The Future of Resource Governance

As NRGI marks our 20th anniversary, we have invited leading thinkers—from diverse backgrounds—to contribute short essays on the future of resource governance. 

This is not a series about consensus and self-congratulation. Instead, we’ve asked the authors to be bold...to challenge assumptions, offer real-world lessons and share fresh perspectives on what should come next. Because despite meaningful progress over the last two decades, natural resources are still all too often a source of inequity, conflict and harm, rather than a tool for inclusive development. We are committed to changing that and sharing fresh perspectives, even if uncomfortable, is essential. 

Explore the latest essays below, and check back frequently, as we will be adding new contributions throughout the anniversary year.

Explore by theme

The series explores three questions shaping the future of resource governance. As new perspectives are published, they will appear under each theme below.

Resource governance in a changing geopolitical landscape

As competition for oil, gas and minerals intensifies, transparency, accountability and international norms are coming under pressure — precisely when citizens and communities have the most at stake.

Uneven oil and gas transitions

Oil and gas producing countries face conflicting pressures — expand production or chart pathways beyond it—and the choices of governments and national oil companies will shape whether  transitions are fair and sustainable.

Governing the critical minerals moment

As demand for transition minerals grows, resource-rich countries need sharper strategies and stronger negotiating leverage to turn opportunity into lasting development grounded in equity and integrity.

Essays coming soon