During the Democratic Republic of Congo’s tenure as president of the United Nations Security Council, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and La Francophonie, led an informal Arria-formula meeting in New York on Monday, July 13. The session focused on assessing the normative gaps concerning natural resources and peace, exploring their foundations and future outlook.
This gathering brought together a diverse group of diplomats, experts, and international organization representatives. Their discussions centered on the pivotal role natural resources play in preventing conflicts and strengthening peace worldwide.
In her address, Minister Kayikwamba Wagner urged the international community to move beyond a mere conflict management approach. Instead, she advocated for prioritizing responsible governance of natural resources as a proactive tool for prevention, all while upholding the full sovereignty of nations.
The Minister of State emphasized that the extraction of strategic resources should primarily serve to foster economic development, stability, and prosperity for populations, rather than fueling tensions and insecurity.
Natural resources: a pathway to cooperation
Also speaking at the meeting, Huang Xia, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, highlighted that natural resources should not be viewed solely as drivers of competition or conflict.
On the contrary, the UN diplomat asserted, these resources hold immense potential as powerful catalysts for regional cooperation, stability, and sustainable development.
The Special Envoy further stressed that creating tangible economic opportunities remains crucial for ensuring lasting peace across the Great Lakes region.
Crucial precursor to the July 22nd debate
This meeting marks the beginning of a significant diplomatic phase, set to culminate on July 22nd with a high-level public debate at the Security Council, which will be presided over by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
Through this bold initiative, the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to position the governance of natural resources at the forefront of international discussions on peace and security. The nation is advocating for a more coherent normative framework, one better tailored to the realities faced by resource-producing countries.
Understanding Arria-formula meetings
An Arria-formula meeting is an informal mechanism within the United Nations Security Council. It facilitates more open exchanges between Council members and external stakeholders who typically do not participate in formal sessions.
These sessions can include participants such as:
- Civil society representatives
- Independent experts
- Academics
- Non-governmental organizations
- Representatives from states not currently members of the Security Council
Unlike the Council’s formal meetings, Arria sessions do not involve voting or the adoption of resolutions. Nevertheless, they provide a valuable platform for enriching discussions and fostering deeper consideration of critical issues pertaining to international peace and security.
