Launch of the UN Secretary-General's Panel on…

Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential components of clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles and battery storage. Rising demand for these minerals to fuel the renewables revolution presents risks, challenges and opportunities, particularly for developing countries. In response, Secretary-General António Guterres is leveraging the United Nations' convening power to assemble a diverse and representative group of governments and non-state actors to facilitate standards and safeguards, and embed justice, in the transition to renewable energy.

A newly established Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals -- co-chaired by Ambassador Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko of South Africa and Ms. Ditte Juul Jørgensen Director-General for Energy from the European Commission -- will develop a set of global common and voluntary principles to guide governments and other stakeholders involved in critical minerals value chains in the years ahead by addressing issues relating to equity, transparency, investment, sustainability and human rights.