As the world moves toward cleaner energy sources, the United Nations has emphasized the need for a fair and equitable transition, especially for developing nations.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed recently spoke to Member States in New York, urging global leaders to address the risks that the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy could exacerbate existing inequalities.
The increasing demand for critical minerals, such as copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, is a major factor driving this transition. These minerals are key to producing the technologies needed for renewable energy, including solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and battery storage.
According to the UN, demand for these materials is expected to almost triple by 2030 as countries push to cut carbon emissions and reach net zero by mid-century.
While clean energy solutions are advancing rapidly, the shift is far from uniform. “Renewables have never been cheaper or more accessible, and the acceleration in their roll-out is staggering but uneven,” said Mohammed. This uneven growth raises concerns, particularly for developing countries that are at risk of being left behind in this transition.
The Risk of Repeating Past Inequities
In her remarks, Mohammed warned that the global energy transition could unintentionally repeat past inequities, particularly if resources from poorer nations are exploited without fair compensation or regard for local populations. “The transition could reproduce and amplify inequalities of the past,” she said, emphasizing the need to ensure that developing nations are not further marginalized.
In response to these concerns, the UN Secretary-General established the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. The Panel, which released a report on its findings, identifies several key principles to ensure that the global shift to clean energy is fair and just for all nations. The goal is to promote sustainable development while protecting both human rights and the environment.
Principles for Equitable Energy Transition
The Panel’s report outlined seven guiding principles that emphasize human rights, environmental protection, and inclusive development. It calls for greater transparency in how critical minerals are extracted, traded, and used.
The report also stressed the importance of ensuring that resource-rich countries benefit from their own minerals, not only through economic growth but also through the protection of their communities and ecosystems.
“This vision is supported by calls for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to multilateral cooperation,” Mohammed explained.
The report also suggests five actionable recommendations that could drive fairer policies in the critical minerals sector. These include the creation of a UN-led expert group to facilitate policy dialogue, a global transparency framework, and dedicated funding to address the long-term environmental and social impacts of mining. Small-scale miners are also highlighted as important stakeholders who should be supported as partners in sustainable development.
“Together, these recommendations aim to empower communities, create accountability, and ensure that clean energy fuels not only our economies but also equitable and resilient growth,” said Mohammed.
Member States’ Feedback Ahead of COP29
The UN is asking Member States to provide feedback on the Panel’s report as the world prepares for COP29, the upcoming global climate conference. This feedback will be crucial for shaping the next steps in the effort to create a more equitable clean energy future.
At COP29, the UN Secretary-General plans to convene a high-level event to garner political support for the recommendations and establish a clear path forward. The UN will also focus on ensuring that the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities are upheld in the transition process.
The feedback from Member States will play a critical role in determining how the guiding principles are mainstreamed into global energy policies and how the actionable recommendations can be implemented in a way that benefits all nations.
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