UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged an end to the exploitative practices surrounding natural resource extraction. He specifically criticized the "pilfering" of resources that fail to provide added value for producing nations and impacted communities. Guterres advocates for a system where resource-rich countries and local populations directly benefit from the exploitation of their own natural wealth. This call aims to address historical imbalances and promote more equitable global economic practices. The statement underscores the need for sustainable development models prioritizing local benefit over purely extractive gain. Ultimately, Guterres seeks to shift the paradigm from exploitation to mutually beneficial partnerships.