“This book is an output of the UNU-WIDER 2014–18 work programme, entitled ‘Transformation, Inclusion and Sustainability: Creating and Sharing Knowledge for Development’. The topic of extractives and development touches almost every aspect of development, and is relevant to each of the three themes of the UNU-WIDER programme. It is also highly relevant to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and especially to UN member states which are looking to strengthen the contribution that the extractive sectors can make to national development. Transforming the structure of economies to achieve higher rates of economic growth and greater resilience to shocks has proven to be more difficult
in resource-rich countries than was expected in the early years of development thinking and practice from the 1950s onwards. Many such countries are today more dependent on the extractive industries despite, in many cases, having achieved higher levels of per capita income. Other countries have seen their living standards slide as political instability and conflict have taken hold. While some countries have managed to use the revenues from extractive
resources to advance social inclusion by investing in education, healthcare, and development infrastructure, many resource-rich countries have seen social exclusion rather than greater inclusion. Today there is an additional challenge. Extractives sectors in all countries need to reduce both their own environmental footprints and especially their greenhouse gas emissions. Countries and extractive companies (both minerals and oil and gas) need to prepare for the accelerating shift now underway from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and for the multiple revenue and other eco nomic consequences of a global transition to low-carbon pathways for economies and societies. In sum, the subject of extractives and development has anundoubted and increasing relevance for the goals of transformation, inclusion,
and sustainability—the three pillars of UNU-WIDER’s work programme.”