Global Call to Help Shape the Future of Sustainable Minerals Management

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is inviting the scientific community to contribute to a global survey (click here to access) supporting the implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 7/3 on “Strengthening international cooperation on the environmentally sound management of minerals and metals”. The preferred deadline for survey submissions is May 31, 2026, although responses will continue to be accepted beyond this date.

The survey is part of a broader UNEP effort to gather perspectives from Member States, research institutions, experts, and partner organizations. The inputs collected will play a key role in shaping the thematic priorities and structure of forthcoming international dialogues and webinar series on this pressing global issue.

The initiative reflects growing international recognition of the importance of sustainable and responsible mineral resource management, particularly in the context of the energy transition and increasing global demand for critical minerals. UNEA Resolution 7/3 underscores the need for enhanced cooperation to ensure that mineral extraction, processing, and use are conducted in ways that minimize environmental impacts while supporting sustainable development goals.

In addition to completing the survey, UNEP also welcomes suggestions of relevant experts and specialists who could contribute to ongoing and future initiatives. This effort is part of a broader collaboration with the International Science Council (ISC) to map and connect expertise worldwide in this domain.

Additional Engagement Opportunities

UNEP and its partners have also announced upcoming opportunities for further engagement:

• A virtual information session in May 2026 on the UN Secretary-General’s Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, co-organized by UNEP, UNCTAD, and UNDP. Registration details are available through the event platform (click here to access) – user account required.
• A virtual stakeholder consultation, tentatively scheduled for June 10-12, 2026, co-led by UNEP and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This event is part of the Joint SDG Fund project on “Building Environmentally Responsible Investment Readiness in Critical Energy Transition Minerals”. For inquiries, interested participants may contact Ms. Charlotte Ndakorerwa ([email protected]) and Ms. Lais Siqueira ([email protected]).