Powering the Future, Protecting People

There’s a global rush for critical minerals to power the green energy transition, but over and over Global Witness has found evidence linking mining practices to exploitation, environmental degradation, and conflict. Recently, Global Witness investigators uncovered how coltan smuggled out of Democratic Republic of Congo through Rwanda is a major source of revenue for M23 – an armed group waging brutal war in Eastern DRC: Coltan which makes its way into our global consumer technology, automotives, telecoms, and increasingly AI supply chains. ​How do we ensure the future works better than the past? ​In this session, you’ll hear directly from environmental defenders speaking to their personal experience mobilizing against injustice and highlighting Indigenous-led solutions. You’ll also learn about Global Witness’ recently released practical toolkit for industry leaders and policymakers to align transition mineral supply chains with climate goals, environmental justice and Indigenous rights—a tool that is already gaining traction among mining giants and governments, including bipartisan support in Congress. Together we will explore these opportunities and how you can take action to ensure that our common pursuit of a green future is just and inclusive of all communities. ​Speakers include: ​Yuvelis Morales Blanco, 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize winner & Alianza Libre de Fracking member ​Herlin Odicio Estrella, Kakatiabo Indigenous leader & Vice-President of the Regional Indigenous Organization of Ucayali ​Shruti Suresh, Global Witness Director of Campaigns