The UAE's Role in the Critical Energy Transition Minerals Panel

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, represented the UAE at the United Nations' Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) Panel in Copenhagen. The event brought together government officials, organizations, and experts to discuss the crucial role of critical minerals in the global shift towards renewable energy.

The CETM Panel, announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at COP28 in the UAE, focuses on critical energy transition minerals. Members exchange views on these minerals and aim to develop voluntary guiding principles for a just transition.

Balalaa participated in discussions on trade and investment, building climate resilience, and strengthening protection mechanisms. He emphasized the panel's potential to create tangible progress and drive economic opportunities while supporting vulnerable communities from climate impacts. He also stressed the need for open investments to avoid delays in the energy transition.

Balalaa exchanged views with counterparts on the socio-economic, climate, and environmental aspects of energy transition materials. He highlighted the importance of strengthening multilateral action to address the economic and social challenges faced by vulnerable regions. He also discussed current climate challenges, such as water scarcity, as demand for critical energy minerals increases.

Balalaa emphasized the need for a clear roadmap for the use of extractive minerals and working together to ensure a just and equitable energy transition that leaves no one behind and delivers lasting socio-economic opportunities aligned with the 2030 SDGs.

He also advocated for fostering dialogue and collaboration, providing accessible finance, and developing common and voluntary principles to guide the sustainable and equitable extraction of critical minerals. He called for pragmatic, bold, and mutually beneficial solutions.

Balalaa urged participants to seize the opportunity presented by the panel to create a new path where nations and communities can thrive while delivering on 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.