We outlined the IGF’s achievements and described its objectives in our first annual report. The full report can be downloaded here:
Report from the IGF Secretariat
We have a remarkable opportunity to drive change. Our 58 member countries are committed to reshaping the management of their natural resources to reduce poverty, achieve inclusive growth, promote social development and be better stewards of the environment—and we’re providing the tools to make that happen.
A Productive Year
2016 was a productive year for the IGF, as well as a period of renewal. In October of 2015, Global Affairs Canada committed to funding the IGF for five years through the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).
We are honoured to be hosted by an organization dedicated to integrating environmental and social priorities with social development, and are grateful to the Government of Canada for its support and the necessary funds that will allow us to expand our impact.
This is our first annual report, and it is both timely and appropriate. It emerged in part from our Task Force on Strategy, which has developed a strategic plan for 2017 to 2021. Established in 2015, the task force is made up of representatives from our member governments, private sector companies and civil society.
Our Road Map for the Next Five Years
At the 2016 AGM, the task force confirmed our mission, vision and values and presented our road map for the next five years.
We remain committed to tackling the global sustainable development agenda and contributing to improved governance of the mining sector. We have three goals:
- Help our members effectively manage their mineral resources and sustainable development initiatives.
- Foster multistakeholder knowledge sharing and collaboration through constructive and inclusive policy dialogue on good governance of the mineral resources sector.
- Promote good governance and achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals by helping our members implement the Mining Policy Framework.
We hope to achieve these goals by meeting three corresponding objectives:
- Communications and outreach
- People and learning
- Long-term financing
A Busy 2017
We are excited about our plans for 2017. We have a short list of applications for MPF assessments, and new membership requests for review. The launch of our guidance document on artisanal and small-scale mining has led to many requests for capacity-building workshops and resulted in new partnerships.
On behalf of the IGF Secretariat, I would like to thank the Government of Canada and our members for their continued support.
Greg Radford
Director, IGF