For the first time in COP history, the Presidency has acknowledged the role of digitalisation in climate talks, designating a Digitalisation Day. The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, will feature the Green Digital Action track, emphasising the role of digitalisation in climate resilience. Digital technology offers immense potential to enhance food production and supply efficiency in Africa, promising significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Driving transformative climate action
On November 16, 2024, two key events will occur: a high-level meeting and the Declaration on Green Digital Action launch, both focusing on how digital technologies can drive transformative climate action.
The High-Level Roundtable on Digital Action Path 4 Green World will explore how technology can advance climate goals. Key speakers include H.E. Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29; H.E. Mr. Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan; and H.E. Ms. Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The roundtable, moderated by Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the ITU, will feature insights from government representatives from Bahrain, Brazil, China, Egypt, Estonia, Japan, Kazakhstan, and more.
The event will also bring together partners like the IAEA, UNECE, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNIDO, World Bank, and private sector leaders from companies like Alibaba, Cisco, Google, and Nokia.
COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action
The high-level meeting will conclude with adopting the Declaration on Green Digital Action, a global commitment to promote climate-positive digitalisation, reduce ICT emissions, and expand access to green technologies.
The Declaration calls for collaboration among governments, the private sector, and international organisations to advance sustainable digitalisation, especially in developing regions. It encourages regulatory frameworks that support eco-friendly digital practices, positioning digitalisation as a key element in global climate action. Governments and stakeholders are invited to endorse the Declaration, joining a unified effort to leverage digital innovation for a sustainable future.
