(Plenary) High-level meeting on critical energy transition minerals
High-level Events
Date: 14 July 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ru/asset/k1d/k1dz6fpspm?lang=en
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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Speaker 1 [43:25]:

Hello, Mr. Robertson. This is the UN technician here.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [46:39]:

Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, friends, welcome to the first high-level meeting on critical energy transition minerals. As the energy transition accelerates, demand for critical energy transition minerals is set to increase dramatically over the coming decades. Today's meeting builds on the Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, whose principles and recommendations provide an ambitious roadmap for ensuring that this growing demand translates into a transition that is not only fast but also fair, equitable, and sustainable. It also marks a really important milestone in the work of the UN Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals under the joint leadership of UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, with the support of DCO, the regional commissions, as well as over a dozen UN system entities. So colleagues, I also would like to recognize the vision, determination, and leadership of the Deputy Secretary-General in driving this agenda forward. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the work of the Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and in mobilizing the United Nations system to support implementation of its recommendations. So it is therefore my pleasure to invite the Deputy Secretary-General to deliver the opening remarks and to share her vision for how the international community can work together to ensure that the critical energy transition minerals, that they become a driver of sustainable development and shared prosperity. Madam DSG, you have the floor.


UN Secretariat · DSG · Amina Mohammed [48:23]:

Thank you very much, Selwyn, to you and your team as well for the huge drive and commitment in making this day happen. Excellencies, Administrator of UNDP, dear Alex, ladies and gentlemen, thank you to the ministers and distinguished participants for joining this first UN high-level meeting on critical energy transition minerals. I also would like to thank the co-organizers, as Selwyn had done, UNCTAD, UNDP, and UNEP, who are driving work on this vital agenda forward across the UN system, together with our Climate Action Team and the Sustainable Development Unit. Advancing the energy transition at speed and scale has never been more urgent or vital. The climate crisis is driving us deeper into planetary overshoot, with rising temperatures pushing us closer to irreversible catastrophic tipping points. At the same time, the global energy crisis is exposing the folly of a world that is still hooked on hydrocarbons, with limited access to cleaner fuels for the poor and accelerated destruction of our natural systems, pushing ecosystems to the brink. These crises have one common cause: fossil fuels, and they demand the same answer: a fast, fair, and inclusive transition to clean energy, along with the shared benefits of decarbonization and a surge in adaptation finance, resilient infrastructure, and climate justice for those already facing climate harm. Renewable energy is now the cheapest source of new electricity in most parts of the world. Wind and solar are now leading all new electricity demand growth worldwide. The clean energy transition is now unstoppable. But it still needs to move so much faster, and it must be fair to the people on the front lines, the communities whose land, labor, and lives will carry this transition forward and who must feel its rewards first. At the heart of this transformation are the critical minerals: copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, silicon, and rare earths, the building blocks for electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and grid-scale batteries that will power the clean energy future. Their strategic importance expands from digital and high-tech sectors to manufacturing, health, and defense. Global demand for these minerals is expected to more than double by 2040, and with artificial intelligence and data centers expansion growing at breakneck speed, this real demand is expected to be so much higher. For resource-rich developing countries, these minerals represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to diversify their economies, create supply chain resilience, create decent jobs and boost revenues, and accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. But today's reality tells a very different story. Developing countries, which should be at the center of the clean energy economy, remain trapped at its margins, relegated to exporters of raw materials while others reap the profits. Mining communities, which should be the first to benefit from extraction, processing, and exporting, continue to face environmental harm, unsafe labor conditions, and limited economic development. Take Africa. The continent holds around 30% of global critical mineral reserves, yet it receives just 2% of global clean energy investment, compromising infrastructure, skilled labor, environmental compliance, and market access. Increased competition for Africa's precious mineral resources is also fueling instability, displacement, and deadly conflict. Excellencies, we cannot continue to allow the clean energy transition to reproduce the injustices of the past. But the reality is that as demand for critical minerals surges, so does the risk of exploitation. To secure a truly just energy transition, we must act urgently on 3 fronts. First, we must ensure the extraction of these minerals delivers fair, equitable, and sustainable outcomes for producing countries and their communities. The UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has told us exactly how to do that. Its guiding principles and actionable recommendations are a blueprint for strengthening investment, protecting human rights and workforce transitions, enforcing our environmental safeguards, and ensuring value is created and retained at source in developing countries. I welcome the growing commitment from governments, industry, international institutions, and civil society to take forward the panel's work. The priority must be strengthening governments' capacity to negotiate equitable mining agreements while expanding domestic processing and refining that drive local economies and development-resilient global supply chains. A UN task force is now coordinating system-wide action and supporting delivery on the ground in a number of our countries. Second, we must strengthen the international collaboration and ensure equitable partnerships between producers and consumers to build resilient, transparent, and diversified value chains that really do work for all countries, and for that we will need much stronger cooperation. Bilateral deals that trade access for security or resources for infrastructure can risk exploitation, increased competition, and undermine sovereignty. So we must adopt a rules-based approach, establishing frameworks that support developing countries through technology transfer, infrastructure investment, and adherence to transparent due diligence and social— peoples, civil society, and producing countries, our workers, women, and youth. Third, full and unquestioned respect for human rights and environmental integrity at every stage. Human rights must be protected, respected, and fulfilled, including those of Indigenous peoples, workers, children, youth, women, local communities, and environmental and human rights defenders. The environment and biodiversity must be safeguarded. I call on all our actors to strengthen governance by implementing robust transparency, traceability, and anti-corruption measures across supply chains that protect the environment, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples' rights. This is not only a moral imperative, but essential to meeting our legal obligations to our people. Excellencies, as demand for critical energy minerals surges, so must equitable governance, supply security, diversification, sustainability, and investment in recycling and technology. I very much look forward to hearing from you today on your plans to implement the UNSG's panel findings and strengthen international collaboration on this important issue. Together, let us turn the clean energy transition towards justice, resilience, and equity. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [55:40]:

Thank you. Thank you so much. how you intend to forge new partnerships and strengthen international cooperation and build momentum behind this shared agenda to ensure that critical energy transition minerals become a driver of sustainable development. So, DSG, thank you so much for clearly laying out that vision. I now give the floor to our colleague, the Administrator of UNDP. Alexander, the floor is yours.


UNDP · Administrator · Alexander [56:45]:

Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Dear Deputy Secretary-General, dear Amina, dear friends, it's really a privilege to be here and to be part of this vital discussion today, the discussion about transition, energy, competitiveness, security, development, all that is one discussion today. It's not separate discussions anymore, and one could say that the position of critical minerals is really at the core of that, of that discussion. Why is that? Well, because we know that these resources are the future DNA of our society and of our economies, going from everything that is going from electric vehicles to digital infrastructure to the way we will be organized in the, in the future. We know that the demand for those minerals will triple by end of this decade. So it is not something that will happen. It is something that is happening right, right now. So to us at UNDP, the question is not only about who is going to secure those minerals. The real question is who is capturing the value that they will, that they will create. For resource-rich countries, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do things differently than the way it has been done in the past. Use this to leverage to create jobs, to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. This is really an opportunity that we cannot miss. But that opportunity is not guaranteed. But it depends on the action and on the decisions that we take. We need to make sure that this is not based on yesterday's extractive model. We need to make sure that it is built on the model of today and that it is really being shared with the prosperity— that the prosperity that they create should be shared. This is exactly the challenge that the UN Secretary-General put to his panel of experts and really would like to applaud the leadership role that the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General have played in this topic. I mean, this is a topic where really we have shown as United Nations the role that we can play and the convening power that we have, but also the decision-enabling power that we have. The answer of that panel was very clear, and Amina, I think you You evoked it as well, 7 guiding principles, 5 actionable recommendations. This is a blueprint that is not only about the discussion about it, but it's really about how do we implement this now. We're really at that stage, and it's really the driving force behind the Task Force on Critical Energy Transitional Minerals. What we want is to make sure that the mineral wealth is transitioning into lasting prosperity. For doing that, there are 3 priorities that we see. First of all, we need to make sure that the value reaches the people and not just only the ports. Too often we see that today it is still based on an export of raw materials model, whereas it should be based on an importing model of opportunity. We need to make sure that this translates into better jobs, stronger businesses, greater prosperity. To achieve that, you need strong governance, you need transparency, we need local value creation, but also we need worldwide collective action. If we cannot have a collective action at the worldwide level, it's going to be very difficult to do so. Second element is the countries who are powering the world's energy transition must also make sure that it is powering their own development. We see the job creation potential that is there, but to do that, it needs to be more than extractive. It needs also to be transformational. It also needs to capture the value added that is there. UNDP is, for example, helping Southern Africa to capture more of the value in the 30% market share that they have in global critical reserves by building value chains, by organizing governance, and by organizing industrial development. It is minerals for development, not minerals for export. Third element, investment will only follow trust. Today, 86% of the global refining capacity is concentrated in 3 countries, while many resource-rich economies remain trapped in the extraction change. To change that, we need to have institutions, infrastructure, investment pipelines and really play a very active role in organizing that. It is not that there is a lack of opportunities today; there is very often a lack of investable projects. Now, these are things we can change. Making opportunities investable very often is dependent on some small organizing principles, governance reforms, and so on, so we are actually really optimistic and positive on that. And we really would like to thank the collaboration that we have as part of the UN family, together with the Resident Coordinator System, with UNCTAD, with UNOP, with the Country Support Mechanism, really in translating those guiding principles and actionable recommendations into country-level action. One of the greatest opportunities for development that we have. The opportunity is not only under the ground, the opportunity is above the ground, and it's linked to economic activity that we can organize with right reforms and with the convening power that UN has. So we believe this is an incredible opportunity to show the partnership capability that we have, and we really hope that this meeting is showing what the opportunity is. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:03:28]:

Thank you so much, Alexandre, for clearly laying out the UN system's value proposition, the UN's offer in support of resource-rich developing countries, but also highlighting the excellent— the convening power and honest neutral broker role of the United Nations. Colleagues, we will now open the floor. We have a speakers list that is long— 50 member states, international organizations, civil society representatives have requested the floor. I encourage all of you to stick to the 3-minute limit so that we can hear everyone over the course of the next few hours. Our first speaker is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Madam Minister, the floor is yours.


Democratic Republic of the Congo · Minister of Foreign Affairs [1:04:31]:

Madam Lavigne, Madam Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Distinguished Administrator of the UNDP, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, allow me on behalf of the DRC to express our deep appreciation to the UN for placing critical minerals at the heart of a truly global discussion. The energy transition has become a planetary imperative, but it will not be truly just unless it also transforms the economies of the countries that provide the foundations for that transition. For too long, producer countries were mainly viewed through the lens of extraction— raw materials in the South, processing technology, and most added value elsewhere. The real question, therefore, is no longer simply where critical minerals come from, but where the value And the wealth that they create goes. The DRC has a clear ambition to become a major African hub of responsible production, industrial processing, and innovation with regard to critical minerals. This ambition requires investment in infrastructure, energy, research, skills, and technologies. It also requires the formalization and modernization of small-scale exploitation so that workers and local communities become full stakeholders in the value chains they make possible. Our recent participation in the Abidjan Forum reaffirmed this belief. We need a renewed partnership based upon transparency, the strengthening of institutional capacity, greater value creation in Africa, and a clear coordination between Excellencies, the global energy transition must not become another extractive transition. If it merely replaces one form of dependency with another, it will have fallen short of its promise. Yesterday, under the Democratic Republic of the Congo's presidency of the Security Council, we convened an Area Formula meeting on natural resources and conflict prevention. For countries like mine, This is no longer merely a development issue. Illicit exploitation weakens state authority, erodes sovereignty, and facilitates the violation of territorial integrity. Let's take, for example, the small town of Rubaya in North Kivu Province. It illustrates this starkly. Its mines account for an estimated 15% of global tantalum demand. According to the United Nations Group of Experts, at least 1,400 tons of coltan were smuggled into Rwanda during the first year following their seizure by the Rwanda-backed M23, generating an estimated $800,000 every month for the armed group. Yet, despite this damning evidence, designation under the United Nations sanctions regime has yet to materialize. This reveals both insufficient enforcement of existing tools and a wider gap in the international architecture, which still too often confines natural resource governance to the development sphere, even when illicit exploitation sustains armed conflict, erodes sovereignty, and violates territorial integrity. This is why the Democratic Republic of the Congo is advocating during its mandate at the Security Council and beyond for a more coherent framework linking natural resources to conflict prevention, international peace, and security and shared prosperity. We welcome the Secretary-General's guiding principles and actionable recommendations, but principles will matter only if they translate into measurable change on the ground. Partnership must move beyond securing access to raw materials. They must support local and regional value addition, infrastructure, technology transfer, research, skills industrialization, and access to finance and markets. Responsibility must also extend across the entire value chain. It cannot stop at the mine gate. Producers, traders, processors, financial institutions, manufacturers, and consumer countries must all be accountable. Traceability must combat fraud, smuggling, and conflict financing without excluding legitimate artisanal producers, creating new barriers to market access, or placing the full burden of compliance on producing countries. This agenda lies at the intersection of the Sustainable Development Goals: clean energy, decent work, industrialization, responsible production, climate action, strong institutions, and international partnerships. Progress towards one goal must never come at the expense of another. Ultimately, the success of the energy transition will not be measured only by the number of batteries, electric vehicles, or wind turbines produced. It will also be measured by whether the countries, workers, and communities whose resource make the transition possible are safer, more sovereign, and more prosperous because of it. Je vous remercie.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:09:41]:

Thank you very much. Thank you so much, Minister. I now give the floor to the Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability. Minister, the floor is yours.


United Arab Emirates · Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability · Bulala [1:10:02]:

Please, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, allow me at the outset to thank the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General for convening this important meeting and for their continued leadership in advancing this agenda. From principles into practice. 2 years ago, I had the privilege of representing the United Arab Emirates in the Secretary-General Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. What began as a conversation about minerals became a broader conversation about trust between nations, producers and consumers, as well as future generations. I am pleased to see that this conversation is now translating into concrete institutional actions. The global energy transition is accelerating, but so too are the challenges before us. With demand for critical energy transition minerals projected to nearly triple by 2030, Building resilient, diversified, and responsible value chains has become a strategic imperative, particularly as the supply chain faces increasing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Recent geopolitical developments have reminded us all that the global energy transition depends not only on technology and resources, but also on a stable, predictable, and secure international environment. Critical minerals value chains rely on open seas, predictable trade routes, and the uninterrupted movement of goods across international waters. Freedom of navigation is therefore not only a principle of international law, but also an essential foundation for energy security, resilient supply chains, and sustained investment. When trade is disrupted, the consequences extend far beyond logistics. They affect economic development, industrial growth, and the pace of the global energy transition itself. For the United Arab Emirates, critical energy transition minerals represent more than a strategic resource. They are an opportunity to diversify economies, expand local value addition, and create long-term prosperity, particularly for developing and resource-rich countries. The energy transition must become a driver of inclusive growth and shared prosperity, not a source of new inequality. Achieving this will require stronger international cooperation, greater investment, technology partnerships, capacity building and knowledge sharing. Governments, international organizations, financial institutions and the private sector all have a role to play in building trusted, resilient and sustainable value chains that deliver shared These were the principles the Secretary-General panel set out to advance, and it is encouraging to see the United Nations Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals carrying this work forward. The United Arab Emirates remains committed to working with partners around the world to advance responsible and sustainable critical minerals value chains that contribute to energy security, economic opportunity, and a just, inclusive energy transition. Excellencies, the future of the energy transition will depend on the trust we build, the partnerships we strengthen, and the choices we make together. This is the responsibility before us, and it is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:14:18]:

Thank you so much, Minister Bulala, and also for your important work on the Secretary-General's panel. I now give the floor to the distinguished Minister of Finance of Mozambique. Distinguished delegates,


Mozambique · Minister of Finance [1:14:41]:

Mozambique comes into this meeting not as an observer of the energy transition, but as an active participant in it. We hold significant reserves of graphite, titanium, vanadium, and rare earth elements, minerals that are central to the batteries, storage systems, and clean technologies the global economy now urgently requires. Mozambique's position is straightforward. The global energy transition will only be truly just if it creates genuine development opportunities for the countries that produce critical minerals. Our vision is to use Mozambique's natural endowments as a catalytic for structural economic transformation, promotion, local processing, building industrial capacity, creating skilled employment, and fostering technological development. This is the guiding process of Mozambique Energy Transition Strategy approved in 2023, which positioned the country into a regional green energy hub anchored in the sustainable use of our energy and mineral resource. Realizing that vision requires fundamentally more inclusive value chains. Processing, refining, and manufacturing must happen closer to the source, not merely for the benefit of producer countries, but because resilient global supply chains depend on it. The infrastructure deficit in Africa producer countries is real and significant. Bridging this infrastructure gap necessitates a step change in the availability of concessional financing in first-loss instruments to de-risk private investment at scale. It requires multilateral development banks to price African sovereign risk more accurately, not through the lens of legacy perception, but on the basis of the actual assets and reforms trajectories of our economies. And it requires innovative blended finance structures that mobilize private capital without locking developing countries into unsustainable debt. Mozambique is ready to be a reliable, responsible, and ambitious partner in building the supply chains the energy transition demands. We are ready to invest, to reform, and to engage. What we ask in return is partnership built on equity, one that ensures the value created by our resource and also retained by our people. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:17:33]:

Thank you so much, Minister. I now give the floor to the Executive Secretary of the Fund for the Development of Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Dario. Also, thank you for serving as a member of the Secretariat. General's panel. Dario, over to you.


FILAC · Executive Secretary · Dario [1:17:53]:

Thank you very much. Warm greetings to all of the distinguished ministers who are here with us today. Ms. Amina Mohammed, Pedro, the various colleagues and members of the panel. The energy future of our planet depends largely on Indigenous territories. We must be sure that in the immediate future we strengthen those communities so that we do not repeat past histories of injustice. According to some studies, 54% of The energy transition mineral projects are located within or close to Indigenous territories. There would be no just transition if this were to affect the life or the integrity of these peoples. This information should strike us because especially mining has left injustice and social gaps and fractures and health consequences that are irremediable for Indigenous people. Among other reasons, because mining until now has been based on projects and not in agreed-upon policies where each rights holder is able to define the conditions and the situation for Indigenous people, when some of them are just invited or they're just beneficiaries. Second, because the existence of Indigenous peoples in mining regions are dealt with like civil society, like minorities, like other groups, or like a problem. Thank you. Not like rights holders or holders of traditional knowledge. And third, because their climate contributions, protection to biodiversity, democracy, coexistence, safety, security, peace is very little valued in terms of cost analysis and is outside of the balance of gains and losses. The current demand is not just for minerals. Perhaps what's even more in need is updating stated justice that requires us to keep these challenges in mind and establish a roadmap that will ensure integral existence for Indigenous peoples forever. This part of the Secretary-General's panel— and now as the Secretary of FILAC, I am following up on this— in the report of the Secretary-General's panel, Indigenous people are recognized as holders of lands that are rich in critical minerals but have historically been excluded from decision-making. And here there is— we find the main principle that human rights, including prior and informed consent, must be at the very heart of the value chain for minerals. Excellencies, future work should keep in mind the following matters. First, upholding The current standards, the right to self-determination and free prior and informed consent. These principles must be prerequisites that must be verified, and the sharing of benefits, including the participation of shareholders, should be optional to become a minimum standard. The exploitation of critical minerals is an issue related to peace and security. Ignoring the rights of peoples encourages conflict and criminalization of those who are defending their territory. Thank you. The energy transition should also be peaceful, and it should be balanced and fair. Third, the task force on critical minerals should accelerate their discussions. They should ensure greater participation from Indigenous peoples and should be considered subjects of rights, particularly for their own development and in the interest of fairness. Fourth, these discussions should be reflected internationally and regionally. They should include Indigenous Peoples. They should be participants as rights holders. FILAC reiterates its willingness to support this process as an intergovernmental organization that is focused on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and we reiterate our willingness to strengthen the work and this effort with the multilateral system, states, Indigenous Peoples of the region, so that we can contribute to this updated notion of justice that includes all Indigenous peoples. Thank you very much.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:22:49]:

Thank you for that really important contribution. I now give the floor to the distinguished Minister of Industrialization and Private Sector Development of Madagascar. Minister, the floor is yours.


Madagascar · Minister of Industrialization and Private Sector Development [1:23:06]:

Madam DSG, distinguished colleagues, it is a great honor for Madagascar to take part in this high-level meeting on critical minerals for the energy transition. I express my sincere appreciation to the United Nations for holding this dialogue on how critical minerals can support not only the global energy transition but also also sustainable development that is inclusive and that creates prosperity. Madagascar has exceptional resources when it comes to strategic minerals, and yet our exports are still focused on raw materials. In 2023, nickel made up about 18% of our national exports, and Most of this was in processed form. This means that there is a great deal of value that still can be created on our territory. UNCTAD confirms that this opportunity with regard to 159 industrial products covers many important sectors, including those linked to critical minerals for the energy transition. These sectors, when it comes to electronics and electrical appliances including batteries, as well as nickel, cobalt, and copper reserves, represent export potential of over $200 million. These are products— there are products that could replace a number of other minerals that would be important investment opportunities, amounting to about $2 billion in potential investment on our territory. This would also create direct and indirect employment. This means that we have the opportunity of moving from being a commodity-exporting country into being a real Industrial sector is an important industrial actor in the global transition. Industrialization is a global priority, and the mineral sector is a strategic one in our industrial policy. Our ambition is clear: to transform our mineral wealth into higher added-value products, to develop national value chains, to create decent work, and to sustainably increase the contribution of industry to our economy. In order to bring about this vision, the government in January 2026 has suspended the granting of new mineral extraction permits— has resumed it after several years. And this reform opens up new prospects for responsible investment in critical minerals. In parallel, Madagascar, with the support of our partners, is establishing our 26-2030 Country Partnership Program to synchronize investments, to strengthen industrial capacity, to facilitate technology transfer, and to develop value chains. Excellencies, currently today, Madagascar is issuing a call to its technical and financial partners, as well as the private sector, that investing in our mineral resources should go hand in hand with investing in our structural transformation. This demonstrates our determination to exercise our national leadership when it comes to our industrial development. We invite our partners to support this ambition by aligning their financing, technical assistance, and investment with priorities defined by our government. Our goal is not to have more initiatives, but to work together to build a coherent policy that can transform in the long term our material resources into economic growth, employment, and shared prosperity together. We can make critical minerals a driver of sustainable development to benefit Madagascar and the global energy transition. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:27:50]:

Thank you so much, Minister, for that really important intervention. I now give the floor to the Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation of South Africa.


South Africa · Deputy Minister [1:28:04]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Your Excellency, Ms. Amina Mohammed. Your Excellency, Ms. Alexandra de Croo. Your Excellencies, high-level representatives of governments and permanent missions to the UN. Distinguished delegates, we are pleased to participate at this important United Nations high-level meeting on critical energy transition minerals. We convene as the global economy has become a theater of geopolitical and geoeconomic contestation, strategic competition in technology and critical minerals, and growing constraints on fiscal space in the developing world, as well as unsustainable debt levels are further exacerbating the challenges. South Africa's foreign policy however, remains grounded in our principal belief in a rule-based, transparent, non-discriminatory multilateral global economic system. Distinguished guests, South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, November 2025, which adopted the Leaders' Declaration. This declaration placed Africa at the forefront of global priorities, Underscoring the continent's central role in shaping sustainable development, inclusive growth, and resilience in the face of global challenges. At the core of our G20 presidency were 4 high-level priorities, namely taking action to strengthen disaster resilience and response, ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing predictable and increased finance, for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. With regard to the latter high-level priority on critical minerals, we secured a landmark achievement, the adoption of the G20 Critical Minerals Framework. The framework is a voluntary, non-binding cooperative blueprint to ensure that critical mineral resources become a driver of shared prosperity, and sustainable development. Equally, the G20 Critical Minerals Framework is a significant contribution to reshaping how international communities manage critical resources and design as a multilateral enabling structure meant to complement rather than replace existing national and regional frameworks to advance shared governance priorities and to assert greater agency over the terms of global minerals trade and industrial development. Excellencies, the African continent holds an estimated 30% of the world's critical mineral reserves, including cobalt, platinum, group metals, manganese, chromium, and rare earth elements. Despite this endowment, African countries have historically captured limited economic value due to decades of raw material extraction with insufficient processing or manufacturing, asymmetric trade and investment agreements that constrain value addition policies, regulatory fragmentation across national jurisdictions that weakens collective negotiating power. South Africa's G20 policies. South Africa actively participated in the UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. The panel focused on supply chain resilience and diversification, fair benefit sharing from extraction, and environmental and human rights due diligence. Its recommendations have normative authority and serve as foundation that can strengthen the G20 framework, especially where developing countries' interests are involved. The 2 processes are complementary and should be approached accordingly. Building regional linkages is another strategy to maximize value from critical minerals Taken together, a more coordinated Global South voice could significantly influence the governance norms established by UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and the G20 framework. As I conclude, we wish to underscore that G20 voluntary and non-binding critical minerals framework marks a significant milestone in promoting a just, inclusive, sustainable global minerals diplomacy. Grounded in the principles of cooperation, sustainable development, and mutual benefit. This framework puts forward a cooperative outline to unlock investment in mineral exploration, promote local beneficiation at the source, and strengthen governance for sustainable mining practices. We further encourage the public and private sectors, financial institutions, development partners, investors, and local communities to work together to unlock the full potential of critical minerals for the benefit of local populations where these resources are abundant and to drive sustainable and equitable development, economic growth, and prosperity. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:33:11]:

Thank you. Thank you, Minister, and thank you for South Africa's leadership, not only of the G20 process, but you also co-led the Secretary-General's panel along with the European Union Commission. I now give the floor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Tuvalu. Minister, the floor is yours.


Tuvalu · Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development [1:33:37]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Tuvalu welcomes and strongly supports the timely focus Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank you for your invitation to be a part of this high-level meeting on the critical management of the global energy transition. As the world rapidly shifts towards renewable technologies to achieve net-zero emissions, we must ensure this transition is built on a foundation of equity, justice, and responsible resource management. For developing nations, the critical energy transition represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to diversify our economies, reduce commodity dependence, and strengthen the utilization of our endowed resources for secure, reliable energy supplies. Tuvalu stands ready to contribute to and benefit from this global shift. Located in the heart of the tropical Pacific, our nation is endowed with significant renewable energy potential, including abundant year-round solar resources that provide ideal conditions for expanding clean solar energy generation; the vast Pacific Ocean with considerable potential for the development of innovative and sustainable marine renewable energy technologies. However, recognizing this potential cannot be achieved in isolation. Without effective international governance, enhanced technical cooperation, and targeted investment, Small Island Developing States risk being left behind in the global energy transition. To fully harness our renewable energy potential and manage them sustainably, over the long term, to value calls for strengthened international partnerships in 4 critical areas. First, technology transfer— access to modern clean energy technologies capable of weathering localized environmental challenges. Second, sustainable funding— predictable and equitable financial investments to build resilient infrastructure. Third, robust systems, advanced frameworks to integrate renewable power efficiently, effectively into national infrastructure. And fourth, institutional capacities, comprehensive capacity building to train our people to manage, maintain, and govern these value chains independently. Tuvalu urges the United Nations Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and our international partners to align global strategies with the UN Guiding Principles and the Actionable Recommendations. Let us cooperate to ensure that technical assistance and resource distribution expand value creation inclusivity and climate resilience for the developing countries most vulnerable to the changing global landscape. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:37:04]:

Thank you, Deputy Prime Minister. I now give the floor to a former member of the panel, Ms. Sunita Kamal, who's President and Chief Executive Officer of the Natural Resource Governance Institute. Sunita, the floor is yours.


NRGI · President and Chief Executive Officer · Sunita Kamal [1:37:23]:

Thank you so much, Excellencies, colleagues. 2 years ago, as members of the Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, we said with one voice, justice requires change. And 2 years ago, we shared a roadmap for a new mining paradigm. One that does not simply extract value from the Global South but actually builds it there through industrialization, through jobs, through rights upheld. 2 years ago, we charted the path, but today the world is off course. Human rights abuses linked to transition minerals have surged 70 3% in the past year. Instability and conflict persists. Over 200 mining projects have been announced in the past 6 months alone, and most of those are shrouded in opacity. National security is invoked to fast-track projects and bypass hard-won safeguards, and trade rules and traceability frameworks are being rewritten without developing countries and affected communities at the table. Through an open letter, we, the Natural Resource Governance Institute, and 130 other civil society organizations call for member states to act today. First, follow developing producer country leadership. Support the mineral policy mechanisms that producer countries are proposing, such as the DRC's in the Security Council and Colombia's in the UN Environment Assembly. Launch without delay the country support platforms of the UN task force so discussion becomes coordinated action in producer countries on their terms and with the active involvement of Indigenous people and broader civil society. Second, move from ambition to action. Ensure that the incoming Secretary-General treats this agenda as the priority that it is for peace and security, for human rights, and for sustainable development. Establish a special envoy for the equitable and just mineral governance to drive forward progress and push the multilateral development banks, including through their critical mineral joint collaboration framework, to align investments with the panel's guiding principles. And finally, keep the energy in energy transition minerals. Reground the critical minerals agenda in its original purpose sustainable development, and just transitions, not AI and military dominance. Agree on equitable, time-bound targets for material sufficiency, efficiency, and circularity to preserve the integrity of the planet. And in 2027, leverage the African COP32 leadership and the UK G20 leadership building on South Africa's, to jointly advance a shared agenda for energy and economic equity. 2 years ago, the task and the timeline that the Secretary-General handed to us as panel members seemed impossible, but the UN provided a unique space where we could look past our competing agendas, where all stakeholders and all rights stakeholders had a seat at the table. Today, we in civil society stand ready to marshal and scale that sense of urgency and the spirit of cooperation to work together to unlock a fairer, more peaceful, and prosperous future for us all. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:41:37]:

Smita, as always, thank you so much for the clarity, of your messages, and we've taken note, and in principle we support the recommendations that you laid out, and I really would love to challenge future speakers to respond to some of the recommendations, of course within the 3-minute limit. I now give the floor to the Commissioner for Environment of the We can't hear you, Commissioner. Thanks.


EU · Commissioner for Environment · Roswell [1:42:19]:

Thank you very much. Thank you, President. Madam Deputy Secretary-General, Excellencies, let me first start with beginning to thanking the UN for convening this important meeting. The EU strongly supports the work of the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. The European Commission co-chaired the panel, and we are pleased to see the recommendations moving towards implementation. We especially welcome the panel recommendation on material efficiency and circular economy, an area that was raised just recently, and also an area that EU has a strong advocate for ambitious action. Critical energy transition minerals are indispensable. There is simply no economic security, green transition, or digital future without them. And so the crucial question then is how we secure resilient, sustainable, fair, and affordable supply chains. Part of the answer is to diversify supply and strengthen responsible production. But of course, increasing extraction alone is not enough. We cannot dig ourselves out of this problem, and this is recognized by the UN recommendations, and the EU is committed to turn these recommendations into action. We recognize this, that the circular economy is not simply an environmental ambition, it is a strategic necessity. It means more efficient use of critical materials and less risk to, to supply disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical dependency. More value, less waste. Circularity, though, is a journey. It starts with designing products that are more durable and also easier to reuse. It continues with recycling and recovering valuable materials from batteries, electronic waste, and also mining waste. And it ends by squeezing every drop of value from the resources that we already have. In Europe, our efforts are designed to support this transition, whether we talk about laws on critical raw materials, batteries, or sustainable product design. We also have made progress on traceability and transparency, and we are committed to strengthen this work beyond our own borders. Let me therefore just finish with a word on international cooperation. There is the very foundation of, of progress. And also the reasons that we are gathering here today. The EU will continue to build partnerships that diversify supply, creates local value, and uphold high environmental and social standards. We are guided by a simple but powerful principle: resilient critical minerals value chains are not only about security— securing supply, they are also about ensuring that the clean energy and digital transition are built on fairness, sustainability and circularity. I'm really looking forward to work with all of you to deliver on this in the future. Thank you very much.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:45:23]:

Thank you, Commissioner. I now give the floor to the Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment of Ireland.


Ireland · Minister · O'Brien [1:45:32]:

Thank you very much, Salwa, and Your Excellencies. I think it's appropriate to follow my good friend and colleague Commissioner Roswell from the European Union, maybe to speak briefly about, as Ireland has assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union, um, and our perspectives on it. We'll be working closely with member states and indeed the Commission to deliver the proposed amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act. That's going to be fundamental as to how we underpin, uh, resource— the Resource EU Action Plan. We'll also be supporting the Commission to deliver on their proposal for the Critical Raw Materials Center in order to accelerate The achievement of the CRMA to improve systemic intelligence available to the European Union on critical raw material value chains help to de-risk financing and facilitate joint purchasing and take-off agreements. Strengthening our capacity within the European Union to secure critical resources, particularly of scarce CRMs across the entire value chain, will be necessary to Europe in as we continue to push to implement the renewable energy, green digital, and security defence transitions. Ireland is actively participating at EU CRM board and subgroup level on implementation of relevant aspects of the Critical Raw Materials Act to accelerate the achievement of our objectives: preserve and expand EU production of primary and secondary CRMs, strengthen the EU's resilience against supply disruptions and chart a path towards a faster diversification of CRM supply chains. The global geopolitical situation and resultant pressures on energy security and energy prices are impacting Ireland and the EU's priorities in the energy space. And in response, just last April on the 22nd, the Commission published the Accelerate EU package containing a number of additional measures and actions to address the current affordability crisis and strengthen our energy resilience within the European Union. This is a clear recognition of the need to remain flexible and adaptable considering the evolving geopolitical situation, including its potential impact on the progression and negotiation of key legislative, legislative files during our presidency. During our presidency, Ireland will drive the EU's agenda, including making meaningful progress on the grids package, the energy Security Framework and other key files which will expedite the deployment of renewables and bolster the EU's security of supply. In addition, a key priority for us will be to progress new files from AccelerateEU, the EU Commission's suite of proposed measures to address the current affordability crisis. In particular, we await the legislative proposals on energy taxation and network charges that are due to be published tomorrow. the 15th of July. Our presidency will also promote and prioritise electrification, and Ireland looks forward to the publication of that plan. These initiatives should lead to a more secure, more electrified, and more efficient energy system that can lower prices to consumers. I would just say very briefly in conclusion, I think from previous contributors as well, we do see the complexities within this also in ensuring that the minerals that are sourced are sourced in a sustainable way, in a respectful way too. But we, we have to accelerate our electrification within the European Union to make sure that our supply chains are, are secure, but also, as I said, that the resources that are being secured are done so in a sustainable way. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:49:04]:

Thank you so much, Minister O'Brien, and I look forward to seeing you later. I now give I now give the floor to the Vice Minister of National Development Planning of Indonesia.


Indonesia · Vice Minister of National Development Planning [1:49:24]:

Excellencies, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to begin by expressing Indonesia's sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General for convening this timely high-level meeting. We are here to discuss critical energy transition minerals, but this meeting is about more than minerals. It is about the future architecture of the global economy. Throughout history, every major economic transformation has been driven by strategic resources. Coal powered the Industrial Revolution. Oil defined the 20th century. And today, critical energy transition minerals are becoming the foundation of the green economy. The question before us is not simply how we extract these minerals. The real question is whether the green transition will create a more equitable global economy or simply reproduce the inequalities of the past. For producer countries, justice has a very practical meaning. It is not measured only by responsible extraction. It is also measured by who captures the value created from these resources. For decades, many resource-rich countries exported raw materials while higher-value industries, advanced technology, and skilled jobs were created elsewhere. That model cannot become the blueprint for the green transition. Indonesia believes the answer is downstream industrialization. Critical minerals should not only power batteries, they should power industrial transformation. They should create skilled jobs, strengthen technological capability, build resilient manufacturing, and generate lasting prosperity. We speak from our experience when we require nickel to be processed domestically instead of exported as raw ore. Value that had previously been created abroad began to be created at home in investment, employment, fiscal revenue, and industrial capability. And today we are extending this strategy to bauxite, aluminum, copper, and silicon. Mr. Chair, this is not about restricting trade. It is about ensuring that countries blessed with natural resources also have the opportunity to industrialize from them. And at the same time, industrialization must go hand in hand with sustainability. Development that harms environment or neglects local community is not sustainable development. Transparency, accountability, ESG implementation, and traceability are therefore very indispensable. Indonesia has strengthened mineral governance through Simbara, an integrated digital platform that connects licensing, production, royalties, transportation, and export into one verified system. And this demonstrates that developing producer countries are fully capable of building credible governance systems. International cooperation should therefore focus on strengthening national capacity, not simply imposing standards developed elsewhere. Excellency, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, no country can achieve this transformation alone. Markets are global, technology is global, investment is global, and our partnership must also become global. But partnership must evolve. The future cannot be built on a model where one country extracts while another captures most of the value. Indonesia therefore believes that the time has come to establish a global partnership for value addition in critical energy transition minerals, and such partnership should support technology transfer, mobilize sustainable investment, strengthen research collaboration, develop local skill, expand manufacturing capacity, and build internationally credible ESG and traceability systems. Producer countries must also retain sufficient policy space to pursue legitimate industrial strategies, including downstream processing and domestic value addition. These are not barriers to development; they are pathways to development. Indonesia welcomes the security channels guiding principles and actionable recommendations. Their success will depend on whether they could enable producer countries to move higher in the global value chains while at the same time protecting both people and the planet. Future generations will not ask how many critical minerals we extracted. They will ask whether we transformed finite natural resources into lasting prosperity, whether we build industrial industry instead of dependence, whether we— whether producer countries become equal partners in the green economy. And Indonesia believes the energy transition will succeed only if it's also a development transition, a transition that creates prosperity, builds industrial capability, protects our planet, and shares opportunity more fairly among nations. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:55:03]:

Thank you very much. Again, a very clear message from Indonesia. I now give the floor to China. Ambassador, the floor is yours, followed by Italy. Thanks.


China · Ambassador [1:55:18]:

Special Representative, colleagues, Thank you. Representative Haat, colleagues, as global energy transition accelerates, critical minerals as essential resources underpinning energy transition and green development are facing numerous challenges such as surging demand and supply chain instability. China supports the UN's leading role in building a governance framework for critical minerals that is open and inclusive, fair and equitable, cooperative and mutually beneficial, green and clean. First, promote free trade with openness and inclusivity. We should strengthen policy coordination and industrial alignment, deepen technological exchanges and cooperation in investment, and safeguard healthy and stable industrial and supply chains. We should liberalize the trade in critical minerals, and foster an open, transparent, and non-discriminatory trade environment. Second, promote equal and inclusive benefits based on fairness and equity. We should build consensus among all parties and formulate rules that are in everyone's interests, ensuring fair participation and equitable benefit sharing. We should establish an inclusive governance mechanism where the resource dividend benefits people of all countries. Third, promote shared prosperity through win-win cooperation. We should respect national sovereignty over critical minerals and ensure that developing countries can leverage their resource endowments for socioeconomic development. Resource-rich countries should foster stable, transparent, and predictable legal and policy environments And protect the legitimate rights and interests of investors in critical minerals. Fourth, promote clean utilization for green and low-carbon development. We should promote innovative green mining technologies and improve resource efficiency throughout the lifecycle of extraction, smelting, processing, and recycling. We should coordinate the development development of internationally recognized green standards for energy conservation, emissions reduction, lower cost, and greater efficiency across the critical mineral sector. Ladies and gentlemen, China is a leader and a major driver in the global energy transition by actively promoting international cooperation on critical minerals. In 2025, China put forward the International Economic and Trade Cooperation Initiative on Green Mining and Minerals, with more than 20 countries and international organizations joining so far. China has developed the Sustainable Mining Code, among other mining standards across the chain, and is promoting their international mutual recognition. China, by leveraging its technological advantages in green exploration and exploitation, clean smelting, among others, provides replicable green mineral solutions for resource-rich developing countries. Chinese mining enterprises are actively implementing the 100 Companies in 1,000 Villages initiative on CSR under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, contributing to the economic growth in African towns and villages and better livelihoods of their people. China stands ready to work with all parties to strengthen the global governance on critical energy transition minerals and jointly build a clean, beautiful, and prosperous world. I thank you, President.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [1:58:54]:

Thank you, Ambassador. I now give the floor to Italy, the Secretary of State.


Italy · Secretary of State [1:59:02]:

Thank you. I want to thank the United Nations for convening this important discussion on a topic that is a priority for the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, which I have the honor to represent. I would also like to express my appreciation, appreciation for the work carried out by the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, whose strategic recommendations are more relevant today than ever in an international context marked by growing geopolitical tensions and increasing instability in global supply chains. In particular, I'd like to recall the 2024 report, which identifies the key pillars for developing sustainable, resilient, and diversified value chains. In this context, Italy has emphasized the importance of transparent and traceable supply chains capable of generating sustainable investment and local value creation through partnerships and international cooperation. Critical minerals are indispensable for net-zero technologies, artificial intelligence, defense, aerospace, and many other strategic sectors. Today, mining and refining are concentrated in a limited number of countries, making diversification essential to reduce excessive dependencies and prevent these resources from being used as instruments of geopolitical leverage. Italy is fully committed to developing its national strategy on critical minerals in line with European and international priorities. Our approach begins with assessing the needs of industry and identifying potential sources of supply, mapping bottlenecks, and designing solutions to strengthen the resilience of the national economy, while also evaluating the role of possible strategic stockpiles. Following the entry into force of the European Critical Raw Materials Act, we have implemented the regulation at national level by updating Italy's mining legislation. Italy is also strengthening its role in European critical raw materials value chains through 7 new projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act, 6 focused on recycling and 1 on processing, which complement 4 projects already recognized as strategic projects at the European level. One of these was recently authorized by my ministry and will enable the recovery of rare earth elements from permanent magnets contained in waste electrical and electronic Equipment. These initiatives confirm Italy's strong commitment to circularity. We've also allocated significant financial resources to support the entire value chain. These include a new national exploration program for primary and secondary raw materials, the €1 billion National Made in Italy Fund dedicated to strategic industrial value chains, and €50 million under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan to support sustainable sourcing. The circular economy, and eco-design. At the international level, through Mission Innovation, Italy has funded 20 research, development, and technological innovation projects focused on the extraction, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials. We have also supported a study of— on African value chains linked to port infrastructure and strategic transport corridors, with particular attention to the Lobito Corridor in line with the METEI Plan. Italy is also working toward the establishment of a European storage hub by identifying the most suitable sites in proximity to major logistics and port infrastructure. However, the strategic aspect I'd like to emphasize today is the importance of partnerships and international cooperation. No country can meet the challenge of supply security alone. Strategic partnerships are a cornerstone of our approach and an essential instrument for diversifying sources of supply by developing mutually beneficial extraction, refining, and recycling projects based on environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The principle was strongly promoted during Italy's G7 presidency. Environmental standards guide our decisions and constitute a fundamental criterion for selecting strategic initiatives. Italy considers multilateral fora, such as this one, essential for promoting diversified and secure access to critical minerals based on shared standards. We must work together to create more stable and predictable markets, strengthening the resilience of value chains and the security of our economies. We look forward to deepening both bilateral and multilateral cooperation and are convinced that our countries can work in a complementary, and mutually reinforcing manner across every stage of the value chain. Thank you for your attention, and I wish you all a productive and successful meeting.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:03:58]:

Thanks, thanks for your really important input. I now give the floor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.


Slovakia · Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs [2:04:10]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair, Excellencies. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to speak at this important event at a time when the energy transition has become one of the world's key priorities. Critical energy transition minerals are indispensable for low-carbon technologies. At the same time, they are becoming an increasingly important factor for international stability economic development and geological— geopolitical relations. Demand for these resources is growing at an unprecedented pace. For many developing countries, this creates new opportunities for economic diversification, job creation, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. However, This potential can only be realized through responsible governance, transparency, and respect for environmental and human rights standards. Slovakia supports the implementation of the UN Security Secretary-General guiding principles on critical energy transition minerals. We consider them an important framework for building fair, inclusive, and sustainable value chains. At the same time, critical minerals cannot be viewed in isolation. They are closely linked to the broader agenda of resource security, including energy and water. Growing demand, climate change, and geopolitical tensions are increasing pressure on supply chains, and critical infrastructure, highlighting the need for greater resilience and stronger international cooperation. In this context, the Slovak government adopted this year its first action plan for the exploration of the critical minerals for 2026 and 2030. The plan provides the framework for geological exploration, aimed at strengthening Slovakia's mineral security and contributing to European resilience. Slovakia also brings practical expertise in sustainable resource management, including water management, energy security, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We have consistently shared this experience with partners, Particularly in the region where resource pressures contribute to instability. These priorities are also reflected in Slovakia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2028 and 2029 term. Ladies and gentlemen, Chair, effective governance of the critical minerals is essential for a just and sustainable energy transition. It requires political commitment, some technical solutions, and strong international cooperation. Slovakia stands ready to continue supporting multilateral solutions, strengthening partnerships, and sharing its experience. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:07:43]:

Thank you, Minister. I now give the floor to the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal.


Portugal · Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation [2:07:51]:

Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, there is no clean energy or digital transitions without the critical minerals that are the upstream of renewable energy technologies, batteries, electricity grids, or digital infrastructure. Equally, for producing countries, these critical minerals are strategic assets with immeasurable potential to transform local economies if conditions are in place for local value addition. Not only will this allow for local sustainable development, but it will also allow higher quality and fairer trade conditions for both export and import players. This understanding is central to Portugal's public policy regarding critical raw materials. For these resources to contribute to inclusive development and lead to shared prosperity, we must support local governance where security of supply, as well as responsible and sustainable mineral value chains, are the means to an end. In this regard, let me share with you all a concrete example, the strategic corridor of Lobito in Angola, with a Portuguese company in the railway concession. This project proves that, that a project can only be profoundly transformative if our partner countries assume its ownership. Indeed, Portuguese national framework promotes the responsible exploration, extraction, processing, and circular use of mineral resources, anchored in robust environmental standards, transparency, and meaningful public participation. Excellencies, Portugal is strongly committed to this agenda, from joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to bilateral cooperation agreements with Cape Verde, Mozambique, Brazil, and Canada, focused on geological mapping and governance of the mining sector, or the Geology and Mining Thematic Network with the community of Portuguese-speaking countries for capacity-building initiatives, technology transfer, and harmonization of good practices. For Portugal, an incoming non-permanent country in the Security Council, energy and digital transitions must not repeat old patterns and dependency, but it must be the foundations of self-sufficiency and one of the key drivers for sustainable development, shared prosperity, and stronger international partnerships. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:10:48]:

Thank you so much, Vice Minister, for the clarity of your message. I now give the floor to the Permanent Secretary of Zambia.


Zambia · Permanent Secretary [2:11:01]:

Thank you. Excellencies, Mr. Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, allow me at the outset to express Zambia's appreciation to His Excellency Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, for his leadership in placing critical energy transition minerals firmly on the global development agenda. We commend the work of the Secretary-General's high-level panel and welcome the establishment of the United Nations Task Force to advance its guiding principles and actionable recommendations. Zambia was honored to contribute as a member of that task force. Transition to a low-carbon global economy is accelerating. Demand for critical energy transition minerals continues to grow as countries expand renewable energy, battery storage, electric mobility, and digital infrastructure. For resource-rich developing countries, this presents a rare opportunity to diversify economies, deepen industrialization, and drive economic transformation for sustainable and inclusive growth. The question before us is not whether the world needs critical economies? It unquestionably does. The more important question is whether countries endowed with these resources will remain exporters of raw materials or become full participants in the industries and technologies that these materials make possible. For Zambia, the answer is clear. Critical energy transition minerals must become a catalyst for structural transformation, industrial development, decent jobs, and shared prosperity. Zambia is endowed with significant reserves of copper, cobalt, manganese, graphite, nickel, lithium, and other strategic minerals. Our vision is to become a trusted and reliable partner in global critical mineral value chains while progressively moving beyond extraction towards processing, value addition, and manufacturing. This vision is guiding a comprehensive program of reforms. Government has designated critical minerals as strategic national assets, adopted a national critical mineral strategy, strengthened sector governance, modernized the regulatory framework, enhanced licensing transparency, expanded geological mapping, and introduced local content measures. Together, these reforms seek to provide certainty for investors while ensuring that Zambia derives greater long-term value from its mineral wealth. No country can achieve this transformation alone. Developing countries need investment, technology, skills, and affordable finance. We also need partnerships that strengthen domestic productive capacity, expand regional value chains, and enable our people to capture a greater share of the value created from their natural resources. The clean energy transition must not reproduce old patterns of commodity dependence. It should become an engine of economic transformation, industrialization, innovation, inclusive— and inclusive development— inclusive growth. Africa has an opportunity to build competitive regional value chains under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. Zambia's partnership with Democratic Republic of Congo on battery value chains demonstrates what regional cooperation can achieve. Responsible mineral development must also place people and the environment at its center. Communities should experience tangible improvements in livelihoods and opportunities. Environmental stewardship, responsible resource management, and respect for human rights must remain integral to every stage of the mineral value chain. Zambia also values the support of UNDP and other partners in strengthening artisanal and small-scale mining and promoting sustainable mining practices. The United Nations has an important role to play in supporting countries to translate global principles into practical action. We encourage the task force to continue strengthening institutions, mobilizing sustainable investment, expanding productive capacity, and supporting developing countries as they move up the critical minerals value chain. Ultimately, success should not be measured only by the volume of minerals extracted. It should also be measured by the industries we build, the jobs we create, the technologies we develop, and the opportunities we provide for future generations. The global energy transition is one of the defining challenges of our time. If managed wisely, critical energy transition minerals can become a bridge between climate ambition and sustainable development. Zambia stands ready to work with the member states the United Nations, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to build transparent, resilient, and inclusive mineral value chains that benefit all. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:17:21]:

Thank you for your critical intervention. Colleagues, we have approximately 30 speakers left, and We have less than an hour and a half left, so I really would encourage all of you to stick to the 3-minute limit. I now give the floor to the Undersecretary of State and Chief National Geologist of Poland.


Poland · Undersecretary of State and Chief National Geologist [2:17:54]:

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished excellencies, Poland clearly recognizes the importance of critical raw materials as a key element in achieving sustainable development goals, energy transition, and economic security. As a member of the European Union, Poland actively participates and supports all efforts to ensure access to critical raw materials, as well as undertakes its own activities in strategic area. Poland is one of the few European countries with decades or even centuries of continuous experience in both the mining and metallurgical processing of selected raw materials now considered critical for the European and world economy. At present, several critical raw materials in Poland are both well documented and actively exploited, notably copper, coking coal, and helium. We recognize also crucial role of the circular economy in enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability. Recycling already plays a significant role in Poland, particularly for copper, aluminum, and platinum group metals. We also aim to become a champion in the European battery recycling. However, without securing the beginning of the value chain and ensuring access to raw materials from mineral deposits, it will be difficult to achieve economic and energy security. This is why we believe in international cooperation as a key element of our national mineral policy. Our particular focus is primarily on raw materials needed to drive the energy transition. We already have a broad network of agreements, especially between geological surveys, and we continue to expand our bilateral cooperation at the government level, most recently with the US. Another important pillar upon which Poland is building its international cooperation are multilateral instruments. This year, we are actively participating in the G20 works on critical minerals, working towards secure, diversified, and sustainable supply chains for critical raw materials. We advocate therefore greater transparency and voluntary, voluntary geological data sharing, promote innovation in the mining sector, encourage G20 members to explore new investment opportunities, and support the development of a stronger supply chain monitoring. Poland has also actively contributed to this work of this UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, and also for International Seabed Authority, as well as for the EU Critical Raw Materials Board. Excellencies, we believe that bilateral and multilateral cooperation should improve market functioning, promote fair participation of mineral-endowed countries in global value chains, and strengthen local value creation. In this context, Poland brings valuable expertise to the table. We stand ready to share this expertise to help strengthen global resource security and build more resilient supply chains, transparent and free from political constraints or trade barriers. Thank you for your attention.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:21:50]:

Thank you so much for your intervention. I now give the floor to the Vice Minister for for climate and environment of Finland.


Finland · Vice Minister for Climate and Environment [2:22:01]:

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Finland welcomes this opportunity to discuss how critical energy transition minerals can support our shared objectives of climate action, sustainable development, and economic resilience. The pertinent question is how to secure the minerals needed in a sustainable way. International approach is essential as critical minerals demand, value chains, and environmental impacts are global and markets are interconnected. Finland believes that the energy transition can succeed only if mineral value chains are sustainable, responsible, and trusted. This requires robust environmental standards, respect for human rights, meaningful engagement with local communities and Indigenous people, and transparent governance throughout the value chain. Thus, Finland supports the work of United Nations Panel and Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Circularity is a key forward. Products should be designed to last, be repaired and reused and recycled. We must use materials more efficiently and recover more critical raw materials. The key is to innovate and find alternative materials and solutions to support the transition. Stronger international partnerships that combine investment, technology cooperation, knowledge sharing and capacity building are needed, and the United Nations has an important role to play. It is also important to remember that green and digital transitions go hand in hand. Excellencies, the energy transition must be both fair and fast. By working together, we can build a mineral value chain that are future-proofed. Finland remains committed to advancing international cooperation and practical solutions to align climate action, economic development, and responsible resource management. Thank you very much.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:24:29]:

Thank you, Vice Minister. I now give the floor to my colleague, the Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD.


UNCTAD · Acting Secretary-General · Pedro [2:24:38]:

Thank you, Chair Gwynne. Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends, thank you for this extremely rich exchange and for your engagement. Many of you made reference to it. Every wind turbine, every electric vehicle, every solar grid rests on something that was until recently in the ground. Ground held by a community, ground shaped by an ecosystem, ground governed by a country. As demand for the minerals of the transition scales— copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, rare earths— what happens on that ground will decide whether this transition sets a new standard or reproduces the patterns of the old extractive economy. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the co-chairs of the UN Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, A vision for our work that was set out by the Secretary-General's panel in the form of 7 principles: respect for human rights, environmental stewardship, justice and equity for communities and indigenous peoples, development through benefit sharing, value addition and diversification, responsible investments, finance and trade, transparency and accountability, and multilateral and international cooperation. The Tax Force translates that vision from principle into practice, from report into policy, from consensus into country-level delivery. We do this by aligning existing UN capacity behind a common objective: that this transition strengthens the countries communities and ecosystems from which it draws its resources rather than depletes them. The moment we live in gives that task its urgency. We are living through one of the largest energy investment surges in modern history, driven by the transition itself and by the rise of AI. But a surge of this scale on a supply base this concentrated brings sharp volatility with it: swinging prices, retreating finance, rules written faster than the countries most affected can understand and shape them. Locally, the pressure lands elsewhere: on communities carrying the costs of extraction, on ecosystems under strain, on legacies of commodity dependence still unresolved. Few places in the multilateral system hold all of these dimensions— economic, environmental, human, institutional— in a single agenda. This task force is one of them. The work already underway reflects the ambition. 5 technical clusters are in motion: on value addition and diversification; on traceability, transparency and accountability; on mining legacies, on artisanal and small-scale mining, and on circularity and material efficiency. Together, they have convened close to 350 experts coming from more than 25 countries. 2 Knowledge products will be issued between now and the end of the year: a global assessment of trade policies affecting critical mineral value chains, and study on circularity approaches in critical mineral value chains. In parallel, the Country Support Mechanism is moving from design into first cohort delivery, the instrument through which this agenda reaches ministries, communities, and companies on the ground. So, Excellencies, this meeting is where it all comes together. Governments, industry, civil society, and indigenous peoples take the agenda forward together to feed back through the task force into the work of the year ahead. A transition should be to a better state, a better place. How much of a better place we get to after the energy transition will be measured in the health of ecosystems, the strength of institutions and the standing and prosperity of the communities whose ground made it possible. Our task is to make that now a reality. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:29:15]:

Thank you so much, Pedro, for that very detailed update on the work, really important work, of the Task Force. I will lists the next 6 speakers, all Permanent Representatives who have been extremely patient on a very busy day, and I really want to thank all of you: Zimbabwe, France, Ethiopia, Brazil, Canada, and India. So I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe.


Zimbabwe · Permanent Representative [2:29:53]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Zimbabwe welcomes this high-level meeting and the guiding principles and actionable recommendations of the Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Together, they offer a pathway for ensuring that the energy transition advances equity, justice, and shared prosperity, rather than reproducing extractive patterns that leave producing countries with environmental damage but poor in returns. With global demand for critical minerals projected to almost triple by 2030, the choices we make will shape both the clean energy transition and the development prospects of mineral-producing countries for generations. Zimbabwe possesses more than 40 commercially viable minerals, including lithium, platinum, group of metals, nickel, copper, cobalt, graphite, chromium, manganese, rare earth minerals— I just list a few. These resources can power not only the global transition to clean energy but also Africa's industrialization, technological advancement, and economic transformation. Zimbabwe is therefore moving decisively Beyond export of unprocessed commodities through beneficiation, value addition, innovation, and skills development, we are transforming mining into an engine of inclusive growth. Restrictions on raw lithium exports and wider value addition requirements are now bearing fruit. In April 2026, Zimbabwe exported its first shipment of locally produced lithium sulfate, and the result in the first half of 2026, the value of our lithium exports rose by 255% on the same tonnage over the same period. Value retained at source has created jobs, built capacity, and strengthened resilience. Yet beneficiation cannot succeed without fair access to finance, technology, infrastructure, skills, and markets. We call for partnerships that expand processing and downstream industries, strengthen regional value chains, support technology transfer, and deliver durable benefits to local communities. A transition powered by African minerals must also industrialize African economies. Responsible mineral governance must be equally central. Zimbabwe supports interoperable digital traceability systems, harmonized standards for certification and due diligence, and stronger cooperation among customs authorities, border agencies, financial intelligence units, and law enforcement institutions to combat mineral smuggling, illicit financial flows, and so forth. Transparency must from the allocation of mining rights to extraction, processing, export, and final use. At the same time, responsible investment must respect human rights, protect the environment, and produce lasting benefits for workers and host communities. Small-scale miners who sustain many rural livelihoods must be supported through formalization and access to finance. As well as technology transfer. Zimbabwe reaffirms the enduring importance of General Assembly Resolution 1803 on permanent sovereignty over natural resources. National ownership, responsible governance, and international cooperation must remain central to the mineral value chain. We welcome the United Nations Task Force and Country support mechanisms and stand ready to work with the United Nations country team to translate the panel's recommendations into national action. Such support should be targeted, demand-driven, and focused on building productive capacity in developing mineral-producing countries. Critical minerals must become instruments of development, not another chapter of extraction. Zimbabwe will work with all partners to ensure that the energy transition is green, just, secure, and transformative. I thank you, Mr. President.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:34:29]:

Thank you, Ambassador. I now give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of France, Ambassador Flores, Permanent Representative of France. Sorry.


France · Permanent Representative · Flores [2:34:41]:

Merci, Monsieur. Thank you, President. Mr. President, Excellencies, friends, commend the Secretary-General's initiative to convene this meeting on critical minerals. These are resources that are crucial for the energy transition and have become a strategic issue for peace, security, and sustainable development. Our goal is to ensure that the export, processing, and trade be regulated by common rules that are transparent and equitable to prevent them from becoming a driving factor in conflict or predation. 3 pillars are key here. First of all, balanced partnerships and strengthened global governance. France promotes metal diplomacy since 2022 that is based upon bilateral and multilateral partnerships that guarantees that producer countries can fully benefit from their resources. We've signed 24 cooperation agreements with partner countries to develop value chains locally, strengthen capacity for processing and refinement, and to ensure respectful exploitation that abides by social and other norms. And this has to do with both extraction and sustainable transport of minerals. These must be balanced partnerships that create added value on the ground and that contribute to global diversification of the France also supports multilateral initiatives when it comes to— whether it comes to the OECD, the IEA, or the guidelines of the SG's expert group. We have taken concrete measures to prevent energy transition from reproducing dependency and injustice from the past. Our second priority is the traceability of value chains. Critical minerals must not finance conflicts, armed groups, or illegal practices. France has been at the front lines of this battle, imposing a due diligence norm to exporters to Europe when it comes to tungsten, zinc, and other minerals coming from conflict zones. We support traceability mechanisms developed by the Kimberley Process, the initiative for Transparency of Extractive Industries and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. These tools must be rigorously applied to break the links between illegal exploitation of resources and financing conflict. Our third priority is supply chains that are resilient, diversified, and sustainable. Under the French G7 presidency, we launched the Alliance for Resilience and Production of Critical Minerals with a clear goal: €64 billion in investment for industrial projects for the production and processing of mineral ore, and a reduction of dependency on a single exporter to less than 64% for rare earth minerals by 2030. These commitments ought to help secure our supply while ensuring a just and clean transition. France calls for international cooperation that is strengthened in order to achieve these goals and associations between consumer and producer countries and the private sector. Together, we must ensure recycling, improve transparency, and guarantee equitable access to strategic resources. President, to conclude, the energy transition requires responsible management of critical minerals. France is determined to work together with the UN, its partners, and the private sector to make these resources a lever for peace, development, and shared sovereignty. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:38:24]:

Thanks, Ambassador. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Brazil. And Ambassador, thank you for your patience again.


Brazil · Permanent Representative [2:38:39]:

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues. Critical minerals lie at the intersection of some of the defining challenges of our time. They are indispensable to the energy transition, climate action, and new technologies. Global demand for these minerals is expected to triple by 2030. Managing this trend will define whether it becomes a genuine driver for sustainable development or merely the latest chapter in the cycle of commodity dependence or, even worse, a driver for conflict. As one of the world's leading holders of critical mineral reserves, Brazil approaches this discussion with both responsibility and ambition. These resources offer a unique opportunity to promote industrialization, economic diversification, and technological upgrading. We want to add value domestically, strengthen productive value chains, and foster mutually beneficial partnerships. But international cooperation on critical minerals must remain voluntary and non-prescriptive. The 7 Guiding Principles are a balanced package and should not be taken selectively. Principle 4, on value addition and economic diversification, reflects the legitimate aspirations of producing countries. It is already informing legislative initiatives in our National Congress. The Panel's work was never intended to create new international obligations. Its outcomes should not be interpreted as providing a mandate for more ambitious institutional or legally binding developments. The sovereign management of natural resources remains firmly grounded in GA Resolution 1803. 3 and Principle 2 of the Rio Declaration. Critical minerals are not a global common good, and we are not committed to a new global governance structure for this sector. This would impose new constraints precisely on resource-rich developing countries, while similar regulatory initiatives are absent in sectors where developed countries hold their competitive advantage. Value chain. This was neither intended nor agreed in the panel. Its future work must be faithful to the careful balance achieved in 2024. Only constructive dialogue and practical cooperation ensure that critical energy transition minerals are a catalyst for sustainable development, industrial transformation, and shared prosperity. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:41:47]:

Thanks, Ambassador. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Canada. And Ambassador, again, thank you for your patience.


Canada · Permanent Representative [2:41:57]:

Thank you, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. First, I would like to thank the Secretary-General and his team, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General and her team, for convening this important discussion on critical energy transition minerals. Few issues better illustrate the intersection of climate action economic development, and global security than critical minerals. These minerals are indispensable to the clean energy transition, the rapidly expanding digital economy, and the advanced manufacturing that will shape the industries of tomorrow. Demand is increasing rapidly, presenting a historic opportunity, but only if countries are able to capture greater value from their resources to help diversify economies, strengthen industrial capacity, create jobs, drive innovation, and generate the revenues needed to advance sustainable development. Canada believes that responsible critical mineral development and sustainable development go hand in hand. That is why Canada has long supported efforts to strengthen mineral resource governance, build institutional capacity, improve transparency, and promote inclusive economic growth in developing countries. Over the past 15 years, Canada has provided more than $765 million Canadian dollars in official development assistance in the natural resources sector to help partner countries strengthen institutions, improve oversight, and manage mineral resources in a way that supports sustainable and inclusive development outcomes. Last year, under Canada's G7 presidency, leaders launched the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan. It commits G7 members to strengthening resilience supply chains, supporting responsible production, promoting local value creation, mobilizing investment, advancing innovation, and deepening cooperation with mineral-rich emerging markets and developing countries. Canada welcomes the continued leadership of the French G7 presidency in advancing these same objectives and strengthening international cooperation on critical minerals and sustainable development. A central lesson from this work is that sustainable development and supply chain resilience reinforce one another. When countries have strong institutions, transparent regulatory systems, skilled workers, and access to quality infrastructure, they are better positioned to attract responsible investment. Achieving these outcomes requires more than sound governance. It also requires investment in enabling infrastructure. Reliable power, transportation networks, ports, and trade corridors help reduce costs improve competitiveness, support local processing and value addition, and connect producing regions to regional and global markets. Experience has shown that strong environmental, social, and governance standards are not barriers to investment. They are essential to building investor confidence, securing community support, and creating resilient supply chains. When communities benefit from resource development, projects are more sustainable and supply chains are more secure, and when producing countries can capture greater value from their resources, the benefits of the energy transition are shared more broadly. Canada is committed to supporting these objectives through partnerships that deliver tangible results through initiatives such as the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement Partnership, or RISE, to which Canada is a major donor contributing $25 million Canadian dollars. Canada is helping countries strengthen capacity, improve governance and regulatory frameworks, attract investment, strengthen regional supply chains, and participate more fully in critical mineral value chains. As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, we must also promote innovation, resource efficiency, and circular approaches, including recycling and recovery, that strengthen supply security while reducing environmental impacts. We also recognize the importance of working with industry, Indigenous peoples, local communities, civil society, and international organizations. No country can build the critical mineral value chains of the future alone. Partnership will be essential to ensuring that these value chains are resilient, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable. The future Canada will be fully committed to Working with its partners in order to strengthen governance and support the creation of added value to— at the local level and mobilize responsible investment and promote improved rules when it comes to environment, social responsibility, and governance. Our goal is clear: work so that critical minerals that are necessary for the energy transition contribute not only to the transition to clean energies and to the digital economy, but also to decreasing poverty, diversifying the economy, and sustainable development. When they are valued effectively and responsibly, critical minerals for the energy transition can become a powerful motor for inclusive growth and prosperity that is shared. They can help countries to build stronger economies and more resilient economies. And contribute to accelerating progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, and they can promote the rise of a more sustainable, safer, and more prosperous future for all. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:47:19]:

Thank you, Ambassador, for, for your very critical intervention. I will now list the next 5 speakers, the Permanent representatives from India, Chile, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of India, and Ambassador, thank you again for your patience.


India · Permanent Representative [2:47:43]:

Thank you. Chair, India welcomes the convening of this high-level meeting and thanks the Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing international dialogue on critical energy transition minerals. Critical minerals are indispensable for the clean energy transition, but for many developing countries, they're also an opportunity to accelerate industrialization, create quality employment, and strengthen domestic manufacturing. International cooperation must therefore enable countries to move towards greater value addition and resilient participation across global value chains. India's own experience underscores the importance of this approach. As one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy markets, India is strengthening resilient and diversified critical mineral supply chains through the National Critical Mineral Mission, while the Khanej Videsh India Limited is advancing strategic international partnerships. India has also actively participated in the UN Secretary-General's initiative on critical energy transition minerals, reflecting our commitment to practical international cooperation that supports a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy transition. As we move towards implementation, 3 principles merit emphasis. First, national ownership and permanent sovereignty over natural resources must remain the foundation of international cooperation. Second, partnerships should promote investment, technology transfer, capacity building, and skills development on mutually agreed terms, enabling developing countries to expand processing, refining, and manufacturing capacities. Third, the United Nations should support member states by strengthening technical cooperation, facilitating knowledge sharing, and leveraging existing institutional arrangements while avoiding duplication of mandates. Critical energy transition minerals should become an engine for sustainable development, not another source of inequality. India stands ready to work, with all partners to build resilient, transparent, and diversified supply chains that promote shared prosperity and ensure that the benefits of the global energy transition are equitably distributed. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:49:58]:

Thanks, Ambassador, and we're always grateful to hear your focus on equity. and justice, which has been one of the overarching themes that we've heard today. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Chile, and again, I thank you, Ambassador, for your patience.


Chile · Permanent Representative [2:50:20]:

Thank you. Silwin Hart, Special Advisor to the Secretary-General. Excellencies, distinguished participants, Chile is aware that we play an important role in the development of critical minerals for technological development and the global energy transition, as highlighted by the SG's panel on critical minerals for the energy transition, which Chile had the honor of participating in. Global demand for minerals such as copper and lithium could triple by 2030 and quadruple to 2040. These minerals are necessary for technologies that make it possible to engage in the climate and energy transition— solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, and other sources of clean energy. Chile is at the very heart of this transformation. Our country maintains leadership at the international level when it comes to mining. We're the main producer of copper in the world, and we are a relevant actor in the world of lithium. We are committed to strengthening this industry, and we promote greater competitiveness, investment, and productive growth. Thus, our Ministry of Mining presented a framework for 2026 to 2030 which aims to deal with new challenges for the industry and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new global situation. This initiative will promote more competitive and productive mining, promoting investment, modernization of the regulatory framework, and furthermore, it will speed up projects that contribute to the economic growth of the country. Chile is approaching the energy transition as a state policy that goes beyond government cycles. Energy policy at the national level, which was published in 2015 and updated in 2022, establishes a long-term view that has been built with sectoral and citizen participation, and it establishes Goals for 2050, even. The energy program for 2026-2030 is a work plan that establishes the main priorities to make progress towards an energy system that is safer, more sustainable, and more resilient. The initiative promotes energy transition, safety in supply and development of infrastructure, and recognizes the strategic role of energy in national development. It is fundamental for us to strengthen international cooperation to develop resilient supply chains that are responsible and traceable, where investment, innovation, and trade can transform mineral resources into industrial capabilities, technological development, and greater opportunities for development for producing countries. Thus, We value the recommendations of the SGs panel. It is a foundation to make progress in a cooperative framework that will benefit producers, consumers, and it responds to the growing demand for critical minerals. We will continue to work with the international community to make progress towards shared solutions that will allow us to deal with the shared challenges of the energy transition. Thank you very much.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:53:46]:

Thank you, Ambassador. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Pakistan. Ambassador, the floor is yours.


Pakistan · Permanent Representative [2:53:54]:

Thank you, ASG Haard. Dear colleagues, we welcome the updates provided today on how the work of the panel is being taken forward by the task force. As demand for critical minerals nearly triples by 2030, resource-rich developing countries have an immense opportunity to diversify their economies and accelerate progress on the SDGs. We believe 3 points should anchor this discussion. First, value addition. Resource-rich developing countries must be able to move beyond raw extraction towards processing, refining, and downstream manufacturing. Manufacturing. This requires technology transfer on concessional terms, skills development, and investment. Hence, we welcome the task force's cluster on value addition as a practical mechanism to support this shift. Second, sovereignty and partnership. Pakistan reaffirms that peoples have permanent sovereignty over their natural resources and that partnerships in this sector must be cooperative, respecting national ownership, and aligned with the host country's own development priorities. Third, environmental integrity. Rising demand for critical minerals cannot come at the cost of the environment where these resources are found, but the responsibility here must be shared in accordance with the of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Environmental safeguards must therefore go hand in hand with finance, technology, and capacity support. They cannot be yet another unfunded obligation for developing countries who bear the least historical responsibility. Excellencies, as a resource-rich developing country itself, Pakistan is translating these principles into practice by strengthening our regulatory frameworks, modernizing geological mapping, and improving licensing practices. Through our national plan, Uran Pakistan, critical minerals are central to our own economic diversification. diversification and export ambitions. We stand ready to work with the task force and all stakeholders to ensure that this sector delivers sustainable growth and equity. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [2:56:45]:

Thank you, Ambassador. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador de


Saudi Arabia · Permanent Representative [2:56:57]:

Thank you, Mr. President. We would like to express our appreciation to your effort, including the organization of this important high-level meeting. Sir President, ladies and gentlemen, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has adopted an ambitious national vision that positions energy and mining as strategic pillars for strengthening national economic growth. This comes in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom places global energy security at the core of its priorities. This is reflected through our steadfast commitment to our leading role in ensuring the stability of energy supplies to global markets, developing circular carbon economy, and developing one of the world's largest renewable energy programs. The Kingdom believes that energy transitions should be guided by a comprehensive and pragmatic approach that enables countries to benefit from the full range of available energy sources and technological solutions in a manner consistent with their national circumstances, natural resource endowments, and development priorities. The success of such transitions should not be measured by shifting from one energy source to another, but rather by building a resilient and integrated energy system capable of ensuring energy security and providing affordable access to energy, thereby contributing to efforts to eradicate energy poverty and support sustainable development. Mr. President, today we face fundamental challenges, including the inability of electricity grids to accommodate the expansion of renewable energy. The concentration of critical minerals in a limited number of regions, the high level of resource consumption associated with transition technologies, and the growing cyber threats targeting energy infrastructure. Therefore, there is no doubt that energy security today is closely linked to the availability of critical minerals, given their essential role in enabling energy transition. In the Kingdom, we have adopted an integrated vision for developing its mining sector and building reliable and resilient supply chains that contribute to meeting the needs of global markets. The Kingdom introduced a new mining investment law that reflects its commitment to aligning its regulatory framework with international best practices. As part of these reforms, the tax rate on mining investments was reduced from 45% to 20%, With the aim of enhancing the sector's attractiveness to domestic and international investors while ensuring the protection of their investments. These efforts have been reflected in the Kingdom's ranking among the world's top 20 countries for the lowest legal and financial risks in the mining sector, according to the Global Risk Report 2023. This underscored the success of our regulatory reforms and the continued improvement of our investment environment. Thank you, Mr. President.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:00:10]:

Thanks, Ambassador. I now give the floor to the distinguished Permanent Representative of Argentina. Ambassador, the floor is yours. And following the distinguished Permanent Representative of Argentina will be the Permanent Representatives of Colombia, Cuba, and Australia. Ambassador, the floor is yours.


Argentina · Permanent Representative [3:00:30]:

Buenos días. Good afternoon. Thank you very much. Critical minerals production has gained significant international importance, particularly in light of the need to diversify and scale up production. To that end, it is essential to promote investment in developing countries that are producers or have the potential to become producers, as well as to facilitate technology transfer and infrastructure development. Argentina possesses substantial reserves across several categories of critical minerals and is one of the world's leading producers of lithium. Recently, we adopted the Large Investment Incentive Regime, which provides predictability and legal certainty for the development of strategic projects, including those in the mining sector. That said, the initiative that brings us together today, which began with the panel of critical minerals, appears to assume that developing countries inherently suffer from shortcomings in regulation, environmental protection, and respect for human rights. This is clearly not the case for Argentina and other countries. Beginning this work from such a presumption is not a sound starting point. Instead, we should have followed a format that would have enabled all member states to participate, express their priorities, and reach consensus on the process. Instead, both the panel and the task force are initiatives of the Secretariat that were never agreed upon by member states, neither in terms of their man— their terms of reference or their outcomes. For Argentina, a significant number of the principles and recommendations are not acceptable. We are concerned that the panel has moved towards policy-prescriptive content and that the task force seeks to promote its implementation by states and to monitor such implementation through its own reporting. We should keep in mind that the exploitation of critical minerals is subject to state sovereignty. They are the ones who can request international cooperation that is in step with their needs. Therefore, the reference to international governance gaps are not appropriate. Any work undertaken by the Secretariat and the system in this framework must remain policy neutral. It should be implemented on a voluntary basis and be tailored to the specific circumstances, development priorities, and domestic legal framework of each state in full adherence to Resolution 1803 of the General Assembly on permanent sovereignty over natural resources. Likewise, in our view, the task force should refrain from promoting concepts that could justify directly or indirectly unilateral trade measures. Accordingly, Argentina reserves its position and places on record that it does not consent to the content of the panel's report, including its principles and recommendations, and will not engage in task force activities that do not fully respect state sovereignty. Finally, since neither the panel nor the task force resulted from a process negotiated by member states, they should not be endorsed by the organization. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:03:48]:

Thank you, Ambassador, for your input. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Colombia.


Colombia · Permanent Representative [3:04:02]:

Excellency, distinguished delegations, ladies and gentlemen. Our goals for 2030 are ambitious. Our Sustainable Development Goals also include great challenges because to achieve these goals and overcome challenges means that we must develop our economies, improve our capabilities, and industrialize our countries to create wealth so that we can decrease poverty. And inequality. And we must do this while we protect nature, while we protect life on this planet. For Colombia, both things, technological expansion and taking care of our land, are compatible. They are complementary because it's true that enjoying the material benefits of our time freely is only possible Through the intensive use of energy. But it's also true that we have decided to go from fossil energy to clean and sustainable energies. To move forward in this, we must ensure the availability of critical minerals— copper, lithium, cobalt, rare earths. These are all necessary to create wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles. Ladies and gentlemen, we can join efforts to attend to the growing demand for these minerals. We can create wealth to resolve social problems while we serve— while we work to ensure zero net emissions by 2050. And we can achieve this by benefiting local communities, defending and promoting the human rights, and fighting against corruption, taking care of ecosystems with safeguards, and furthermore establishing specific zones and respecting the sovereignty of States who own those minerals. Colleagues, in the Conference on Climate Change of 2023, we committed to tripling the capabilities of renewable energy and furthermore doubling energy efficiency by 2030— before 2030. And since far before, we have been committed to responsible mining. So let's work hard to ensure the Just energy transition. Let's work hard so that the exploitation of critical minerals can lead to social justice and a fair, fair distribution and conservation of the beauty of life. Let's work hard to facilitate cooperation that will take care of our environment. Let's work hard so that we can overcome extractivism without reproducing the negative impacts of the past. Thank you. Let's work hard and let's work together, colleagues, to renew and improve these efforts. Thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:07:25]:

Thank you, Ambassador. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Cuba.


Cuba · Permanent Representative [3:07:37]:

Thank you very much, Chair. Chair, Industrialization, create added value, facilitate tech transfer, and create national capabilities. Thus, it is necessary that we fully respect the sovereign rights of states over their natural resources and their ability to define, according to their national priorities and international law, how they want to manage and take advantage of their critical minerals to benefit their own peoples. These resources are national heritage that should contribute to the sovereign development of countries rather than deepening current asymmetries. Chair, we cannot talk about an energy transition that is fair when we tolerate unilateral coercive measures that deprive deliberately entire countries of access to fuel, technology, investment. Financing and necessary equipment to ensure the provision of electricity to their populations. Today, Cuba is the victim of an energy blockade imposed by the government of the United States as part of a worsening and unprecedented commercial, financial, and economic blockade, and this explicitly undermines the ability to obtain fuel and access technology to store energy. It intimidates international providers, and it furthermore undermines projects that aim to generate renewable energies. It is a deliberate policy that directly impacts the daily life of the Cuban people, limits the workings of hospitals, schools, water systems, and essential services, and undermines national efforts to accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy that is more sustainable. The energy transition cannot be based in economic coercion or politicization of energy access. We reiterate our commitment to an energy transition that is inclusive, that leaves no one behind, and ensures that the benefits of critical minerals can effectively contribute to the well-being of all peoples, particularly those of developing countries. Thank you very much.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:10:28]:

Thanks, Ambassador. I now give the floor to the Ambassador of Australia— Chargé d'Affaires of Australia, sorry.


Australia · Chargé d'Affaires [3:10:40]:

Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Selwyn. Excellencies, the transition to clean energy is one of the defining economic and development opportunities of our time, but it will only succeed succeed if the world can secure the critical minerals needed to power it. Australia has some of the world's largest critical mineral reserves, and we are committed to being a reliable, trusted, and responsible supplier. But our ambition extends beyond extraction. We want to help build supply chains that are more diverse, more secure, and more sustainable, while creating jobs and economic opportunities. Through our critical mineral strategy and broader Future Made in Australia agenda, Australia is supporting investment across the sector, from exploration and mining through to processing and refining, measures to help unlock investment and strengthen global supply chains. But no country can achieve the energy transition alone. Australia strongly supports international cooperation to strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and promote transparent, rules-based trade. We are advancing this work through partnerships including the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement, the G7 Critical Minerals Resilience and Production Alliance, the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, and various bilateral initiatives including our bilateral framework with the United States. As a candidate for the United Nations Security Council for 2029-30, Australia remains committed to international peace and security, multilateralism, and working in partnership with all member states to address shared challenges. The energy transition is one of those shared challenges. By working together, we can strengthen energy security, support sustainable development, and build a more stable and prosperous future. As the Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals recognized, the energy transition must be grounded in respect for human rights, environmental integrity, and justice and equity. Australia strongly supports these principles. Many of Australia's critical minerals projects operate on land where First Nations peoples hold rights and interests. Early and meaningful engagement is therefore essential. We are working to ensure the benefits of the energy transition are shared with traditional owners and local communities. Australia's experience demonstrates strong environmental, social, and standards are not a barrier to investment or competitiveness. They are a source of trust, certainty, and long-term success. As we take forward the recommendation of the panel, we have an opportunity to build critical mineral supply chains that are transparent, sustainable, and trusted, and that deliver real benefits for communities, workers, and future generations. Australia stands ready to work with all partners to seize that opportunity. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:13:28]:

Thank you so much. I now give the floor to the World Bank. You've heard lots of interventions that reference the important work of the Bank, and let me give the Bank an opportunity to respond.


World Bank · Director of Metals and Minerals · Ms. Tapar [3:13:43]:

Thank you. Excellencies, Secretary-General, and partners around the table, The World Bank Group has a clear mandate to turn mineral wealth into jobs and long-term growth, and we are already delivering. Our 3-pillar strategy is built around strengthening policies and governance, building foundational infrastructure and human capital, and mobilizing private capital, each supported by concrete solutions tailored to country context. This also includes value addition, benefit in countries as well as circular economy. The World Bank is also responding to the heightened global demand for key minerals by targeting a fivefold increase in our financing, from raising from $3.6 billion to about $19 billion in the next coming 5 years. Implementation and working together with partners and countries is already underway. We are doing this with what we call country compacts or partnerships, and we have already announced 4 with Mauritania, Malawi, Zambia, and Bolivia earlier in the spring. We are now finalizing and working towards other countries for an announcement during the World Bank Group's annual meetings in Bangkok in October 2026. What these compacts and partnerships bring is bring the governments, the World Bank Group, and development partners around the table in support of national minerals and metals priorities. Our support helps countries create predictable policies and regulations that are grounded in strong environmental and social standards. We also invest in infrastructure and skills so that countries can create more and better jobs in and around their sector. Including mining and infrastructure, strengthen local supply chains, and increase the economic benefits of mining for host countries. Finally, we deploy a range of financing and risk-sharing instruments that de-risk projects and mobilize private capital at scale. The World Bank also supports mining and is grounded in strong environmental and social standards, ensuring that mineral development is responsible, inclusive, and benefits people and communities with ESG considerations embedded systematically across all engagements. This includes water, biodiversity, and human rights. Through all this work, we are supporting countries in building resilient, competitive, and responsible mineral sectors. That, again, as I mentioned, create jobs, promote sustainable growth, and advance their own development priorities. Given the urgency, multilateral coordination is essential. In addition to collaborating with all of you today, we are also working with other MDBs towards a collaboration framework that aligns our efforts. This is the kind of structured partnership that working groups around the UN Guiding Principles can also build and strengthen. In addition, on the RISE program, we are also looking at supply chain resiliency for the global value chains. The UN Guidance for Action provides valuable synthesis of the standards and frameworks that already exist across sectors. It is now imperative that we work in coherence and in collaboration to create development impact outcomes. We look forward to exchanging lessons over the course of the 2 days, and I thank you for the invitation.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:17:30]:

Thank you, Ms. Tapar, who is the Director of Metals and Minerals at the World Bank, and apologies for not introducing you properly, but the Bank played a really important role in the work of the panel and is playing an equally important role on its own, but also in supporting the work of the task force. I now give the floor to the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation. You have the floor.


Russian Federation · Deputy Permanent Representative [3:18:03]:

Thank you very much, Mr. Hart. Critical minerals and advanced technology for their extraction processing and industrial application play a crucial role in sustainable development. In particular, we note their importance for strengthening technological sovereignty and the production of high-tech products. For developing countries with reserves of critical raw materials, this is a historic opportunity to engage in structural transformation and diversify instead of receiving a fair share of revenue for their own development. This problem, unfortunately, is already on the UN's radar. In accordance with data from the latest UNCTAD report, the price of refined cobalt is 3.2 times higher than for non-processed cobalt, and a similar situation exists as well for lithium. Nickel, and graphite. It's important for UN bodies to continue to speak about this and to provide support to developing countries in localizing processing and production on their territories. Of key importance here is cutting-edge technology transfer, capacity building, and the financing of processing infrastructure at favorable rates. We believe that fair distribution of benefits along the entire value creation chain is a key precondition for the energy transition to truly serve sustainable development. During today's discussions, we must not lose sight of an important issue that is the inalienable sovereign right of states to make use of their own natural resources in the interest of their national development. Any international initiatives, including the ideas we've heard about traceability, certification, and due diligence, must abide by this principle and not create mechanisms that limit the legitimate right of countries to determine their own procedures for the extraction, use, and processing of their own resources. With regard to the energy transition, I'd like to note the importance of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy sources. We, of course, support taking into account environmental factors and call— and recognize the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, our country continues to support the principle of technological neutrality, which means using all available technologies during the energy transition without discriminating between energy sources, including natural gas and nuclear energy. Thank you for your attention.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:21:32]:

Thank you. Thank you so much, my friend. I now give the floor to the Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark.


Denmark · Deputy Permanent Representative [3:21:45]:

Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Denmark supports the timely and important work of the United Nations on critical energy transition minerals. We welcome the efforts in advancing the outcomes of the panel of the Secretary-General and implementation of the guiding principles and actionable recommendations in the 2024 report. Critical minerals for the energy transition and circular economy are an area of particular interest to the newly elected Danish government. The transition to clean and sustainable energy systems cannot be achieved without secure, responsible, and just access to the critical minerals and raw materials that are necessary to drive forward the energy transition. These resources are fundamental to our collective ability to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the broader ambitions of sustainable development and global climate action. Furthermore, as demand increases in the context of the energy transition, it is essential that extraction serves as a driver of opportunity and development that benefits the mineral-rich communities rather than drivers and sources of violence instability and exclusion. Therefore, Denmark is a firm supporter of the Secretary-General's call for strengthened international cooperation to address the growing global demand for energy transition minerals. If we foster open, transparent, and multilateral collaboration, we can work together to ensure that supply chains remain secure, diversified, and resilient, and hopefully we can ensure that all countries can participate in and benefit from the opportunities that arise through the energy transition. We therefore welcome the establishment of the Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and its focus on coordination, technical support, and continued multi-stakeholder engagement. We welcome broad and meaningful stakeholder engagement in critical mineral value chains. This includes full and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples, civil society, and workers with respect to human rights and traditional knowledge. We encourage the task force to take advantage of synergies with other relevant processes and initiatives, such as the Kimberley Process, the Great Lakes Regional Certification Mechanism, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and OECD due diligence guidance. To conclude, we particularly appreciate the inclusion of dedicated work streams on transparency, benefit sharing, and diversification, and focus on the global market. Denmark stands ready to actively support and engage with the task force and all partners in advancing these these very important objectives. Thank you, Chair.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:24:52]:

Thank you so much. I really want to thank you for your intervention and for your support to the work of the panel and also the task force. I now give the floor to Ife Opeya.


Ethiopia [3:25:13]:

Thank you, Chair. Critical and strategic minerals are central pillars of Ethiopia's economic diversification and structural transformation. These resources offer a pivotal opportunity to create jobs, expand domestic resource mobilization, and industrialization. The government of Ethiopia has made bold reforms aimed at translating critical energy transition minerals into core drivers of long-term inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. Ethiopia has established regulatory governance and institutional mechanisms to promote greater transparency and participation in higher-value segments of critical mineral value chains. This includes digital regulatory systems that improve investment climate and partnerships that advance greater value addition. With Africa holding a significant share of the world's critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and platinum group metals, our continent has the potential to lead in global energy transition and digital transformation. The recently adopted African Critical Minerals Strategy presents a blueprint to position Africa as an integrated partner in global clean energy supply chains rather than just a supplier of raw materials. This Pan-African framework aims to harness Africa's critical minerals for sustainable development, industrialization, and electrification while driving value addition at source. In many developing countries, the imperative for value addition is not just limited to risks associated with commodity dependence. These transitions profoundly matter in promoting productive capacities, enhancing technology capabilities, regional value chains, and more dynamic investment. Successful strategies require coherent and effective policy packages, not just siloed tools. A combination of fiscal, industrial, trade, innovation, and skills policies that target linkage opportunities beyond extraction is fundamental. As I conclude, today we stand at a critical juncture in our journey towards a sustainable future. By leveraging critical energy transition minerals fairly and strategically, international partnerships and collaboration can contribute to the global shift toward a sustainable and green future for planet and people. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:27:51]:

Thank you for your intervention. I now give the floor to the Deputy Permanent Representative of Belgium.


Belgium · Deputy Permanent Representative [3:28:08]:

Chair, Excellencies, critical energy transition minerals are crucial for achieving a sustainable carbon-free energy future. And they offer unique opportunities for resource-rich developing countries and their citizens. If managed responsibly, revenues from the exploitation of mineral resources can contribute positively to inclusive and sustainable development, and they can constitute a lever for economic growth that benefits the population. However, natural resources are also extracted to finance conflicts and wars of aggression. This is a reality lived on many continents, including the European continent. I would like to address the following 3 points. First, transparency and enhanced governance by governments and the private sector are key. Curbing illicit financing and corruption will contribute to higher domestic revenues. Civil society must be plays a vital role in holding the sector of extractive industries accountable. Joint efforts from governments, industry, and civil society are needed, such as via the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Over 50 countries already implement the EITI standards. This standard would have an even stronger impact if more countries adhere to it. Second, Sustainable, socially responsible, resilient, and inclusive value and supply chains of critical energy transition minerals are a global responsibility and a driver by themselves towards the common goal of a just and equitable energy transition. The upholding of human rights and responsible management of the environment, including circularity efforts, should go hand in hand with improved due diligence and responsible sourcing, and this should be applied by all actors involved. Third, artisanal and small-scale mining of critical minerals provides incomes for millions of households, but formalization and better regulation are needed to curb its unwanted effects. Armed groups are not the sole perpetrators of the illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources. The Security Council sanctions committees must act upon evidence, including from the panels of experts' reports, and equally list under their sanction regimes the support networks, political actors, and elements of national or foreign security forces who engage in illicit activities and violence. Chair, to conclude, Belgium is an advocate of partnerships that rightfully empower resource-rich developing countries to take more steps in the critical minerals value chain within their country. Local production strengthens the local economic fabric and creates employment. Belgium aims to contribute to the creation of this added value in resource-rich countries, including through our private sector and our partnership instruments, our bilateral development agency, our trade support agency, European and multilateral financing, and civil society organizations. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:31:38]:

Thank you for your intervention. I now give the floor to the, to the Deputy Permanent Representative of Cambodia. You have the floor.


Cambodia · Deputy Permanent Representative [3:31:47]:

Thank you, Chair. The global energy transition must be fast, but it must also be fair. It must strengthen development opportunities for mineral-rich and emerging economies, protect local communities, and build resilient supply chains. For Cambodia, critical minerals are an emerging policy priority. Despite not having yet adopted an official national list of— or a standalone strategy, we are actively preparing the technical and policy foundation for this work, including a national definition criteria for criticality, and policy measures suited for our development context. To shift our resource potential into sustainable national value, Cambodia is pursuing strategic priorities as follows. First, we will strengthen geological knowledge and data, reliable mapping, exploration information, and resource classification are the foundation for sound policy, responsible investment, and public confidence. Second, we will develop a national critical minerals framework that is realistic and transparent. The future list of critical minerals shall reflect our own economic needs. While remaining aligned with ASEAN cooperation and international good practice. Third, we will promote responsible mining and environmental stewardship, ensuring that critical mining roles do not become an excuse to weaken standards, but rather a catalyst for stronger standards on biodiversity, waste, and community consultation. Fourth, we will pursue greater value addition. Cambodia does not wish to be only a source of raw materials. Cambodia seeks partnerships that promote processing, skills development, technology transfer, and where feasible, stronger linkage with downstream industries. Fifth, we will work through regional and multilateral cooperation. To achieve these priorities, Cambodia calls for strengthened support for capacity building, technology transfer, and technical assistance, support for the geological surveys, responsible investment standards, and regional value chains is essential to help emerging economies go beyond extraction and contribute to balanced energy transition. In closing, Cambodia is committed to working with all member states, development partners, and investors to ensure that critical minerals drive inclusive growth. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:35:20]:

Thank you so much. I now give the floor to the Ambassador of ECOSOC for the United Kingdom, Ambassador King. The floor is yours.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · Ambassador · King [3:35:36]:

Thank you, Chair. Critical minerals sit at the heart of our economic security, the clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and defense. They provide a crucial opportunity for resource-rich countries to create more value, generate jobs, attract investment, and build prosperity. The United Kingdom believes critical minerals partnerships should be built on genuine partnership and shared prosperity. That means supporting producer countries where they choose to move beyond extraction and and strengthen processing, industrial development, and regional value chains. It also means ensuring that growth is responsible and inclusive, underpinned by transparency, strong governance, environmental leadership, traceability, and benefits for local communities, including women and girls. The UK brings a practical offer: geological data and mapping, investment readiness, responsible finance, standards, research, and project development. Through the British Geological Survey, UK Export Finance, and UK Development Finance, we want to help partners turn mineral potential into investable projects and lasting economic benefits. We also support stronger governance across critical mineral supply chains, through the World Bank's RISE partnership, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and our partnership with the Natural Resource Governance Institute. No country can build secure and sustainable critical mineral supply chains alone. Cooperation across producer and consumer countries, IFIs, regional organizations, business, and civil society must support value addition, responsible investment, and stronger supply chains, not simply more extraction. Our aim instead is to build transparent, sustainable, and diversified value chains that support economic growth, clean energy transitions, and shared security. The challenge now is implementation. Ahead of UNGA High-Level Week and COP31, we want to focus on practical delivery, mobilizing investment, strengthening geological knowledge, developing investable projects through development banks, regional organizations, and existing initiatives. We should also use existing forums to strengthen transparency, governance, and traceability across trusted, diversified supply chains. We reiterate our commitment to working with partners to ensure critical minerals deliver not only supply security, but also jobs growth and responsible development in resource-rich countries. I thank you.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:38:30]:

Thank you for your intervention. I now— we have one additional speaker, but I now give the floor to my colleague, Oscar Taranco, who leads DCO, to give some reflections given all that has been said today, and then our colleague from the Tallgrass Institute will be our final speaker. I know some of you have requested the floor, but unfortunately we've run out of time. So Oscar, and then—


DCO · Oscar Taranco [3:39:11]:

Thank you. Thank you very much, ASG Selwyn-Hart. It is a pleasure and it's an honour, actually, to be here to provide some concluding remarks to what I understand has been a very engaged session with over 50 speakers making very important statements. So thank you, and distinguished colleagues and Excellencies, just as we bring this session to a close, again to thank the Secretary-General for convening this meeting in the first place, for the Deputy Secretary-General for her leadership on this agenda, and also to the task force co-chairs present here today— UNEP, UNDP, UNCTAD— for advancing this important work. To thank the member states, the Indigenous peoples, civil society, industry, and all partners for their contributions this morning. I think today's discussion shows both the urgency of this issue and the breadth and commitment to act. Critical energy transition minerals represents a once-in-a-generation development opportunity for resource-rich countries to diversify economies, add value, build productive capacities, create decent jobs, and mobilize revenues. However, this opportunity will only translate into sustainable development if mineral development safeguards the environment, upholds human rights, and delivers tangible, equitably shared benefits for communities and workers. So country ownership is our starting point. Mineral strategies and partnerships should respond to national development priorities, distribute benefits fairly, and build lasting local capacity rather than reproduce the commodity dependency or fragmented project approaches that we have seen. The challenge now is implementation, as the few that I've heard speak state. The 7 guiding principles and 5 actionable recommendations give us the shared compass that we need. Success will be measured whether they improve national policies, institution investments, and above all, outcomes for people and planet. This is precisely where the UN Task Force and the Country Support Mechanisms are designed to deliver— a bridge between the globally generated knowledge and the nationally identified demands. The objective is to effectively connect UN entities with their deep expertise and capacities into more impactful, coherent, and accessible UN offer. The Resident Coordinator to the UN. Resident coordinators and UN country teams are central to this effort. Resident coordinators can convene government, UN entities, international financial institutions, and partners, align the support to national development priorities through the cooperation frameworks, and ensure that technical expertise is organized around each country's specific priorities. Just as importantly, they can ensure that this agenda is not pursued in a silo, but in advance— but is advanced coherently with countries' broader priorities and commitments on climate, energy, economic diversification, and trade. This can then be delivered through properly resourced UN country teams. This is not theoretical. It is already happening. In Indonesia, the Resident Coordinator is already engaged in a government-led strategic dialogue on stronger environmental, social, and governance frameworks for critical minerals and on the country's role in South-South cooperation with producers in Africa and Latin America. In Madagascar and Zimbabwe, Resident Coordinators are already working directly with governments at ministerial level and above on the value addition and mineral governance mechanisms. And in the DRC, Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN team is also building a UN offer for the mining sector. DCO stands ready to mobilize the Resident Coordinator System and to work with all members of the Task Force to move this architecture to delivery and implementation. I encourage you all to carry this morning's momentum into the afternoon's thematic round tables. On our part, be assured that the United Nations will take today's messages forward so that they translate into concrete, coordinated, and measurable actions at country level. So to conclude, just let me reiterate the success of this initiative will be measured by the results that will be delivered in countries, and the UN stands ready to work with you all to make critical energy transition minerals, a driver of sustainable development, equity, and justice. Thank you very much.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:44:11]:

Thank you so much, Oscar, and the role of DCO and our resident coordinators will be absolutely essential, as you said, and really what we heard today was broad support from, especially from resource-rich developing countries on need for the work of this task force and for the United Nations really to make a decisive difference in the trajectory of the— to ensure that countries and communities can benefit from the opportunities, this once-in-a-generation opportunity, as you so eloquently stated. The support, as I said, of DCO and the resident coordinators will be key, but no pressure to you and your excellent team. I will now give the floor to our final speaker from civil society, and I apologize for giving you the floor when we've run out of time, but the voice of civil society has always been an important voice in shaping this agenda.


Indigenous Peoples' Constituency [3:45:23]:

Just a correction, I'm not from civil society, I'm from Indigenous Peoples' Constituency, and I'm— that's okay. Apologies. Now, I am representing Securing Indigenous Peoples' Rights in the Green Economy, Search Collision, and please forgive me if I take more time, but I want to quickly Uplift what my brother and our elder has talked about earlier, Dario, about an estimated 54% of energy transition mineral projects worldwide are located on or near our lands. Indigenous territories are living systems of governance, culture, memory, food, water, and responsibility to our future generations. These lands are already under pressure from centuries of dispossession, extractive industries, infrastructure development, conservation measures, carbon markets, and now the growing demand for transition minerals. And this must change if the transition is to be just. This high-level meeting is about implementation, and it will be shaped through policy choices, institutional arrangements, and international cooperation. Indigenous Peoples' rights must be embedded across the whole process, not confined to one recommendation, one safeguard, or one consultation box. And I want to quickly talk about Actionable Recommendation 2 on traceability as one example of what implementation must get right. So a mineral can be fully traceable and still be unjust, right? It can have certification, disclosure, and a government permit, and still come from a project where Indigenous Peoples' rights were violated and EPIC was never obtained. And free, prior, and informed consent is non-negotiable for us, for Indigenous Peoples. It is an expression of our self-determination, our right to say yes, no, or yes with conditions. So consent cannot be presumed to continue if agreements are not respected or new harms emerge. For us, for Indigenous Peoples, traceability must show not only where minerals come from, but whether our lands and waters are affected, whether FPIC was obtained, to our owned institutions, and whether unresolved harms or reprisals still exist. And this information must have consequences for procurement, for investment, public finance, subsidies, and other support. Traceability without consequence is not accountability, you know. So finally, Indigenous Peoples cannot be treated as data points or to be consulted only after decisions have largely been made. So we are not simply stakeholders in these critical mineral supply chains, we are collective rights holders. Our role is to help shape implementation, its design, governance, monitoring, and review to our own representative institutions. And then, can the commitment to justice become real for Indigenous Peoples and for the communities where critical minerals are found. Thank you so much.


UN Secretariat · Special Adviser to the SG · Selwyn Hart [3:48:32]:

Thank you so much. The voice of Indigenous people helped to shape this panel report, and it will continue to shape the work moving forward on implementation. Colleagues, as Oscar indicated, We will continue this afternoon with 3 consecutive roundtables in Conference Room 5, and these roundtables will be managed by colleagues leading the work of the task force. I really want to thank you for the level of engagement. It is clear that there is very strong support for the work of the UN moving forward. The reality is that the starting point for this work was to ensure that resource-rich developing countries have the potential— can— they themselves and their people and communities can capitalize on this critical opportunity to drive industrialization, jobs, economic opportunities, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This work will remain country-driven, demand-driven, and respectful of national sovereignty, but what I heard clearly from most resource-rich developing countries was a clear desire for the United Nations to continue to play a role, and we will do that. So I thank you, and I look forward to continuing working with all of you in the coming weeks and months. Thank you so much.