is the formation of a multi-stakeholder group which must include representatives from government, the mining industry and civil society. Because civil society plays a crucial role in a country’s membership in EITI, it is important to provide a forum for dialogue amongt civil society organizations.

Attendees will be provided essential information about EITI, allowing each organization to evaluate its interest in taking part in Armenia’s membership process.

For additional information on EITI and a list of member countries, please visit EITI.org. The website is available in Russian, French, and English.