Greening Digital Transformation: Building a Net-Zero and Circular ICT Sector (COP31 Side Event)

This COP31 side event, hosted by the OPEC Fund and organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), will explore how decarbonizing the information and communication technology (ICT) sector and advancing a circular economy for electronics can support sustainable digital transformation. The discussion will focus on measuring ICT sector emissions​, improving the energy efficiency of digital infrastructure, including data centres and artificial intelligence (AI), and promoting circular public procurement that prioritizes durability, repair, reuse and recycling. It will also highlight how effective regulation, transparent reporting and sustainable financing can turn these priorities into practical programmes and investment opportunities. 

The OPEC Fund brings a development-finance perspective, connecting country priorities with technical assistance, partnerships and potential co-financing opportunities. Building on ITU's expertise in ICT emissions monitoring, net-zero transition planning and extended producer responsibility (EPR) for electronics​, the session will explore how countries can mobilize investment for greener digital infrastructure and circular electronics. 

Taking place on 16 November 2026, 11:00–12:00 (UTC+3), at the OPEC Fund Pavilion, Blue Zone, Antalya, Türkiye, the session will bring together stakeholders from the digital sector, policymakers and development finance partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and sustainable investment.

​The session aims to identify practical actions towards a net-zero ICT sector and a circular economy for electronics, drawing on country and industry experience. It will explore how national emissions monitoring, corporate transition plans and EPR implementation can be connected to investment priorities, project preparation and financing needs. 

It will also clarify the complementary roles of ITU, through ​its technical guidance and country support, and the OPEC Fund, through its development-finance, partnership and project-pipeline perspectives, including potential technical assistance and co-financing opportunities where appropriate.

Digital transformation can accelerate climate action and economic development. But expanding networks, data centres and AI infrastructure also increases demand for energy, equipment and materials. Making digital development sustainable requires action across the entire lifecycle: cleaner energy, more efficient infrastructure, lower supply-chain emissions and electronics designed to last longer and remain in use.

The opportunity is to turn these priorities into practical programmes and investment. Through its Digital Transformation Action Plan, the OPEC Fund recognises that digital development must be sustainable, inclusive and deliver measurable development benefits. ITU’s Greening Digital Companies 2026 report, national ICT emissions monitoring work and support for extended producer responsibility (EPR) provide a foundation for this transition. Together, they help countries strengthen data and institutional capacity, advance circular economy policies and identify investment priorities. The goal is to turn digital transformation into a driver of climate action, resource efficiency and sustainable development.​