Critical energy transition minerals
The expected surge in demand for critical energy transition minerals presents unique opportunities in developing countries endowed with such minerals to diversify their economies, overcome the limitations of commodity dependence, contribute to global supply chain resilience and ensure a just, equitable and sustainable green transition.
By moving up the value chain and diversifying within and beyond the value chain of critical energy transition minerals, these countries can capture more economic value from their resources, leading to greater economic stability. Value addition also enables them to play a greater role in global supply chains, reducing reliance on a few suppliers, mitigating geopolitical risks and supply chain vulnerabilities. However, the exploitation of such minerals has, to date, lacked cohesive global policy frameworks to align resource demand with sustainable development in producing countries. Effective governance is crucial.
UNCTAD has been playing an essential role as a key facilitator and secretariat co-leader of the United Nations Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, leading efforts on benefit-sharing, local value addition, transparent trade and supporting justice and sustainability throughout critical mineral value chains. Discussions at the Global Commodities Forum will explore global solutions to ensure that the growing demand for critical energy transition minerals supports both reliable, resilient supply chains and sustainable development in producing countries.
Programme
Opening remarks: UNCTAD Secretary-General/Deputy Secretary-General
Keynote address: To be confirmed
Panel 1: Harnessing critical energy transition minerals for diversification and global supply chain resilience
Discussions at this panel will explore how the global surge in demand for critical energy transition minerals can be harnessed to support value addition, economic diversification and sustainable development in producing countries, while strengthening global supply chain resilience through effective governance and international cooperation.
Interactive discussion
Questions:
- How can the global trade system preserve its rules-based integrity while becoming more fit-for-purpose to support the development needs of producing countries, particularly by enabling value addition, diversification and industrial upgrading?
- Which global mechanisms can promote inclusive access to technologies that support not only responsible mining but also enable producing countries to diversify within and beyond the value chain, fostering innovation and structural transformation?
- How can international investment frameworks be reoriented to mobilize development-driven capital into value chains of critical energy transition minerals, particularly for midstream and downstream activities, while ensuring fair risk-sharing and safeguarding national development strategies?
- How can South–South and triangular cooperation be harnessed to build regional industrial ecosystems and shared value chains of critical energy transition minerals, strengthening collective capabilities, technological upgrading and equitable participation in global markets?
- What role can UNCTAD play in supporting developing countries in leveraging the development potential of critical energy transition minerals, to achieve structural transformation and sustainable development?
Format: Davos-style
Moderator: Luz María de la Mora, Director, Division on International Trade and Commodities
