Advancing Green Digital Action Towards Net-Zero ICT Sector  

November 16, 2024, 15:30-16:30
Trade and Investment House (Green Zone)

The ICT sector have emerged as a key contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with estimates ranging from 1.5% to 4% of the world’s total carbon footprint. With the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, data centers, and global connectivity, the sector faces a critical challenge in reducing its emissions to align with the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. To meet this target, emissions from the ICT sector need to be reduced by 45% by 2030. 
 
The ICT Sector GHG Emissions Pillar under the Green Digital Action initiative is mobilising companies to commit to science-based targets (SBTis) and the development of decarbonization transition plans for GHG reduction. The ITU and World Benchmarking Alliance Greening Digital Companies 2024 report highlighted gaps in transparency, accountability, and the need for open data to track progress in emissions reductions. This event seeks to update participants on the progress of this Pilar, launch a new commitment, and launch a new Greening Digital Companies Tracking Dashboard, designed to monitor ICT sector GHG emissions and energy usage based on data from corporate sustainability reports of 200 leading digital companies over the past three years. 

Speakers
Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Marting – Secretary-General, ITU – welcome remarks
Mr. Soren Gigler – Head Data Economy and Digital for Climate Action, GIZ – moderator
Mr. Seth Ayers – Senior Digital Development Specialist, The World Bank 
Mr. Steven Moore – Head of Climate, GSMA
Mr. Jean-Manuel Canet – Senior Manager, Climate and Biodiversity, Orange
Ms. Chantal Line Carpentier, Head of the Trade, Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development Branch, UNCTAD