Turning Resources Into Progress: ICGLR Conference Pushes for Transparency and Development In The Great Lakes
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By Njeri Irungu
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is taking a decisive step toward fostering peace, transparency, and sustainable development as it gathers in Nairobi for two pivotal meetings at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. Running from April 23 to 30, 2025, the 26th ICGLR Audit Committee Meeting and the 30th Regional Committee Meeting are set to enhance regional cooperation, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and promote the responsible management of natural resources across the Great Lakes Region. These discussions underscore a collective effort to transform the region’s vast mineral wealth from a potential source of conflict into a catalyst for shared prosperity.
Central to the agenda is the Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM), a cornerstone initiative designed to eliminate illegal mineral exploitation and foster lawful trade. By implementing rigorous mine inspections, mineral tracking systems, and independent third-party audits, the RCM ensures transparency across mineral supply chains. This framework not only curbs illicit activities but also builds investor confidence, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.
The meetings will bring together policymakers, technical experts, and regional stakeholders to evaluate progress and refine strategies for implementing the six Tools Against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources (RINR). Established under the ICGLR Pact on Security, Stability, and Development, these tools—endorsed by heads of state in 2010—provide a legal and operational blueprint for ethical resource governance. They represent a unified commitment to ensuring that minerals benefit local communities and contribute to long-term stability rather than fueling instability.
Beyond mineral trade, these discussions reaffirm the ICGLR’s broader mission of advancing good governance, regional security, and inclusive economic development. By fostering collaboration among member states, the conference aims to create a more secure and prosperous future for the Great Lakes Region—one where natural resources drive progress rather than discord. As leaders and experts convene in Nairobi, the outcomes of these meetings could mark a turning point in the region’s journey toward sustainable peace and equitable growth.
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