Critical Raw Materials for Energy Transition: Bottlenecks and Civil Society Solutions

As the global race for technological dominance accelerates, so too does the urgency surrounding access to critical raw materials—the backbone of clean energy systems and AI innovation. Yet rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities raise a critical question: How can we ensure a sustainable, equitable, and secure supply of these vital resources?

On Wednesday, 23 April 2025, Devex and the Open Society Foundations hosted a high-level panel discussion exploring solutions to these challenges. The event will address options for optimizing the use of critical minerals, including strategies for supply diversification, enhancing transparency and upholding environmental and social standards. It will also emphasize the role of international cooperation in preventing exploitation and ensuring more equitable outcomes.

Suneeta Kaimal, President and CEO of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), joined fellow speakers from academia, the minerals and energy sectors and leading think tanks. Together, they will explore how to foster meaningful collaboration, raise public awareness and generate actionable insights to shape a more just and secure energy transition.