New York, July 22 (Petra) — United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General
António Guterres said on Wednesday that the mismanagement and illicit
exploitation of natural resources have become among the leading
drivers of armed conflicts around the world.

Addressing an open debate of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC),
Guterres called for strengthening the governance of natural resources
to ensure they become a foundation for peace, security and prosperity
rather than a source of violence and instability.

He said critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare
earth elements, are assuming increasing strategic importance as
global demand rises.

“This presents significant opportunities to drive development in
producing countries, but at the same time it fuels geopolitical
competition, increases pressure on supply chains, and exacerbates
conflicts, with severe humanitarian consequences,” he said.

Guterres said revenues generated through the illicit exploitation of
natural resources strengthen the capabilities of armed and criminal
groups, link local violence to regional and international networks,
and undermine prospects for achieving political settlements.

He noted that the UNSC has, in recent years, adopted measures aimed
at curbing conflict financing through natural resources, including
supporting national authorities in combating illegal exploitation and
imposing sanctions targeting the illicit trade in natural resources
in several regions.

//Petra// AF