Fourth Session of the UN Environment Assembly

Fourth Session of the UN Environment Assembly: "Innovation solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable consumption and production" 

15 March 2019 - Nairobi, Kenya

Before I begin, I would like to offer my condolences on behalf of ITU to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in last Sunday's tragic plane crash. ITU lost two dear colleagues Maygenet Abebe and Marcelino Tayob, who was here with me at the previous Environment Assembly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends.

Mr. Chairman, with an ever-growing and more diverse membership, ITU serves as a platform for concerted action amongst governments, industry, civil society and academia, and is at the forefront of the digital revolution.

We believe collaboration is key, bringing our own specific competencies to the common good and avoiding duplication of effort. I would like to give three examples of how ITU fosters collaboration to leverage the power of technology as a force for good, for our planet and all its inhabitants.

Firstly, ITU's AI for Good Global Summit

This brings together AI innovators and public and private-sector decision-makers, including more than 30 UN agencies, to generate AI strategies and projects to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Last year's summit yielded more than 30 projects, including, for example, the use of satellite imagery to predict and help prevent deforestation.   

Secondly, The United for Smart Sustainable Cities Initiative

As cities account for a growing share of global carbon emissions and energy consumption, ITU has joined with UNEP and 14 other UN bodies to ensure digital technologies are smart and energy-efficient, and to give cities the tools they need to assess their progress in applying them. This initiative has developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are already in use in more than 50 cities around the word. This tool helps to make better policies and build smarter and more sustainable cities, not just in words but deeds.

Third and finally, The United Nations E-waste Coalition

Each year, approximately 50 million tonnes of e-waste are produced. If nothing is done, this will more than double by 2050. Building on our numerous activities in this field, ITU is proud to have joined UNEP and other UN agencies in developing an E-waste Coalition. Together, we are calling for a shift towards a circular cycle for electronics that will benefit the industry and workers, as well as the health of people and our environment.

In conclusion, with more than half of the world's population now using the Internet, let us all collaborate more, inside and outside the UN family, to connect the other half and promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. This will be essential for the wellbeing of the planet and future generations, and all those interested are invited to join us.

Thank you.