Internet Waste Dialogue

The International Telecommunication Union and the WEEE Forum are jointly organizing an "​Internet Waste Dialogue", in conjunction to the International E-waste Day, which will take place on Monday, 19 October 2020


Oct 19, 2020 | Oct 19, 2020
  • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Virtual
Registration

You are warmly invited to the ‘’Internet Waste Dialogue’’, that will take place on Monday 19 October, 15:00-16:30 (CEST). The WEEE Forum and ITU have continued to collaborate for International E-waste Day 2020, including in the preparation of a thought paper on ‘’Internet Waste’’ and this webinar. 

Connectivity infrastructure for data centres, mobile networks and Internet of Things (IoT) provide essential services to billions of people in the global economy. Creating, moving, processing and storing an ever-increasing amount of data around the world requires a vast digital infrastructure, with data centres and telecommunication networks being critical enablers of connectivity, and ultimately economic activity. 

The aim of the webinar is to discuss the opportunities and challenges of end-of-life management of ICT infrastructure equipment that enables connectivity. The dialogue will bring together experts from across the supply chain to elaborate on waste management of data centres, mobile network and IoT infrastructure. 

Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) can reach end-of-life due to a variety of factors. Sustainability efforts have become important across supply chains, especially for energy efficiency but increasingly, companies are focussing efforts on circular economy objectives for material reuse such as refurbishing, upgrading and recycling of infrastructure equipment.

The full impact and regulation of materials and components critical to the digital economy is difficult to assess as the infrastructure and end-of-life management are less visible. This is true especially to individual consumers that use personal ICT devices supported by data centres and telecommunication networks. Raising awareness and exchanging knowledge of this waste stream will provoke thought and support the transition to a sustainable society and circular economy.

During the 90-minute session, panelists will discuss their on-going circular economy initiatives relevant to end-of-life management of ICT infrastructure equipment, including discussion around questions relevant to data centres, mobile networks and IoT. 

The webinar will be hosted on Zoom and information on how to connect to the platform will be communicated to all registered participants prior to the event. 

For more information about the webinar, please visit the event’s page.

Registration

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