Session 1 - Environmental Challenges of E-waste

The growing amount of e-waste all over the world has garnered international attention because of its negative and harmful impacts on the environment and human health. This growing number of e-waste can be attributed to two factors: the mismanagement of end-of-life practices; and the loss of resources during production chains.

This session will provide information on the current situation of e-waste, focusing in particular on the Latin American region.

Moderator: Overview of ITU Activities on E-Waste: Cristina Bueti, Advisor, ITU [ Biography  | Presentation: ENG | SPA ]

Speakers:

• El reto ambiental de la tecnología para la gestión de los Residuos Electrónicos: Ramiro Valencia, Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society, Ecuador [ Biography ]
• Jimmy Cruz, Ministry of Telecommunications in Costa Rica
• Environmentally Sound, Socially Beneficial and Revenue-Producing Solutions for e-Waste: James Munsey, CEO & President,  ALG Ecycling [ Biography ];  Ricardo Salguero, Partner of ALG Ecyling [ Biography ]; Pablo Restrepo, Commercial 
  Director - Latin America,  ALG Ecyling [ Biography | Presentation ]

Questions and Answers

Session 2 – The role of policies and standards for effective  e-waste management

This session will discuss the importance of policy and regulatory frameworks on e-waste issues. This session will also provide an open platform for discussion among ICT companies, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), recycling companies, government authorities and academia to help identify suitable approaches, business plans and other ways to deal with e-waste challenges under the policy principle of Extended Producer Responsibility and the implementation of international standards, efficient regulatory frameworks and encouraging also public-private partnerships.

Moderator: Daniela Torres, Global Manager of Green ICT & Environment of Telefónica & Associate Rapporteur of Question 16 of ITU-T Study Group 5 “Environment and Climate Change” [ Biography | Presentation ]

Speakers:

• Public Policy for the Mobile Management: Paula Guerra Moran, Engineer in Agricultural Sciences, National Program for the Integrated Solid Waste Management, Ecuador [ Biography ]
• The importance of Legislation Regarding WEEE Management: Practical Experience with Mobile Phones and any other Electronic Equipment: José Pérez García, President of Tragamovil, Spain [ Biography | Abstract | Presentation: ENG | SPA ]
• Basura Electrónica RTP: Katty Coral, Dean of Environmental Sciences Faculty, SEK International University of Ecuador [ Biography | Presentation ]
•  ITU Toolkit on Environmental Sustainability for the ICT Sector: Laura Reyes, Manager of Business Development, Belmont Trading [ Biography | Presentation: ENG | SPA ]

Questions and Answers

​Session 3 - Building sustainable businesses and strategies through e-waste management: turning an e-challenge into an
 e-opportunity

The challenges presented above provide stakeholders with countless opportunities to develop a sustainable business models. Boosting comprehensive e-waste management programs based on international standards and innovation programs; can promote environmental sustainability; have the potential to generate decent employment; curb health problems; cut greenhouse gas emissions; and recover a wide range of valuable metals including silver, gold, palladium, copper and indium. This session will explore on how to capitalize on these opportunities through adopting comprehensive e-waste management programs into the current business models.

Moderator: Gestión sostenible de teléfonos móviles en desuso: Cristina Larrea, Environmental Coordinator of Telefónica Movistar, Ecuador [ Presentation ]

Speakers: 

• Challenges and  Benefits of Electronic Recycling Programs: Consuelo Velarde, Business Development Manager of Latin America, Belmont Trading [ Biography | Presentation ]
• Environmental Conduct of LEADCOM: David Pérez Rolando, America Sales Manager & Product Support, LEADCOM Integrated Solutions Ltd. / ELTEK [ Biography | Presentation ]
• Nokia’s Take Back and Recycling Programs: Ed Butler, Sustainability-Recycling & Product End of Life Manager, Nokia [ Biography | Presentation ]

Questions and Answers