ع
The Emirates News Agency reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pressed the Security Council to take action so that natural resources become a catalyst for peace instead of a source of conflict. Guterres delivered the message during a briefing where he outlined the challenges and opportunities associated with resource management in conflict-prone areas. He called on council members to prioritize preventive diplomacy that addresses resource competition before it escalates into violence.
A United Nations Environment Programme assessment found that 40 percent of civil conflicts are linked to natural resources, providing context for the urgency of Guterres’ appeal. The assessment covering the past six decades also noted that such conflicts tend to last longer and are more likely to recur. World Bank figures show that resource-rich but governance-weak states face elevated risks of instability according to their governance indicators.
Guterres advocated for stronger global standards on the transparent management of resources such as oil, gas and minerals. The UN chief pointed to the need for revenue sharing mechanisms that benefit local populations in resource-producing regions. He further stressed the importance of environmental protection as part of peace efforts to avoid future disputes over scarce resources.
International efforts to curb the trade in conflict resources have shown mixed results according to reports from the UN Panel of Experts. These initiatives include certification schemes for diamonds and due diligence requirements for other minerals. Guterres encouraged the Security Council to bolster support for such mechanisms to disrupt financing for armed groups.
The Secretary-General’s remarks come amid rising global demand for critical minerals used in green technologies which a recent International Energy Agency report projected will quadruple by 2040. This surge could place additional pressure on supply chains originating in fragile states. The International Energy Agency data highlights how the energy transition is reshaping global trade patterns in natural resources.
