SCYCLE

By the end of November 2018, the two-year multi-stakeholder project “Towards a World Forum on Raw Materials (FORAM)” was completed. The main objective of the FORAM project was to develop and set up an EU-based platform of international experts and stakeholders that will work together to advance the idea of a world forum on raw materials and enhance the international cooperation on raw material policies and investments.
To reach this objective, the project has delivered a wide range of outcomes that will have significant impacts and benefits for the EU. UNU (SCYCLE) was primarily involved in making comprehensive desk research to identify and characterize existing EU and global actions, initiatives, and programmes, as well as data on the availability of raw materials at different steps of the value chain. One of the results, a ‘Geo-Map’, is now published, and has an overview of global multi-stakeholder initiatives on raw materials; it can be visited here. The project has also set up a broad group of international experts and stakeholders, covering all major raw materials communities. The network has been structured into target groups to initiate an efficient dialogue to analyze and understand every need and preference. Thirdly, the project analyzed the global raw materials policy context and, accordingly, designed a long-term vision and strategic positioning of a world forum on raw materials. And finally, to test and evaluate the necessity and feasibility of such a program, a pilot event was organized. Based on the outcomes of these activities, the project has set up a roadmap for improving international cooperation.
In two years, FORAM has received surprising recognition and visibility, and has generated strong commitment on a personal level, between the various organizations. Most of the initiatives and networks identified have participated in the FORAM stakeholder consultation process. There is clear potential for further exploring common ground and areas for cooperation. Thus, using the FORAM partners, the FORAM network (Advisory Board and Stakeholder Network), and materials is recommended for deepening and broadening the work in progress.
For more information, please visit www.foramproject.net
The FORAM video is out! Watch it here.