Abdulla Balalaa, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, attended the United Nations’ Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) Panel in Copenhagen. The gathering brought together government officials, organisations, and experts from various fields to discuss the essential role of critical minerals in the global shift towards renewable energy. António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, also participated in discussions with panel members on this topic.
The CETM Panel was introduced by Secretary-General António Guterres during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which was held in the UAE in 2023. This panel specifically focuses on critical energy transition minerals, allowing members to share perspectives on related matters and aiming to develop voluntary guiding principles to ensure a fair transition.
Critical energy transition minerals are crucial components in many modern clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and battery storage. To underscore their importance for the green transition, Balalaa engaged in discussions on trade and investment, building climate resilience, and enhancing protection mechanisms.
Highlighting the panel’s potential to make real progress, Balalaa emphasised the need to create economic opportunities and support vulnerable communities affected by climate change. He stressed the importance of opening up investments in the sector to avoid delays in the energy transition. He also pointed out the need to focus on areas of convergence and mutual interest, considering the evolving dynamics of the global critical energy minerals market.
Balalaa exchanged views with his counterparts on the socio-economic, climate, and environmental aspects of energy transition materials.
At the panel’s in-person meeting, Balalaa emphasised the importance of strengthening multilateral efforts to address the economic and social challenges faced by the most vulnerable regions. He discussed current climate issues, such as water scarcity, as demand for critical energy minerals rises, and highlighted the necessity of a clear roadmap for the use of extractive minerals. He stressed the need for collaboration to ensure a fair and equitable energy transition that delivers lasting socio-economic benefits in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Additionally, Balalaa highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation and providing accessible finance, a key focus for the upcoming COP29 in Baku. He advocated for the development of common and voluntary principles to guide the sustainable and fair extraction of critical minerals and called for practical, bold, and mutually beneficial solutions.
In his address, Balalaa urged participants to take advantage of the panel’s opportunity to create a new path where nations and communities can prosper while adhering to the principles of a just, orderly, and equitable energy transition.
In line with the UAE’s efforts to lead climate change action through the UNSG’s CETM Panel, green investments, and global financial commitments, the UAE has announced it will co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, building on the success of hosting COP28 in 2023.
