Developing Nations

sharing lessons of the north

WE BELIEVE the world’s resources should be managed to better the lives of all mankind. We work with developing nations to advance an Owner State model of resource governance.

Championing the Owner State

The Owner State Model is a framework of resource management which works to democratize the benefits of local natural resources, across generations. It has evolved through mankind’s ongoing experimentation with models of governance and collaboration, drawing particular inspiration from the state of Alaska. The model consists of a flexible set of principles, mandates, and tools. These can be adopted in part or in whole, to accommodate local traditions, conditions and needs.

Six Core Elements

1

local control & transparency

Citizens are directly engaged in resource management decision-making. All relevant information necessary for making informed decisions is made available to the public.

2

common ownership

2 common ownership Subsurface resources are held in trust by the state and cannot be alienated.

3

common ownership

2 common ownership Subsurface resources are held in trust by the state and cannot be alienated.

4

sustainability

Resources are managed according to international sustainability standards.

5

sovereign wealth

A sovereign wealth fund is established to convert some share of resource value to sustained wealth for the benefit of future generations.

6

private partnership

Development is pursued through public-private partnerships using market incentives.

Our Approach

We serve as facilitators, experts and advocates, bringing together governments, industry and local people, to share ideas and find common ground. We rely on close collaboration with other nation-building organizations and other local experts.

identify target area

Our primary strategy focuses on leveraging momentum in areas open to considering foundational change. We plug into existing conversations around constitutional and governance reform, rather than starting from scratch, and do a thorough analysis to determine if the right combination of factors exist for fundamental changes to be implemented and upheld.

team development

We depend on local expertise to understand the legal, historical, political and cultural landscape. Building the right team is critical. To do this, we rely on strategic partnerships with other nation-building organizations experienced in the region.

situational analysis

With a strong team of staff, institutional partners and local experts, we conduct an extensive exercise to understand the local landscape. This includes legal framework, rules, and processes; power-mapping of key stakeholders and influencers; analysis of local values, customs and language; and survey of natural resources, ownership and management approach.

communication planning

Accumulated understanding of the local environment is used to develop a customized communication plan, including a strategic approach, talking points and collateral, all of which is used to initiate contact in the target area.

engage

Thorough planning helps to inform a nimble approach for working with very different areas around the world. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Case Study

A Step Forward in South Sudan

In 2011, Institute representatives Jack and Jason Hickel traveled to Southern Sudan to promote the Owner State. They traveled the country making numerous presentations to government officials, community leaders, international development agencies, and the media. Later that year, South Sudan adopted its first Constitution, incorporating key components of the Owner State model. These included state stewardship of the natural resources for the benefit of the people, and creation of a sovereign wealth fund for future generations.

Working With Us

Please reach out if you share our passion for improving lives around the world through better resource management. We consult directly with interested nation states, NGOs, international development agencies, and as part of larger integrated teams.