New Delhi, July 23: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for justice in the value chains of natural resources. In a recent statement, Guterres emphasized the need to ensure that the development of minerals yields fair and sustainable outcomes for resource-rich countries and local communities.
Guterres stated, “It is time to end the old system where resource extraction occurs in one place, while the economic benefits flow elsewhere, leaving impoverished communities to grapple with environmental and socio-economic damages.”
During an open debate at the Security Council on the management of natural resources, Guterres highlighted the need to bridge the gap between a country’s recognized sovereignty over its natural resources and the actual sovereign rights exercised. He noted that this lack of sovereignty is particularly pronounced in Africa, asserting, “Countries and communities should benefit from the resources present in their own territories.”
According to a report by the Xinhua news agency, the UN chief discussed the importance of preventing illegal activities in mineral supply chains and enhancing transparency. He pointed out that natural resources are often mined in one country, transported through another, processed in a third, and ultimately sold in global markets. Therefore, effective action must extend beyond mining sites to encompass the entire value chain.
Guterres stressed that cooperation among producer, transit, and consumer countries is essential to address regulatory and enforcement gaps. He stated, “International and regional organizations, financial institutions, and industries all play a crucial role. Together, they can help prevent illegally obtained resources from entering legitimate markets. This requires a robust legal framework, improved traceability, proper scrutiny, and information sharing.”
He added that the challenge lies in transforming the methods of extracting, processing, bringing to market, and utilizing natural resources, ensuring that producer countries and affected communities receive maximum value.
Guterres also emphasized the necessity of depriving armed groups and criminal networks of income derived from natural resources, as this revenue fuels prolonged conflicts. He warned, “If we fail to act, the illegal exploitation of natural resources will continue to foster inequality, instability, and violence. Instead, their management should be directed towards generating funds for inclusive and sustainable development, strengthening institutions, and promoting peace and prosperity for all.”
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