The 64th EITI Board Meeting Held in Yerevan

On 19–20 November 2025, Yerevan hosted the 64th Meeting of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board, held at the Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan. The meeting brought together more than 120 participants from around the world, including representatives of EITI member countries, Board members, delegations from international partner organisations and donor governments, as well as members of Armenia’s Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) and representatives of the local community.

Five-Year Review of the Opening Extractives Programme

Ahead of the Board Meeting, on 17–18 November, Yerevan hosted the international workshop summarising the five-year results of the Opening Extractives (OE) Programme, attended by around 60 participants from over 20 countries.

The participants were welcomed by Asatur Vardanyan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, who highlighted Armenia’s progress in beneficial ownership (BO) transparency and the integration of BO data into licensing and compliance processes.

The 64th Board Meeting Chaired by Helen Clark

The EITI Board Meeting held on 19–20 November was chaired by Helen Clark, Chair of the EITI Board.

At the opening session, Tigran Khachatryan, Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia and Chair of Armenia’s MSG, delivered welcoming remarks. Highlighting Armenia’s role within the global EITI community, he stated:

“Armenia has remained committed to advancing maximum transparency in the extractive sector and strengthening the principles of open government. The EITI has become a platform through which we have been able to improve data accessibility, enhance accountability, and advance the overall quality of public governance.”

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Board’s multi-stakeholder constituencies, delegates from EITI implementing countries, international partners, donor organisations, as well as members of Armenia’s MSG and other representatives of the Armenian EITI community.

Side Meetings and Thematic Discussions (17–18 November)

On 17 November, a roundtable discussion was held with representatives of Armenia’s mining industry, including members of the MSG’s business constituency, led by EITI Executive Director Mark Robinson. The discussion focused on the use of beneficial ownership data in licensing and legal compliance processes.

On 18 November, Mark Robinson met with members of Armenia’s MSG government constituency, including:
Asatur Vardanyan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Ara  Mkrtchyan, Deputy Minister of Environment, Gevorg Mkrtchyan, Deputy Minister of Justice

The meeting addressed the role of the government constituency in coordinating EITI processes, supporting legislative reforms, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.

On the same day, a meeting was held between MSG members and Mark Burnett, EITI Regional Director for Europe, and Hannah Sophie Kaase, Regional Officer, focusing on the development, implementation and long-term sustainability of national EITI work plans.

A separate session took place with members of Armenia’s expanded civil society constituency and the EITI Europe team, highlighting the importance of strengthening participatory mechanisms, enhancing oversight derived from published data, and further deepening cooperation.

High-Level Meetings

On 19 November, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received[1] EITI Board Chair Helen Clark and Executive Director Mark Robinson. As noted in the official government release, the Prime Minister underscored the important role of the EITI in Armenia’s mining sector reforms and in advancing a policy of complete and open data governance.

Later the same day, a bilateral discussion[2] took place between Tigran Khachatryan, Deputy Prime Minister and MSG Chair; Helen Clark, EITI Board Chair; and Mark Robinson, Executive Director.
The parties expressed satisfaction with Armenia’s progress in implementing the EITI Standard, highlighting achievements in beneficial ownership transparency, disclosure of licensing data, legislative reforms, and improvements in data availability. They also discussed Armenia’s future commitments and next steps under the country’s new mining sector strategy.

Official Reception Hosted by the Government of Armenia

In the evening of 19 November, the Government of Armenia hosted an official dinner reception in honour of EITI Board members and observers.

During the reception, EITI Executive Director Mark Robinson expressed gratitude to the Government of Armenia and the EITI National Secretariat for the excellent organisation of the four-day events, the efficient working environment and the constructive atmosphere created throughout the meetings.

The guests highlighted Armenia’s exceptional hospitality, the high level of organisational arrangements, and the effective agenda of the Board Meeting, which fostered active discussions and facilitated new partnerships.

[1]  https://www.primeminister.am/hy/press-release/item/2025/11/19/Nikol-Pashinyan-meeting/

[2]  https://www.gov.am/am/news/item/16232/