Courses: Governance of Extractive Industries

Aug 25, 2014 | UNITAR
Web-based

Extractive industries are those that are related to mineral and hydrocarbon products such as gold, phospates, diamonds, oil, gas, etc. Extractive industries remain the economic bedrock for many developing countries, generating the main, if not the sole source of fiscal revenues, foreign exchange earnings and surpluses to finance much needed socio-economic development. Yet, studies and surveys indicate that these countries have been unable to use effectively the resources from extractive industries and therefore they have shown poor economic performance in comparison with countries with similar levels of income. The quality of governance has come to be viewed as a key factor influencing the ability of countries to use revenues from their extractive industries for development. In many cases, large extractive industries even appear to have retarded economic and social development through a number of phenomena often referred to collectively as the "resource curse". This online course will discuss the basics of governance principles, and allow participants to apply these principles to the specific domain of natural resources in general and extractive industries in particular in the context of a practical exercise.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the course, the participants should be able to:

  • Express a clear concept of governance and its guiding principles such as transparency, accountability, anti-corruption, environmental safeguards, corporate social responsibility, public participation, etc.;
  • Rate the quality of governance of revenues from their respective countries’ extractive industries; and
  • Propose a more sound management of resources from extractive industries for the improvement of economic performance.

Content and Structure

The course consists of the following modules:

  • Module 1: Legal and institutional framework
  • Module 2: Public Participation
  • Module 3: Transparency and Accountability
  • Module 4: Country Assistance Mechanisms/Initiatives
  • Module 5: Extractive Industries Model Laws

Methodology

In order to ensure the best possible outreach, the course will be delivered through e-learning. Through a multiple-instructional setting, the goal is to achieve the learning objectives by means of learning technologies that match personal learning styles and by the inclusion of non-linear learning that aims at the development of just-in-time skills of adult learners. At the same time, in order to allow participants maximum flexibility of scheduling , the learning will be conducted in an asynchronous manner. Using a state-of-the-art training architecture, UNITAR will combine self-learning with assessments and online discussions. The pedagogy - adapted specifically to professionals in full-time work - will help train participants through various experiences: absorb (read); do (activity); interact (socialize); reflect (relate to one’s own reality).

Targeted Audience

The intended audience includes public and private sector officials in the extractive industries sector as well as academics and civil society including individuals interested in the sound management of revenues generated from the exploitation of natural resources in general.

Additional Information

A certificate of completion will be issued by UNITAR to all participants who complete the course-related assignments and assessments successfully. Course schedule is subject to change. Course fee is non-refundable but transferrable to another course or participant and subject to change as per UNITAR's policy on pricing.

Recommended hardware and software requirements for taking our e-learning courses:

  • Platform: Windows XP sp3, Vista sp2, Windows 7 sp1, MacOS X.
  • Hardware: 2 GB of RAM and higher for Vista and Windows 7.
  • Software: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint and Adobe Acrobat Reader (downloadable for free at adobe.com).
  • Browser: Internet Explorer 8 or higher; Mozilla Firefox 8 or higher.
  • Internet connection: 128kbps and higher.
  • Note: JavaScript, pop-ups & cookies must be enabled.