Algerian Radio
NEW YORK (United Nations) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the control and exploitation of natural resources are reshaping conflicts worldwide, warning that "revenues from the illicit exploitation of minerals strengthen armed groups and criminal networks while fueling violence."
Speaking Wednesday evening during a UN Security Council public debate titled "Natural Resources Governance: Foundation for Peace, Security, and Prosperity," Mr. Guterres maintained that "the control and exploitation of natural resources profoundly alter the causes, dynamics, and outcomes of conflicts across the globe."
He highlighted that "critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths, are occupying an increasingly strategic position as global demand rises, creating development opportunities for producing countries, but also heightened geopolitical competition."
"But this situation also fuels intense geopolitical competition, puts pressure on highly concentrated supply chains, and feeds conflicts, with serious humanitarian consequences," he warned.
In this regard, the UN chief stated that "revenues derived from the illegal exploitation of natural resources push prospects for peace further away."
According to him, "these revenues strengthen armed groups and criminal networks, link local violence to regional and international networks, and reduce incentives to reach political compromises."
Antonio Guterres presented four priorities to address these challenges: justice, prevention, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and climate action.
He recalled, in this regard, the necessity of ensuring that "the exploitation of minerals generates fair and sustainable benefits for resource-rich countries as well as for the affected populations."
"It is time to break with an old pattern where resources are extracted, added value is captured elsewhere, and impoverished communities are left alone to face environmental and socio-economic damages," he stated.
He also warned of the effects of climate change, noting that droughts, floods, environmental degradation, and the loss of ecosystems reduce access to land, water, and mineral resources, thereby weakening institutions and heightening tensions.
