3 Over the past year, EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. This report documents many of the emerging practices and innovative solutions for bringing extractives data into the public domain. These stories show that, in many countries, EITI implementation has persevered and thrived despite constraints on funding and mobility. Several countries have embraced a new, flexible approach to reporting, publishing timely and relevant data on the impact of the pandemic on the sector. Flexible reports have included information on policies to support the extractive sector through the COVID-19 crisis, for example in the form of tax relief and production incentives. Many countries have also been able to increase the systematic disclosures of data, with Afghanistan, Argentina and Mexico making notable progress. During the past year, we were fortunate to receive substantial funding for our work on beneficial ownership transparency. We hope to build on existing political commitment to take significant steps forward in this important area, working together with our partners in the Opening Extractives programme. The start of 2021 also saw a new requirement in the 2019 EITI Standard come into force on the publication of new or amended contracts between governments and extractive companies. These developments represent game-changers for extractives governance. The lessons we learned this year will shape the organisation as we move forward with our strategic priorities for the remainder of 2021 and in 2022. We have identified six strategic shifts to help us progress extractive governance, in a world where the energy transition is a prominent and pressing issue, and where the role of open data in addressing corruption risk is critical. Recent developments have further underpinned our understanding of how the EITI can best create impact, an area which we plan to advance with an independent evaluation of the EITI and increased focus on country measurement frameworks. I would like to thank our Chair, Board, staff and all office holders in implementing countries for their commitment, ingenuity and resilience.On behalf of the International Secretariat, we look forward to working together to realise the EITI’s mission in our implementing countries and beyond. Mark Robinson EITI Executive Director “EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.” “EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.” “EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.” “EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.” “EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.” “EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.” “EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.” “EITI implementing countries have demonstrated enormous resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.”