World Standards Cooperation: Bridging the digital divide with standards for sustainability

November 15, 2024, 16:30-17:30
Standards Pavilion (B15 COP29 Pavilion Area)
Livestream

Climate action and sustainable development are increasingly intertwined with digital technologies, which offer powerful tools for monitoring, reporting, and implementing climate solutions. However, the growing digital divide, particularly between developed and developing nations, presents a significant challenge to global climate initiatives. This disparity hinders equitable participation in climate action, but also exacerbates the
environmental impact of poorly optimized digital infrastructure. It is crucial that all nations have access to the necessary digital infrastructure, tools, and knowledge.

International standards provide common frameworks and guidelines that enable global access to sustainable technology, support capacity building, and promote transparency and accountability in climate action efforts. In this session, the three partners of the World Standards Cooperation (WSC) –IEC, ISO and ITU – will discuss how a collaborative approach can enhance and drive impact, with sustainability as the cornerstone of their common agenda. We will explore the critical role of international standards in addressing the digital divide and how standardization bodies can foster inclusive dialogues, ensuring that the perspectives of all stakeholders, especially developing countries, are considered in the development of climate-friendly digital solutions.

Speakers
Opening and closing remarks
Mr. Philippe Metzge, Secretary-General, IEC
Mr. Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General, ISO
Mr. Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau

Moderator
Ms. Alice Tipping, Director of Trade and Sustainable Development, IISD

Panelists
Mr. El hadji Abdourahmane Ndione, Standards body of Senegal and DEVCO Chair
Mr. Paolo Gemma, WP2/5 Chairman, ITU-T Study Group 5 | Senior Expert, Europe Branch of Huawei