South Asia Information Session: Green Digital Transformation and a Circular Economy for Electronics

As the effects of climate change and environmental degradation escalate globally, the need for collective action is now more pertinent than ever. The current linear economic model is highly unsustainable and vulnerable to economic shocks from the disruption of critical material supplies and the availability of labour, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Higher levels of disposable income, urbanization and industrialization are making way for the proliferation and accessibility of new technologies and digital solutions. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digital technologies offer new tools for technological advancement and innovation and create new opportunities for global connectivity.

Digital technologies are powerful tools with transformative effects on people’s lives. Today, digital transformation is at the heart of strategic planning in both the public and private sectors. In the shift towards circularity, digital technologies enhance transparency, efficiency, ease and accountability in existing systems. Digital solutions not only enable a more efficient flow of information, but also leverage the flow of products, components and materials and enable environmental efficiency.

As the world becomes ever more connected, responsible innovation and environmental and circular considerations must become integral in the design, deployment and decommissioning of digital technologies. With the rapid growth of our digital society and the increasing use of electrical and electronic equipment, e-waste and ICT-sector carbon emissions will continue to grow.

Climate change and e-waste being high priorities for South Asia are important areas to focus on as countries undertake their digital transformation journeys. In accordance with WTDC Resolution 66 (Rev. Kigali, 2022), ITU’s Development Bureau has been given the mandate to develop a programme in response to climate change and the growing quantities of e-waste globally. The importance of these issues is also well recognized in the Asia-Pacific Regional Initiatives.

Similarly, international standards are critical in supporting circular economy practices and reducing e-waste in Asia-Pacific. As highlighted in Plenipotentiary Resolution 182 (Rev. Bucharest, 2022), ICTs have a significant impact in regard to climate change and the protection of the environment. WTSA Resolution 73 (Rev. Geneva, 2022) resolves to promote the development and adoption of ITU-T standards for enhancing the use of ICTs to serve as a potent and cross-cutting tool to assess and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, optimize energy and water consumption, minimize e-waste and improve e-waste management across economic and social activities. Resolution 79 (Rev. Geneva 2022) resolves to pursue and strengthen the development of ITU activities in regard to handling and controlling e-waste from telecommunication and information technology equipment and methods of treating it. ​​​