Annual session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals Metals and Sustainable Development hosted by UNCTAD, also prepares contribution to World Economic Forum mineral development project
Geneva, 5 November 2010 -- The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), an intergovernmental organization that seeks to help nations around the world -- especially developing countries -- benefit broadly from mining, has adopted a framework aimed at ensuring that mining contributes to sustainable economic growth. The IGF Mining Policy Framework is a compendium of "best practices" and "lessons learned" during the six-year history of the Forum.
The IGF annual meetings have been hosted by UNCTAD since the Forum´s 2005 inaugural meeting. The 2010 session ran from 1-4 November.
The Mining Policy Framework is proposed as a global reference to be used by countries to establish "good governance" in their mining sectors. The framework will be presented to an upcoming 19th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.
The Forum also held a workshop to provide input to the Mineral Development Initiative of the World Economic Forum scheduled for January 2011 in Davos.
And the Forum held a five-year review of its own operations, reviewing the body´s recent experience and its objectives, structure, functions, funding, and work priorities.
The IGF is the only global policy forum in the minerals and mining sector. A voluntary effort of governments, it is an outgrowth of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, and addresses concerns related to effective governance of mining operations. The intent is that mining operations be well-managed throughout their life cycles; contribute to national goals for economic and social well-being; be carried out with appropriate concern for the environment; provide benefits to local communities and indigenous groups; and broadly benefit national populations.
Membership is open to all member States of the United Nations.
The current Chairman of the IGF is Leonard S.N. Kalindekafe, Director of the Geological Survey Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Malawi.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Leonard Kalindekafe
Director, Geological Survey Department
Zomba, Malawi
Tel: 265-1-525285
Email: lkalindekafe@yahoo.com
Or
Rouben Indjikian
Chief, Commodity Policy, Implementation and Outreach Section,
Special Unit on Commodities - UNCTAD
Tel: 0041-22-917-5838
Email:rouben.indjikian@unctad.org
