The International Resource Panel

The Steering Committee of the International Resource Panel (IRP) is drawn from representatives of governments, the European Commission and UN Environment Programme. It is co-chaired by Sarah Nelen, Acting Director, Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism at the European Commission Directorate-General for the Environment, and Elisa Tonda, Head of UNEP’s Resources and Markets Branch at the Industry and Economy Division. The Steering Committee guides the Panel’s strategic direction, ensures policy relevance, sets the Panel’s work programme, and oversees budgets. Governments interested in joining the IRP can participate in the biannual meetings of the IRP as Observers to learn more about how the IRP works and the important role the Steering Committee plays. Interested parties are invited to contact the IRP Secretariat unep-irpsecretariat@un.org for more information.

IRP scientists are internationally recognized leaders in science and policy who bring expertise from extraction and production, to consumption, and eventual disposal. Their skills range from industrial metabolism and life-cycle analysis to resource economics and socio-economic policy. Together, they deliver cutting-edge assessments on the environmental impacts of resource use across the full life cycle and provide actionable advice on how to reduce those impacts. Find out more about IRP Panel members.

State, Trends and Outlook of Global Resources

Tracking trends and outlook for how the world extracts and processes biomass, fossil fuels, metals, non-metallic minerals, land and water through the IRP’s flagship report the Global Resources Outlook.

Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy

Assessing the impacts of resource use on the environment, economy, and societies, and exploring resource efficiency and circular economy solutions for energy, food, the built environment and mobility transitions.

Climate, Biodiversity, and Pollution 

Evidencing how resource use drives climate change, nature loss, and pollution - and how smarter management can deliver multiple benefits.

Policy Pathways for a Just Transition

Providing evidence and options to help governments, businesses, and communities transition towards sustainability. 

Global Material Flows Database

The Global Material Flows Database is the world’s most comprehensive source of data on how economies use natural resources. Covering more than 200 countries and regions from 1970 to 2024, it tracks material extraction, trade, and consumption — including material footprints and resource productivity indicators that are central to SDG targets 8.4 and 12.2. By linking economic growth to raw material use, the database equips governments, researchers, and stakeholders with the evidence needed to design and assess sustainable consumption and production strategies. Built on authoritative international data and the latest methodologies, it provides the quantitative backbone for monitoring whether the world is moving towards more efficient and sustainable use of natural resources.