The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), together with Ministère de la Transition digitale des postes et des communications électroniques, Burkina Faso and other partners organized the 15th Symposium on ICT, Environment, Climate Change and Circular Economy, which took place from 7 - 9 May 2024 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The theme of this year’s symposium was “Digital Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Integrating Climate Action, Circular Economy, Data, and International Standards”.
Advancing sustainability and promoting a circular economy are critical imperatives for African cities to address environmental challenges while fostering economic growth. This innovative 3-day event was designed to delve into solutions for addressing e-waste challenges, including issues related to conflict mineral extraction. Each day focused on a specific theme, such as environmental efficiency infrastructure, data on e waste, circular economy principles, and the pivotal role of the ICT sector in fostering commitment. Additionally, the event emphasized the importance and role of standards, providing hands-on training on the standards process, participation, and contribution, as standards play a crucial role in translating climate actions into tangible results.
Through interactive sessions, presentations, and discussions, the event brought together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to exchange ideas, share best practices, and identify actionable strategies to advance sustainability initiatives.
This Symposium was collocated with the
ITU-T Study Group 5 Regional Group in Africa Meeting which took place from 7 – 9 May 2024. The Symposium was held in English with interpretation in French. Remote participation was provided.
Objectives
The symposium aimed to achieve the following key objectives:
- Providing information on the necessity of climate action and available standards.
- Emphasizing the importance of standardized data.
- Facilitating the exchange of best practices among African countries.
- Serving as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership building.
- Accelerating the transition towards a sustainable and circular economy in African cities.
- Bringing together diverse stakeholders to foster innovative solutions.
- Paving the way for tangible actions contributing to environmental protection, economic growth, and social development in the region.
- Facilitating the Bridging the Standardization Gaps (BSG) by sharing Analytics customized to SG5 and Africa and providing trainings.
Target audience
Participation in the Symposium was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions, as well as to any individual from a country that is a member of ITU who wishes to contribute to the work. This included individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations. Participation was free of charge.
Programme Overview
