[www.inewsguyana.com] – A delegation from Guyana; led by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud consisting of both private and public sector representatives participated in the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the World Gold Council (WGC) Seminar on Gold and Sustainability that was held from November 7 – 8, 2013 at the United Nations Secretariat, New York.
During the two-day meeting, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Guyana Gold Board held discussions with various representatives to formally establish a working relationship with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and the World Gold Council.
Moreover, the meeting was based on lectures and panel discussions led by experts from the World Gold Council, the United Nations, and other specialists from international organizations.
The meeting took a participatory approach, with presentations and discussions on the various topics on the sustainability of gold.
Minister Persaud during his interaction with participants made calls to reduce the cost for producing gold and at the same time minimize environmental degradation, including respecting the rights of indigenous people.
The Natural Resources and the Environment 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 found.
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.
The other representatives from Guyana which included Dr. Gobind Ganga, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Guyana Gold Board, Mr. Dabria Marcus, Member of the Board of Directors, Guyana Gold Board, Mr. Patrick Harding, President, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and Mr. AzeemBaksh, Executive Member, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association took part in discussions on 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 organizations, communities and civil society organizations and the private sector.
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a training arm of the United Nations System, serving some 27,000 beneficiaries annually by conducting more than 400 capacity development and research activities around the world.
