The Information Society provides great opportunities to address some of the key global challenges related with the promotion of sustainable development and the preservation of the environment. But what exactly is the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in tackling climate change and how can they move forward the sustainable development agenda?

These questions have been addressed since 2003 in the multi-stakeholder process of the World Summit of Information Society (WSIS), in particular through the implementation of action line C7 - ICT applications, e-environment of the WSIS Geneva Plan of Action, which establishes the foundations for an Information Society for all.

Action line C7 focuses on environmental issues such as climate monitoring, adaptation to climate change, making better use of natural resources, recycling and disposing of end-of-life ICT equipment in an environmentally sound manner, and reduction of the carbon footprint of multiple sectors, including the ICT industry. These and other issues will be discussed during the “E-environment day at WSIS Forum 2011”, to be held in Geneva (Switzerland) on Wednesday 18 May 2011 under the theme “Go Smart, move Green”.

The event, organized by ITU together with the Basel Convention, UNEP and WMO, will also review the progress made so far in the implementation of this action line. Get engaged in the event and take part in workshops, interactive discussions, publication releases and networking sessions. Participation will be open to all stakeholders, including governments, private sector, civil society, academia, as well as international and regional institutions.

Join the Green ICT community by taking part in this event either on-site or remotely, presenting your recent publications during the event, or displaying the most recent activities from your organization at the e-environment exhibition stand.

For further information please visit: www.wsis.org/forum/environment or contact us directly at climate@itu.int