President Félix Tshisekedi highlighted the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) vast mineral wealth as a crucial factor in addressing the global challenge of sustainable energy transition during his speech at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday.
“The DRC possesses abundant resources, including essential minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, which are vital for facilitating a sustainable energy transition,” Tshisekedi emphasized.
He called for greater international cooperation to develop the technologies and infrastructure needed to fully harness these resources.
Tshisekedi also addressed the pressing issue of climate change, positioning the DRC as a solution-oriented country. “With its rich biodiversity and natural resources, the DRC is becoming a key player in the fight against climate change.
Our initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include improvements in agriculture, forestry, energy, and waste management,” he noted.
The President did not shy away from discussing the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC. “Thousands of victims of genocide driven by economic interests continue to suffer the consequences of a violent and impunitive past. Recognizing and addressing the impact of this tragedy is essential for rebuilding communities,” he said.
The annual United Nations General Assembly provides world leaders with a unique multilateral platform to discuss global issues in line with the UN Charter.