Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
As demand for critical mineral resources surges and energy transitions reshape economies, UNECE Resource Management Week 2025 is where global experts, policymakers and industry leaders will come together to shape the policies and strategies to support a more sustainable future for resource governance.
Strengthening Global Resource Governance with UNFC and UNRMS
As critical minerals become increasingly essential to the energy transition, the 16th Session of the Expert Group on Resource Management (24–28 March) will explore how to ensure transparent, sustainable, and responsible resource governance. Discussions will focus on the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and UN Resource Management System (UNRMS) and their role in securing supply while balancing environmental and social concerns and implementing UNFC under the EU Critical Raw Material Act. The International Centres of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management in Central Asia, Mexico, Russian Federation and UK will share their national and regional priorities to deploy and disseminate UNFC and UNRMS.
The session will also feature the Geneva Dialogues on Mineral and Metal Resources, with a Joint UNEP and UNECE side event focused on circular economy solutions and responsible mining practices. Lectures will bring fresh insights, including a discussion led by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s Stig-Morten Knutsen on the potential of seabed minerals for energy and industry, addressing both opportunities and environmental risks. Other sessions will explore AI’s role in resource management and women’s leadership in resource management. The FutuRaM annual event on 26 March will highlight advancements in secondary raw materials (SRMs) management, showcasing two years of research on how urban mining and anthropogenic resources can strengthen supply chains. Experts will discuss how the latest Urban Mine Platform updates can support informed decision-making in resource management.
With competition for minerals intensifying, EGRM-16 will play a role in shaping policies that secure resources responsibly while advancing long-term sustainability goals.
Two Decades of Advancing Mine Safety, Methane Management, and Just Transition
As pressure mounts to curb methane emissions and phase out coal, UNECE’s Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition will mark its 20th session (24–25 March 2025) by unveiling new tools for methane abatement and discussing ways to integrate emission reductions into national climate targets (NDCs). With mine closures accelerating, experts will present business models from Poland and Spain that repurpose sites for clean energy. Just transition strategies in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will also highlight efforts to support coal-dependent communities. The session underscores the growing urgency to align mine safety, environmental goals, and economic resilience in the energy transition.
UNECE to Tackle Gas Sector’s Role in Energy Security and Climate Action
The 12th Session of the UNECE Group of Experts on Gas (GEG-12) will address the future of gas in a rapidly evolving landscape. Discussions will focus on biogases as alternatives to fossil fuels, hydrogen infrastructure, and resilience amid supply shocks. For the first time, Just Transition in the gas sector will be explored, alongside new methane reduction measures
Driving Partnerships for a Just and Sustainable Energy Transition
The UNECE Resource Management Week 2025 will also highlight collaborations with the European Commission, World Bank, and UNDP on methane reduction and hydrogen projects, as well as partnerships with the UN Country Teams and the Issue-Based Coalition on Environment and Climate Change to shape coherent just transition policies. With a focus on practical solutions and innovation, the event aims to accelerate the energy transition in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable way.