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Gov Data Initiative’s Executive Director Marco Zaplan (second from the right) presenting at the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Conference in Lithuania. (Credits: Lietuvos Respublikos specialiųjų tyrimų tarnyba (STT))
On 19 June 2024, the Gov Data Initiative (GDI), led by Executive Director Marco Zaplan, presented at a session of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Vilnius, Lithuania. The session, titled "A More Just Energy Transition: Preventing Corruption in the Green Mineral Supply Chain," was hosted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Zaplan's presentation focused on innovative solutions to combat corruption in global green mineral supply chains. His insights highlighted the importance of being transparent with stakeholders, high-level support, and addressing real-world problems in driving successful anti-corruption initiatives.
During his talk, Zaplan shared the experiences and lessons learned from the Community Development Agreement (CDA) Digital Innovation Hub, a collaborative project involving GDI, the Manila Observatory, and the Sustainable Development Strategies Group. He discussed the challenges faced by the team and their progress so far. Zaplan also emphasized the need to tackle practical, real-world problems to make meaningful progress in preventing corruption.
A significant component of the CDA Digital Innovation Hub is the development of the PREDIC Tool (Projecting Revenues from the Extractives for Development and Investment in Communities Tool). Currently being piloted in Cebu and Palawan, the PREDIC Tool is a digital platform that visualizes data on production, government revenues, and social and environmental expenditures of mining companies, enabling informed decision-making and discussions related to local mining governance.
Gov Data Initiative’s Executive Director Marco Zaplan shares about CDA Digital Innovation Hub being piloted in the Philippines at the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Conference in Lithuania. (Credits: Lietuvos Respublikos specialiųjų tyrimų tarnyba (STT))
"We think that at the very core of the project, we are addressing a real problem, and so there is concrete demand from stakeholders. We went the extra mile to extensively consult them about what data, information, and capacity-building activities that they need. We think it was very helpful that we engaged our stakeholders at every step of the way to make sure that we understand their needs, so that we understand the root cause of the problem, and more importantly, so that eventually they gain ownership of the project." - Marco Zaplan
The session emphasized the urgent need to address corruption in the green mineral supply chain, especially as the world moves towards cleaner energy sources. Initiatives like the CDA Digital Innovation Hub aim to create more equitable and sustainable supply chains by leveraging innovative strategies and collaborative efforts. This will ensure that the benefits of the green energy transition are distributed fairly.
The 2024 IACC was held from 18-21 June and brought together experts and leaders from around the world, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration in the fight against corruption. Zaplan's contribution, rooted in GDI's commitment to data-driven governance and transparency, exemplified the innovative approaches needed to tackle the complex challenges of our time.
Watch the full video of the session below:
The PREDIC Tool (Projecting Revenues from the Extractives for the Development and Investment in Communities Tool) was developed by the Gov Data Initiative. The tool is currently being piloted in Cebu and Palawan in partnership with the Manila Observatory and the Sustainable Development Strategies Group under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) Digital Innovation Hub.
The PREDIC Tool helps estimate and visualize production, sales, and revenue from mining operations, enabling informed decision-making and discussions related to local mining governance. Funded by the American people through USAID's JET Minerals Challenge, this 15-month project aims to enhance transparency and accountability in natural resource governance, empower local stakeholders, and ensure a fair distribution of benefits from extractive industries.
For more updates about the activities of Gov Data Initiative:
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