The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), together with the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence Systems of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and other partners, will be organizing the 16th Symposium on ICTs, Environment, Climate Change and Circular Economy, to be held from 10 to 13 February 2026 in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
This Symposium will be collocated with the meeting of the ITU-T Study Group 5 Regional Group in Africa will take place from 10-13 February 2026. The theme of this year’s Symposium is “
Driving Digital Climate Action through Standards for Environmental Sustainability and Circular Economy.”
Accelerating digital transformation in Africa is essential to addressing environmental, climate, and public health challenges, while also responding to persistent gaps in connectivity, energy access, affordability, and infrastructure. As digital technologies, including data and energy intensive applications such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) continue to expand, standards-based and context-appropriate solutions are needed to ensure sustainability without deepening existing inequalities.
Key discussions will focus on energy efficiency, sustainable networks and data centres, and their role in supporting AI and digital services while ensuring responsible use of energy and water resources. The Symposium will also address Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS), including Digital Product Passports, as enablers of transparency, traceability, and circular value chains, and will serve as a regional consultation for Africa contributing to the development of a global DPIS framework.The event will include Bridging the Standardization Gap (BSG) sessions as a hands-on training component to strengthen regional capacity, enhance participation in international standardization, and support the implementation of ITU-T Recommendations on climate action, circular economy, EMF safety, and emerging technologies.
The Symposium contributes to the broader Green Digital Action (GDA) initiative and will highlight key outcomes from COP30, UNEA-7, and other relevant global processes, where standards-based digital solutions are central to achieving global climate and sustainability goals.
The objectives of this workshop will be:
- Highlight the environmental footprint and enabling role of digital technologies, including AI and data centres, by promoting standards-based approaches that support climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable digital development in energy- and connectivity-constrained contexts.
- Promote energy-efficient and sustainable digital infrastructure, including networks and data centres, to support digital growth while improving resilience, affordability, and responsible resource use.
- Advance circular economy and transparency through discussions on Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS), including Digital Product Passports, e-waste management, and standards for sustainable consumption and production.
- Strengthen regional capacity and engagement in international standardization through Bridging the Standardization Gap (BSG) training and dialogue, supporting effective participation and implementation of ITU-T Recommendations across Africa.
Participation is open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions. Participation is free of charge. Participation for other individuals or organizations is by invitation only.
See detailed steps to register here
