The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organized the Telecom Sector Development Forum on 9 November 2023 from 10h00 to 12h00 CET. The Theme of the Forum was "The role of ICTs in Standards on Circular Economy and GHG Emissions Reduction". The session was tailored for UAE Telecom operators and ICT companies. The 2-hours session was designed to shed light on the vital intersection of circular economy principles and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the telecommunications sector.
The Forum aimed to equip telecom operators and companies with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the circular economy. The TDRA, with the support of ITU, is dedicated to empower UAE telecom operators and companies to identify gaps, comprehend the intricacies of circular economy practices, and foster a keen awareness of the global commitments that underscore the pivotal role the ICT sector plays in mitigating GHG emissions.
UAE will host the 28th annual Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). COP28 will bring together world leaders, negotiators, scientists, activists, and other stakeholders to discuss and coordinate efforts to address climate change. In addition, UAE will host the World Radio communication Conference WRC-23, while the primary focus of the WRC is on telecommunications and spectrum management, there is a connection to climate change through the use of technologies including allocation of new spectrum bands which will enable new radio communication technologies. Radio communication technologies can be essential tools in addressing climate change and its impacts across various sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, and more.
Programme
10:00 - 10:05
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13:00 - 13:05
| Opening Remarks
- H.E. Eng. Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director General, Telecommunication Sector, TDRA
- Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU
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10:05 - 10:20
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13:05 - 13:20
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Keynote Speech 1 – Closing the loop: Circular economy for telecom operators
This keynote speech will delve into the power of the circular economy for telecom operators. It will explore the vital role of international standards such as ITU-T L.1023 is supporting circular design principles that can revolutionize product lifecycles, from inception to recycling. Learn about the concept of a sustainable Digital Product Passport (DPP) - a digital record that tracks a product's environmental footprint, materials, and design. Uncover how it can drive innovation, foster transparency, and pave the way for eco-friendly practices in the ICT sector.
- Keynote speaker: Leandro Navarro, Co-rapporteur Q7/5 “E-waste, circular economy, and sustainable supply chain management”, ITU [Presentation]
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10:20 - 10:35
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13:20 - 13:35
| Keynote Speech 2: ICTs and the 1.5 degree challenge
The Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target is a global imperative, and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. This keynote speech will underscore the urgency for the ICT sector’s commitment to this target. Discover how international standards such as ITU-T L. 1470 is supporting and setting GHG emission targets for the sector. We’ll explore how methodologies that are outlined in ITU-T L.1450 are essential for assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of the ICT sector.
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10:35 - 11:05
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13:35 - 14:05
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The role of telecommunications in achieving sustainable development and environmental goals (COP28)
As the world comes together for COP28 to address pressing environmental challenges, the role of telecommunications in achieving sustainable development and environmental goals has never been more crucial. This session will explore how cutting-edge telecom technologies are driving positive change and enabling global collaboration towards a greener future. This session will bring together experts, from the telecom sector to share their involvement and valuable insights regarding the transformative potential of telecom technologies in advancing COP28's ambitious environmental agenda.
Moderator: Reyna Ubeda, Engineer to ITU-T SG5 “Environment, EMF and Circular Economy”, ITU Speakers: - Robin Zuercher, Programme Officer, ITU [Presentation]
- Nasser Al Marzouqi, Manager Wireless Services Policies and Standards, TDRA
- Rashed Ahmed Alzaabi, Senior Director/Sustainability Project, Etisalat [Presentation]
- Jasem Al Marzouqi, Head of Policy and Government Affairs, du [Presentation]
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11:05 - 11:45
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14:05 - 14:45
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Panel Discussion: Advancing Sustainability in the ICT Sector
Join industry experts for an all-encompassing panel discussion that explores the interplay between circular economy principles in the telecommunications sector and the significance of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) in driving sustainability, while also examining the ICT sector’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and aligning with international standards. Discover how circular economy practices can reshape product lifecycles and reduce waste, and support sustainability within the industry.
Moderator: Paolo Gemma, Chairman of WP2/5 “Environmental efficiency, e-waste, circularity and sustainable ICT networks”
Speakers: - Ali Cheema, Head of Government & Policy Advocacy, Ericsson, MEA [Presentation]
- Brahim Ghribi, Head of Policy and Government Affairs, Nokia, MEA [Presentation]
- Emaad Ahmad, Chief Expert, Huawei, ME & CA Regional [Presentation]
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11:45 - 12:00
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14:45 - 15:00 |
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