His Excellency 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 gathered government officials, organizations, and experts to explore the pivotal role of critical minerals in the global shift towards renewable energy.
Hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the CETM Panel was established following its announcement at the UAE-hosted COP28 in 2023. Discussions centered on developing voluntary guiding principles to ensure a fair transition and sustainable use of critical energy minerals crucial for clean energy technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
H.E. Abdulla Balalaa underscored the panel’s potential to drive economic growth and support vulnerable communities amidst climate challenges. He emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing socio-economic and environmental impacts, particularly in regions facing water scarcity exacerbated by mineral extraction.
Highlighting the UAE’s commitment to global climate action, H.E. Balalaa announced the co-hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, following the success of COP28. The UAE aims to foster dialogue and advance financial commitments essential for sustainable development goals and equitable energy transitions worldwide.
In his call to action, H.E. Balalaa urged stakeholders to embrace pragmatic solutions and collaborative efforts, ensuring that energy transitions benefit all nations and communities while aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UAE continues to lead in climate diplomacy, advocating for inclusive and sustainable practices in critical mineral extraction and green investments on the global stage.
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