Global tech sector commits to Green Digital Action

Members of the global tech sector have made a firm commitment towards mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change through the ‘Green Digital Action’ at COP28 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The commitment from tech companies and governments, which was made during the first Green Digital Action series, highlights the immense potential of digital technology in supporting climate action.

Green Digital Action aims to enhance collaboration, fast-track industry-wide commitments to addressing climate challenges, and put digital solutions at the forefront of climate action.

Through Green Digital Action, ITU, the UN tech agency, aims to bring together the entire digital technology sector to speed up collective efforts on the climate crisis.

“Digital technologies can be a key ally in tackling climate change. These Green Digital Action commitments show that the digital sector can lead the way in using tech for climate action while also reducing its impact on the environment.” ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin said.

ITU Deputy Secretary-General, Tomas Lamanauskas noted that the digital technology sector provides a reason for hope with its clear commitments on climate action.

“We will work with our tech partners to ensure follow-through on these commitments to expand and strengthen them in the future.” Lamanauskas said.

Meanwhile, telecommunications firm, Airtel Africa, called for enhanced public-private collaboration for climate action in Africa.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa Plc, Segun Ogunsanya, who made this call, reaffirmed the importance of an enabling policy environment for sustainable development and climate action in partnership with Africa’s private sector at COP28.

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Ogunsanya, a member of the United Nations Global Compact’s African Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC), addressed a distinguished audience at a COP28 side event co-hosted by Airtel Africa and the ABLC.

The Group CEO urged African business leaders and governments to join forces to advance sustainable growth, development, and prosperity across the continent.

“We stress the importance of an enabling policy environment for sustainable development and climate action in partnership with Africa’s private sector. Livelihood and living must go together.” Ogunsanya said.

He also shared details of Airtel Africa’s environmental stewardship initiatives. These include ‘Project Green’, launched in 2022, and focused on circular economy practices, especially in the responsible replacement of end-of-life equipment to minimise potential adverse environmental impacts.

In March 2023, Airtel Africa joined the multi-stakeholder partnership to eliminate open waste burning from Africa. This collaborative effort with local authorities, private companies, community groups, civil society and development partners targets a 60 per cent reduction by 2030 and a complete elimination of open waste burning by 2040.

“Airtel Africa’s corporate purpose, our driving force, is to ‘transform lives.’ This is not simply a slogan but a genuine passion that informs every aspect of our operations and every decision we take.

“It is our firm belief that African businesses, including Airtel Africa, stand ready to leverage global markets to accelerate the transition to a future-fit economy. We must deliver economic development, inclusive growth and GHG emissions reduction at the same time to enjoy the fruits of sustainability.” Ogunsanya said.