Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the UN at the UN Security Council briefing on Energy, Critical Minerals, and Security
5 March 2026
Thank you, Mr President.
At the outset, I wish to thank the United States as the President of the Council for convening this meeting, and I extend my appreciation to you, Secretary Wright, for being with us today. I also thank Under Secretary General DiCarlo for her briefing.
Energy and international security are intrinsically linked. For most people, the cost of global instability becomes visible at the gas station or in their monthly energy bill. Also rising energy prices lead to higher food prices with direct consequences for food security for the most vulnerable populations. Conflict and natural resources are similarly connected. Countries rich in natural resources know all too well that a blessing can often become a curse.
So, Mr President, allow me to make three points.
First, in war and conflict, energy can be both target and weapon. Civilian energy infrastructure is often a cynical target of choice. Energy supplies can become powerful tools of coercion. And this is starkly illustrated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, where Russia is systematically attacking Ukraine’s energy system, depriving civilians from electricity and heating in the coldest winter. Recklessly targeting nuclear power plants. For Russia, energy also serves another purpose – it fills its war chest. And for decades, it has used energy supplies to exert political pressure on countries that have developed an overreliance on them. And for that there is a solution. It is stopping such dependencies as my country has done. Diversification of supplies by strengthening ties with reliable suppliers and deploying renewable energy. The latter serves a dual objective of promoting energy security and addressing climate change, which is one of the defining challenges of our time.
This brings me to my second point. The clean energy transition and digital transformation that embraces advanced technologies increase global demand for critical minerals, we all know that. Securing access to these minerals is marked by competition. But competition should follow rules too. Dominant positions should not be abused. Resilient critical mineral supply chains need to be based on the principles of transparency, diversification, reliability, and sustainable mining practices.
Critical minerals should enable a transformative future, not perpetuate conflict. And this is my final point. In too many places ruthless competition for natural resources has been a driver of armed conflict, crime, and corruption. Instead of sustainable livelihoods, it often results in hazardous labor conditions. Instead of sound stewardship of land, it leads to extensive deforestation and loss of biodiversity. For critical mineral production to benefit local sustainable and resilient development, it requires appropriate legal and tax frameworks, investments, and good governance. Resource-rich developing countries need to be supported in this regard. And USG DiCarlo described in her briefing what the UN System efforts are in that sense. Adherence to established environmental, social and governance standards and due diligence frameworks such as Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative or OECD Due Diligence Guidance, should be promoted among governments and the private sector alike. And meaningful engagement of local communities is essential to protect their rights, address grievances and ensure accountability.
Mr President,
The challenge is not new, but the urgency is pressing. Commitment to faithful implementation of already established standards can help mitigate critical mineral supply chain risks. And it should be recognized that a race for profit at the expense of the local population, their economic prosperity, human rights, and environmental sustainability eventually backfires. When communities thrive, supply chains endure – so, let us make responsible action, all of us, the standard, not the exception.
Thank you!