Belgium will host the 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Global Conference in Brussels on Oct. 8-9, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, investors, civil society organizations and development partners to discuss transparency, accountability and governance in the extractive sector.
The conference, which will be co-hosted by the Belgian government and the European Commission, will serve as a platform for the global EITI community to address challenges and opportunities facing the mining, oil and gas industries amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, economic uncertainty and the accelerating energy transition.
Beyond the main conference sessions, EITI said a week-long series of institutional meetings and peer-learning events will be held. A key highlight will be the EITI Members' Meeting, during which members will select and elect the EITI Board chair and board members for the 2026-2029 term.
The announcement comes after the postponement of the 2026 Global Conference, which had been scheduled to take place in the Philippines in June.
EITI previously said the postponement was linked to the Philippine government's declaration of a national energy emergency, a move influenced by the continuing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global energy markets.
The conference is EITI's premier global gathering and is held periodically to advance international efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources. Discussions typically focus on revenue disclosure, governance reforms, anti-corruption measures and the role of extractive industries in supporting sustainable development.
By bringing the event to Brussels, EITI aims to provide a forum for stakeholders to exchange experiences, share best practices and strengthen cooperation as governments and industries navigate increasingly complex economic, environmental and energy-related challenges.
