Addressing the e-waste challenge through international knowledge exchange: study tour in Colombia
In a significant step towards digital sustainability, technical representatives gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, from 6 to 9 October 2025, for a study tour focused on e-waste regulation — combining on-site engagement with remote contributions to foster shared learning and policy innovation. The tour was part of the International Exchange Initiative on Regulating E-waste and Engaging Tech Companies, a joint project of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), through its Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), and the Government of Colombia, through the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation of Colombia (APC).
Participating countries
The project provides a platform to exchange best practices and lessons learned from six participating countries — Colombia, Dominican Republic, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, and South Africa — all at different stages of their transition to a circular economy for electronics.
In a video message, Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, highlighted BDT’s work in addressing the pressing global challenge of e-waste management and underscored the need to balance digital progress with environmental sustainability. He called on every stakeholder’s participation in shaping an effective and inclusive approach to e-waste management, one that is beneficial to all countries.
In her message, Eleonora Betancur Gonzalez, General Director of APC Colombia, emphasized the importance of mutual learning and joint innovation in promoting a circular economy for electronics. She highlighted that connecting diverse experiences and local realities will strengthen the collective capacity to address global environmental challenges and advance a model of cooperation.
The study tour aimed to strengthen regional capacities in e-waste management through a regulatory approach by facilitating knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and technical collaboration among the participants.
A platform for shared learning and policy innovation
During the study tour, the technical representatives had the opportunity to discuss with e-waste subject matter experts from ITU, other UN and multilateral organizations, and public and private actors about engaging tech producers in e-waste policymaking process and the impact of the extended producer responsibility principle in tackling the e-waste challenge.
Participating countries present have existing regulations on e-waste management. They shared implementation hurdles and successes through case study presentations spread across 12 main sessions.
The conversations explored solutions that can be tailored to each country’s unique challenges.
From policy to practice: site visit
The last day of the study tour was dedicated to e-waste management facility visits. The representatives were brought to CENARE, managed by Computadores para Educar, and PC Shek, an e-waste management entity.
Facility workers shared firsthand insights on how they recycle and reuse ICT components.
A hands-on experience took place, where the participants manually disassembled the tech devices.
Strengthening future partnerships for sustainable digital progress
A high-level project launch event was organized by the Government of Colombia on 10 October, a day after the study tour concluded.
This initiative sets a clear example of South-South and interregional cooperation. The participation and active engagement from Colombia’s Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible (MinAmbiente), Computadores para Educar, and Asociación Nacional de Empresarios contributed to the success of the study tour.
Lessons learned and looking ahead
By combining technical expertise, policy innovation, and multi-stakeholder exchange and engagement, the project lays the groundwork for strengthened multi-actor cooperation and action on e-waste management.
To share lessons learned during the study tour, a webinar will be hosted by ITU and the Government of Colombia on 30 October 2025, 9-11 AM Bogotá (3-5 PM Geneva, Switzerland). The event will provide a platform to discuss insights, reflect on lessons learned and explore next steps in advancing circular economy for electronics across regions.
This is an ITU Development #DigitalImpactUnlocked story
About the project
The International Exchange Initiative on Regulating E-waste and Engaging Tech Companies project of ITU and the Government of Colombia will provide a platform for best practices and lessons learned for participating countries to grow their knowledge and increase their experience related to the development and implementation of e-waste regulation.
Learn more about the project here.