Summary
Highlights for Monday, 7 October 2019
Government delegates to the 15th AGM of the IGF convened in a preparatory workshop on Monday morning, ahead of the AGM opening on Tuesday.The Secretariat gave delegates an overview of the IGF’s work over the past year, including ongoing support to countries to optimize the financial and socioeconomic benefits of mining, minimize environmental impacts, prepare for post-mining transitions, and manage artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).Delegates gave feedback on the draft guidance document for governments on environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), which is due to be finalized and launched in February 2020.In the afternoon, delegates took part in an interactive dialogue on climate change, in which they noted the need for both mitigation and adaptation actions. They engaged in ‘world café’ discussions in English, French and Spanish on the topics of base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS), local content, and ASM. A feature of the workshop was the use of the conference app to promote participation through in-app polls and quizzes. A poll of mining practices showed that for many countries the most challenging stage of the mining cycle is mine closure, and the most challenging issue is that of land rights. Delegates were also "quizzed" on their knowledge of climate change issues, with many answering correctly that the global demand for lithium is expected to increase by 965% by 2050 to meet the global energy transition.Delegates observed a minute’s silence in memory of Jaff Salima, former Director of Geological Survey, Malawi. At the close of the day, they posed for a family photo in the grounds of the Palais des Nations, UN Headquarters in Geneva.
IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ meeting coverage, has provided daily digital coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from the 2019 AGM. The summary report is available in HTML and PDF.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Mike Muzurakis
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