Geneva, July 15 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a rules-based global framework for the trade of critical energy transition minerals, saying stronger international cooperation is needed to ensure that developing countries benefit fairly from the global shift to clean energy.

Speaking at the first UN High-Level Meeting on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, Guterres said the world must ensure that the growing demand for critical minerals does not lead to exploitation and inequality, but instead supports sustainable development and shared prosperity.

"The clean energy transition is now unstoppable - but it still needs to move much faster. And it must be fair to the people on the frontlines - the communi...