These focused on the realisation of optimal financial structures and returns from the sector, the equitable sharing of benefits generated by the industry to support wider economic and social benefits for all citizens, and the development of resources in an environmentally responsible manner.

The training course is focused on actual reform, supported by real case studies and instructed by global experts with extensive and broad experience in the reform of extractive industries.

The 2012 course was a great success; attendees came from a range of different countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Rwanda, DRC, Nigeria, Germany and Lao PDR.

Diverse institutions were represented at a number of levels, from Resource Ministry permanent secretaries, government secretaries and government advisors, to EITI in-country Secretariats, civil society directors, donors and development partners. This facilitated extensive knowledge sharing and learning.

The course provided an excellent fundamental understanding of the issues, challenges, pitfalls and opportunities that the extractive industries face, and how to respond to these. As such it was an excellent tool for senior Government stakeholders who must consider how their countries will best answer these questions.