Africa Industrialization Day

The UN Security Council Arria Formula Meeting is convened by: Sierra Leone. Co-sponsors: Guyana; Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia (Incoming Members). The Arria Formula meeting organized by the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, presents an opportunity to examine the evolving geopolitical and security implications of the global race for critical minerals in Africa, and to assess the impact of mineral exploitation on peace, governance, stability, and human rights. The Security Council has acknowledged the nexus between "the systematic illicit exploitation and trafficking of natural resources and conflicts" and has urged concerted action by relevant stakeholders to curb the destabilizing dynamics. The UN Secretary-General has also highlighted the centrality of resource competition in driving instability, urging States and corporations to implement recommendations of the UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals to ensure that justice, equity...

  Developing countries that can effectively leverage renewable energy sources and green technologies will be better positioned to capitalize on the green transition , attracting investment and integrating more seamlessly into GVCs . The energy transition presents a unique opportunity for sustainable industrialization for LICs and LMICs. The emergence of new industries related to solar and wind energy, EVs, battery production, and innovative technologies such as hydrogen and advanced biofuels, offers these countries a pathway to integrate into Global Value Chains ( GVCs ). With  global investments in clean energy reaching USD 1.8 trillion in 2023 alone, developing countries can capitalize on their natural resources, such as minerals needed for green technologies , to secure a foothold in these high-growth sectors. However, they also face financial challenges, as only 15% of global renewable energy investments are directed towards these countries, with a paltry 2% alloc...