Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, participated in the United Nations Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) Panel in Nairobi, Kenya. This event gathered government officials, experts, and organisations to discuss crucial issues in the mining sector since the panel’s inception in April 2024. The discussions focused on developing global voluntary guiding principles for critical minerals.
During the recent meeting, panel members highlighted the need for stronger foundational frameworks and enhanced international cooperation to achieve mutual benefits in the mining industry. Balalaa praised the panel’s achievements, noting their alignment with the urgent need to meet the 1.5°C target and global net-zero goals. He stressed the importance of implementing sustainable policies and practices to initiate a new era of climate action and protect local communities from environmental damage caused by mining.
Balalaa also emphasised the importance of building broader confidence to achieve transformative outcomes, which will help mineral-rich countries foster economic growth and attract responsible investment in the mining sector. This will support these nations in adapting to and transitioning smoothly to renewable energy sources.
The UAE continues to demonstrate its commitment to climate action, both domestically and internationally. It has been active in the UNSG’s CETM Panel, investing in green projects, and meeting global financial commitments. The UAE has also announced it will co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, building on the success of hosting COP28 in 2023. This reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to provide innovative solutions for climate change and sustainable resource management.
