The Philippines put its mining governance efforts on the international stage at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), held Nov. 3–5, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Hosted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the annual meeting serves as one of the world’s largest platforms for governments and stakeholders to discuss policy trends, responsible mining practices, and the future of mineral development. The IGF provides technical guidance and a venue for countries to share experiences on how to govern their extractive sectors amid rapid global shifts in mineral demand.
Representing the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Supervising Geologist Anne Karla M. Navarro joined the plenary session, “Critical Minerals: National Strategies in a Global Rush,” where she outlined the Philippine government’s work in crafting a national framework for critical minerals. Navarro also showcased MGB’s ongoing initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the country’s mineral resources.
Her presentation placed the Philippines alongside representatives from Georgia, the United Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who each shared national strategies in response to soaring global demand for critical minerals. Their discussions highlighted exploration, governance reforms, value addition, and the importance of international cooperation.
The Philippine delegation also included Engr. Michael V. Cabalda, assistant secretary for mining concerns and concurrent officer in charge of MGB. Cabalda and Navarro participated in the three-day AGM, which featured high-level dialogues, technical workshops, and policy exchanges. The agenda focused on strengthening mining governance, promoting inclusive and sustainable mineral development, enhancing value-added processing, improving environmental and social performance, and building cross-border partnerships.
This year’s forum carried the theme “Value Beyond Extraction: Rethinking Mining for a Resilient Future,” reflecting the global push to ensure that mining contributes to long-term economic resilience, community welfare, and climate goals. More than 800 participants from over 100 countries—including government officials, industry associations, companies, development partners, and civil society—attended the event, underscoring the growing urgency of responsible mineral governance in an era of unprecedented global demand.
