A delegation from Guyana, led by Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Robert recently participated in the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the World Gold Council (WGC) Seminar on Gold and Sustainability.
The meeting was held from November 7-8, at the United Nations Secretariat, New York, USA, a release from his ministry said.
The other members of the delegation were Guyana Gold Board (GGB) Chairman Dr Gobind Ganga; GGB board member Dabria Marcus; Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Associa-tion (GGDMA) President Patrick Harding; and GGDMA executive member Azeem Baksh. The seminar examined gold’s role in promoting the stability of reserve portfolios and in socio-economic development.
The seminar had a participatory approach, with presentations and panel discussions led by experts from the World Gold Council, the United Nations, and other specialists from international organisations on various topics including the unique qualities of gold from its supply and many sources of demand; the socio-economic impact that gold mining can contribute to developing economies and the challenges inherent in responsible natural resource management and the role for governments, development organisations, communities and civil society organisations and the private sector. According to the release, Minister Persaud, during his interaction with participants, called for ways to reduce the cost of production for gold, while minimising environmental degradation, and respecting the rights of indigenous people.
The minister also highlighted that gold mining and related activities can play an important role in achieving sustainable socio-economic development in all countries where gold is extracted.
He pointed out that gold produced in conformance with high safety, environmental and social standards has the benefit of being an important source of development and opportunities for many countries and communities in the form of jobs skills, improved infrastructure and tax revenues. During the two-day meeting, the delegation also held discussions to formally establish a working relationship with UNITAR and the World Gold Council, the release added.
UNITAR is a training arm of the United Nations System with the mission to deliver innovative training and conduct research on knowledge systems to develop capacities of beneficiaries in the fields of environment, peace, security and diplomacy and governance.
The World Gold Council is the market development organisation for the gold industry and the global authority on gold and its uses and a source of informed opinion and advice for stakeholders and decision-makers.
They use this knowledge to develop insights into the future role that gold can play across a number of sectors and then, in collaboration with partners, intervene to deliver solutions and create new markets. As the global advocate for gold, they are committed to playing a key role in the development of a responsible gold mining industry.
