Critical Minerals Initiative for Landlocked Developing Countries

Co-chaired by UN Resident Coordinatorь Jaap Van Hierden and International Think Tank for the Landlocked Development Countries (ITT-LLDC) Executive Director Dulguun Damdin-Od, the session brought together development partners and key stakeholders in the energy transition sector.

In his opening remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator emphasized: 

“For Landlocked Developing Countries, transforming mineral wealth into sustainable development remains both an urgent priority and a shared responsibility. The international community plays a critical role in supporting LLDCs not only to extract minerals, but to build value chains, stimulate innovation, and ensure that economic gains translate into long-term human development.”

Dulguun Damdin-Od highlighted the relevance of the Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034) to critical industry development in LLDCs. The Programme calls for structural transformation, enhanced science and technology, responsible investment, and collaboration across the minerals value chain. It also underscores the importance of supporting LLDCs in project preparation, contract negotiation, and the development of value added industries that are environmentally and socially sustainable. 

UN Resident Coordinator stressed that responsible mining practices must guide every step of industry development. He said: 

"Comprehensive social and environmental impact assessments that are conducted before mining begins are essential to ensure that economic opportunities do not come at the expense of biodiversity, water resources, cultural heritage, or the well-being of rural communities. Protecting livelihoods and landscapes is not separate from economic transformation; it is fundamental to it."

Since September 2025, the ITT-LLDC has been leading the “LLDCs Global Project: Critical Industry and Sustainable Development” in close collaboration with the Mongolian Critical Mineral Association (MCMA).

“Critical minerals are central to the future of global energy transitions, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing,” noted Dagva Myagmarsuren, Chairperson and President of MCMA. 

Mr. Surakhbayar Galsan, Member of the Board of Governors of the MCMA stressed the importance of the expected outcomes of the project, noting LLDCs have an important but underutilized role to play within these emerging value chains.

The project identifies four key outcome areas: the development of priority critical industries for LLDCs, the strengthening of trade and logistics systems, the establishment of regional critical industry value chain clusters, and the creation of a dedicated funding mechanism for critical industry and infrastructure.

Ultimately, the initiative aims to drive environmental sustainability, socioeconomic progress, economic diversification, and deeper global integration.