UN Secretary-General’s Initiative
The UN Secretary-General recently launched an initiative focusing on ensuring fairness, sustainability, and respect for human rights in the process of sourcing and using critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition.
Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals
The newly established Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals aims to develop common and voluntary principles to protect environmental and social standards during the energy transition.
Importance of Critical Minerals
Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the significance of critical minerals in a world powered by renewables, highlighting the need for justice in the energy transition.
Opportunities for Developing Countries
The increasing demand for critical minerals presents developing countries with opportunities to create jobs, diversify economies, and boost revenues, emphasizing the importance of effective management.
Rising Demand for Minerals
With the climate emergency worsening, there is a skyrocketing demand for minerals essential for renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.
UN’s Response
The UN aims to ensure that developing countries benefit from the production and trade of critical minerals, emphasizing the protection of people and nature.
Panel Membership
The panel includes a diverse group of governments, organizations, and UN bodies, co-chaired by representatives from South Africa and the European Commission, with members from various countries and entities.