Welcome to the Web site of the Global Dialogue on Mining/Metals and Sustainable Development and of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development.

The Global Dialogue was one of a number of Partnership Initiatives aimed at promoting the implementation of the Johannesburg World Summit Plan of Implementation. Co-sponsored by South Africa and Canada, it was specifically designed to fulfill the priorities for the mining, minerals and metals sector as identified in the Johannesburg World Summit Plan of Implementation. Paragraph 46 of the Plan identifies a number of priorities for the sector.

The Global Dialogue was for national Governments with an interest in the mining, minerals and metals sector. Fifty-three countries participated in the Global Dialogue. Together, they decided that the objectives of the Global Dialogue would be best achieved through the establishment of an Intergovernmental Forum for the mining, minerals and metals sector.

Two preparatory meetings of the Global Dialogue were held in Geneva in 2003 and 2004 to negotiate and prepare the launch of the proposed Forum. The outcomes of these meetings include the Terms of Reference, Draft Rules of Procedures and Guidance for the Programme of Work.
In February 2005, the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development came into effect when twenty-five national governments had confirmed their membership.

Canada will act as the Forum Secretariat for the initial five-year period, after which an assessment of whether or not the Forum should continue will be made. The inaugural meeting of the Forum will take place November 7-9, 2005 in Geneva.

Canada and South Africa wish to thank the donors that have supported the Global Dialogue Process. These include the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Kingdom's Department of International Development, and Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

• Members of the Forum

Contact: Info-GlobalDialogue@nrcan.gc.ca