The World Resource Forum 2023 focused on rethinking value and the resources for planetary wellbeing. The meeting put global resource use at the core of a broader economic and societal paradigm shift. It called for a collaborative and effective strategy to respond to the triple planetary crisis and to pave the way for a future delivering wellbeing for all within planetary boundaries. Some key topics within the meeting included: critical raw materials, responsible sourcing, circular economy, life-cycle approaches, digital health, minerals and metals value chains, e-waste, sustainable cities, plastics, finance and standards.

The UNECE secretariat to the Industrial Accidents Convention participated in the Lab “Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention: Linking Science and Action Using a Life-Cycle Approach”. It shared knowledge on the hazards and risks of mining activities, especially in relation to tailings management, and how UNECE’s legal and policy instruments and tools can be used to address those risks. These instruments include the Industrial Accidents Convention and the Safety Guidelines and Good Practices for Tailings Management Facilities. It also provided insights into the importance of technical and scientific expertise in strengthening policy and governance with regards to minerals and tailings management.

More information is available at https://wrf2023.org

Presentation by the Secretary of the Industrial Accidents Convention