2 The extractive sector is central to the economies of many of the 55 countries which implement the EITI. The COVID-19 crisis and historic commodity price downturns have caused seismic shifts for these countries, upending livelihoods, economies, and ways of working. Yet the crisis has also brought new opportunities. This report documents examples of innovation in transparency which have prevailed despite difficult circumstances. The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions. Thanks to the adaptability and commitment of the EITI Board, multi-stakeholder groups, and national secretariats, the EITI has been able to respond to the needs of implementing countries, companies and civil society during the COVID-19 crisis. The EITI Board introduced and extended flexible reporting measures. It began to place greater emphasis on the EITI’s direct role in addressing corruption, and in providing information to support the energy transition. It also introduced a new Validation model to ensure that EITI implementation continues to be relevant and in line with national priorities. It is not surprising that such a challenging year also saw some countries experiencing political turmoil and instability. Recent events in Chad have underscored the fragility of the Sahel region. The EITI also responded quickly and decisively to the overthrow of the civilian regime in Myanmar, suspending that country from the EITI and keeping developments there under review. I am optimistic that, despite such challenges, the EITI’s mission will continue to gain traction. We will continue to reflect on lessons learned from the extraordinary year which we have experienced. We will embrace this mindset of learning as we forge ahead with important themes such as contract and beneficial ownership transparency, the energy transition, and anti-corruption. Rt Hon. Helen Clark EITI Chair “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.” “The year has brought new challenges for the EITI, but it has also underscored the urgency of our work, and the value of bringing everyone around the table to find common solutions.”