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Akbar Novruz

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In a compelling speech at the COP29 High-Level Meeting, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for a just and equitable approach to the global energy transition, particularly in relation to the critical minerals that will power the shift to renewable energy, Azernews reports.

“We are here today to respond to a key global challenge: turning the energy transition towards justice,” Guterres told the assembled leaders, experts, and stakeholders. His remarks focused on the rapid expansion of renewable energy technologies, which, for the first time last year, saw investments in grids and renewables surpass investments in fossil fuels. With governments pledging to triple global renewable capacity by 2030, the demand for minerals essential to these technologies is set to soar.

However, Guterres warned that for many developing countries rich in these resources, the transition could present more risks than opportunities unless managed with justice and equity. “Too often, we see the mistakes of the past repeated: a rush for resources that exploits communities, tramples on rights, and damages the environment,” he said, highlighting the historical exploitation of resource-rich countries.

The speech followed the release of a report by the UN’s newly established Panel on Resourcing the Energy Transition, which identifies actionable principles to ensure a fair and sustainable energy transition. The report outlines seven voluntary principles and five key recommendations aimed at embedding justice and equity throughout the critical mineral value chains, ensuring that communities are empowered, and that wealth generated from resources contributes to poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Guterres commended the work of the Panel, particularly the leadership of co-chairs Nozipho Joyce Mxakato Diseko and Ditte Juul Jørgensen, and announced the UN’s commitment to advancing these recommendations. This includes the establishment of a High-Level Expert Advisory Group, which will work with member states and other stakeholders to address key issues like benefit-sharing, value addition, and fair trade.

The UN will also push for the development of a global traceability and accountability framework to ensure that critical mineral production is responsible, transparent, and respects human rights and environmental standards.

“We will make sure that developing countries are at the forefront of this transition,” Guterres concluded, urging leaders from all sectors to join forces in turning the energy transition toward a future of justice and equity.

As the demand for minerals critical to the energy transition continues to rise, Guterres called for swift, coordinated action to avoid repeating past injustices and to ensure that the transition benefits all people, especially those in resource-rich developing nations.