The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) convened in Nairobi from 26 February to 1 March. Among the 15 resolutions adopted, ranging from topics as the sound management of chemicals and wastes to sustainable lifestyles and land degradation, one resolution dealt with the environmental aspects of minerals and metals.
The UNEA 6 resolution on environmental aspects of minerals and metals (UNEP/OECPR.6/L.15) marks another step in global efforts towards sustainable resource management, emphasizing the importance of the sustainable management of mineral and metal resources in contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It underscores the need for enhanced action to support environmentally sustainable practices in the mineral and metal industry.
Action Points
The resolution calls upon Member States and relevant stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to align mineral and metal management practices with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and relevant international obligations. It further requests the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to:
- Establish a digital knowledge hub to compile existing good practices and share information on the environmental aspects of minerals and metals.
- Develop capacity-building opportunities, including virtual trainings, on environmental aspects of minerals and metals.
- Support enhanced cooperation among Member States on policy, technological, technical, and scientific aspects to strengthen environmental management practices.
‘A welcomed step forward’
“I applaud the collaborative spirit and efforts showcased throughout the extensive consultation process, which led to the development of the non-prescriptive proposals. Acknowledging the complexities and diverse perspectives involved, it is imperative that we uphold this energy and ambition to translate principles into tangible actions that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for all. The World Resources Forum, as leading global multi-stakeholder platform for sustainable resource use, commits to support the successful implementation of the Resolution and the broader international process” commented WRF President, Dr. Bruno Oberle.
WRF Program Director, Dr. Shahrzad Manoochehri, added: “The resolution represents a welcomed step forward in acknowledging the importance of sustainable minerals and metals management. The responsible sourcing and management of minerals and metals will be key to deliver a successful and fair transition to low-carbon economies. We must continue and enhance our efforts to find innovative solutions and prioritize sustainable practices throughout the entire life cycle of these resources”
Background to the resolution
About UNEA 6
As the world’s top decision-making body on the environment, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) aims to ‘help restore harmony between humanity and nature, improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people’. UNEA 6 focused on how multilateralism can help tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Backed by strong science, political resolve and engagement with society, the Assembly was an opportunity for world governments, civil society groups, and the scientific community and the private sector to shape the global environmental policy.
Useful links
- The Resolution on Environmental Aspects of minerals and metals can be accessed here.
- Co-Chairs Summary, Global Intergovernmental Meeting on Minerals and Metals (2023)
- UNEA 5/12 Resolution om Environmental Aspects of Minerals and Metals Management
- IRP (2019), ‘Mineral Resource Governance in the 21st Century: Gearing extractive industries towards sustainable development’
- UNEA 4/19 Resolution on Mineral Resource Governance