A variety of European and African representatives from business, science, and government presented initiatives to raise awareness of universal sustainable resource management systems at the EU-Africa Business Forum. Experts called for further integration of European and African value chains through shared capacity building, training and implementation of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC).
Speakers highlighted the geology of critical raw materials in Africa and the shared goals of the Africa Mining Vision and UNFC. UNECE has been a pivotal partner in developing the interconnectivity between global resource management systems that address social and environmental considerations to reach the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
As part of its activities on sustainable resource management, UNECE has longstanding cooperation with the African Union to develop and implement a comprehensive system for the sustainable management of resources that addresses social, environmental and economic issues for the benefit of people, the planet and prosperity. The Africa Mineral and Energy Resources Classification and Management System (AMREC) and the Pan-African Resource Reporting Code (PARC) were developed based on the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS).
Frank Mugyenyi, Interim Coordinator of the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), Executive Chairman of the Minerals African Development Institute (MADI) and Vice-Chair of the UNECE Expert Group on Resource Management (EGRM) said: “Sustainable Resource Management Systems in Africa such as AMREC are aligned with international universal standards and with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Africa Mining Vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Action must rapidly scale-up to implement these systems across the African continent and the globe.”
Sustainable resource management enhances governance of mineral, energy, and other natural resources. Experts called for the full support of European and African decision makers and stakeholders to focus and align regional and international efforts towards sustainable production and use of natural resources.
Tunde M. Arisekola, Technical Coordinator of AMREC, Director of the Nigerian National Geosciences and Research Laboratory and EGRM Vice-Chair said: “Only if we work together, will we be able to achieve more cross sectoral implementation of sustainable resource management in Africa. A common understanding of sustainability and working methods will signal that Africa is ready for business in sustainable raw minerals.”
UNECE will continue to offer a neutral platform for inclusive and transparent dialogue, exchanges of best practices and lessons learned to support the sustainability of resources in cooperation with other UN organizations.
Marit Y. Kitaw of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said: “Existing work on optimal and responsible production and use of natural resources is only the beginning. We need to go further to expand partnerships and collaborations in the UN system and beyond. We must make this pipe dream a reality.”
The event was hosted by the triennial EU-Africa Business Forum (EABF) in the side-lines of the European Union-African Union Summit. The side event was organized by AMDC, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Geological Society of Africa, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The implementation of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources is made possible thanks to funding from the European Union.
For further information please visit: https://unece.org/sustainable-energy/unfc-and-sustainable-resource-management
UNECE’s work on sustainable resource management will be showcased during the UNECE Resource Management Week 2022 (25-29 April).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
