The Government of Belgium and the European Commission will co-host the 2026 EITI Global Conference in Brussels, Belgium, on 8–9 October 2026. The conference will bring together more than 1,000 leaders, policymakers and EITI practitioners to exchange experiences, showcase innovations and strengthen collaboration on responsible natural resource governance at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change.
"Belgium is proud to co-host the 2026 EITI Global Conference and welcome the global EITI community to Brussels," said Reinout Van Vaerenbergh, Strategic Advisor on Natural Resources and Financial Management at the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. "Transparency and accountability are essential foundations for good governance, sustainable development and public trust. We look forward to bringing together stakeholders from around the world to share experiences and advance practical solutions that help ensure natural resources benefit citizens and communities."
"At a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and growing competition for natural resources, transparency is more important than ever," said Helen Clark, EITI Board Chair. "The 2026 EITI Global Conference will strengthen partnerships among organisations working together to strengthen open and accountable governance, and ensure that the relevance of transparency is highlighted at a critical time.”
Under the theme "Transparency for shared prosperity", the conference will explore how open and accountable governance can help build trust, support responsible investment and ensure that the benefits of natural resources and the energy transition are shared across societies.
The European Comission’s co-hosting of the event reinforces its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and responsible governance in the extractive sector. It will provide an important platform for dialogue, collaboration and practical action on how transparency can support resilient value chains, informed decision-making and sustainable development.
Other sponsors supporting the event include the BHP Foundation, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Natural Resources Canada.
The conference was originally due to be hosted in Manila, Philippines, in June 2026. In response to the continued impacts of the energy crisis, the EITI and the Government of the Philippines jointly agreed to move the conference to Brussels to facilitate broad participation from across the EITI community.
“The EITI expresses its appreciation to the Government of the Philippines for continued support of the EITI's mission and objectives and its earlier commitment to hosting the conference," said Helen Clark.
