Global Commodities Forum 2025 Panel 2 - Critical Energy Transition Minerals - Principle on benefit-sharing, value addition and economic diversification

The global demand for critical energy transition minerals offers developing countries a chance to diversify their economies, reduce dependence on raw exports and strengthen their role in global supply chains. With effective governance and local value addition, these resources can drive industrial growth and support a just, sustainable energy transition.

UNCTAD, as co-leader of the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, is helping shape frameworks for fair benefit-sharing, transparency and sustainability across mineral value chains.

At the Global Commodities Forum, the session “Critical Energy Transition Minerals – Principles on Benefit-Sharing, Value Addition and Economic Diversification” will explore practical steps to turn these principles into action and ensure mineral wealth drives equitable development.

• How can the global trade system evolve to better support developing countries in achieving value addition, diversification and industrial upgrading?
• What global mechanisms can ensure inclusive access to technologies for responsible mining and innovation across the value chain?
• How can international investment frameworks mobilize development-driven capital for midstream and downstream activities while protecting national development goals?
• What role can South–South and triangular cooperation play in building regional industrial ecosystems and shared value chains?
• How can UNCTAD further support developing countries in leveraging critical minerals for structural transformation and sustainable development?