Utilizing Digital Technologies as a Tool to Strengthen Sustainable Development Practices


Global Youth Leadership Development Council (GYLDC) and the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center

Session 239

Friday, 11 July 2025 10:00–10:45 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) participation only WSIS+20 Open Space, Palexpo Interactive Session 2 Documents

The United Nations (UN) has recognized the critical intersection between technology and sustainable development through various initiatives, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. The digital economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including information technology, telecommunications, e-commerce, and data analytics. These sectors can significantly contribute to achieving sustainability goals by enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting renewable energy sources. The digital economy has emerged as a transformative force that can significantly contribute to green development and innovation. By leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, the digital economy provides innovative solutions to address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable economic growth. The rapid growth of the digital economy presents both challenges and opportunities for enterprises aiming to innovate sustainably.  

In this context, the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center and the Global Youth Leadership Development Council (GYLDC) with its partners will organize a session on Friday, 11th July 2025, focusing on the utilization of digital technologies as a tool to strengthen sustainable development practices. This session will be in the form of; interactive panel discussion, presentations and networking sessions that outlines the pathways through which technology-driven solutions can facilitate green development. Most importantly, this session will highlight the significance of integrating digital technologies into green development strategies, emphasizing the role of innovation in addressing environmental challenges.

Panellists
Prof. Rentao GU
Prof. Rentao GU Deputy Dean of School of the Future, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China

Prof. Rentao GU is the Executive Deputy Director of the Educational Collaboration Division and the Deputy Dean of School of Future, in Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. He is leading interdisciplinary teams to develop digital education strategies and promote the intelligent transformation of education for top-notch  innovation talent cultivation.


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Prof. Zhang Yaqin Academician Chinese Academy of Engineering, China

Mr. Jack Huang
Mr. Jack Huang Project Director Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center, China Moderator

Ms. Grace GAO
Ms. Grace GAO Executive Director Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center, China

Grace Gao is the Executive Director of the UNITAR Global SDGs Leadership Development Centre. With a proven record of strategic leadership, she has spearheaded multi-stakeholder initiatives that bridge public, private, and academic sectors to advance the UN 2030 Agenda. Under her direction, the Centre has fostered impactful partnerships with various UN agencies, regional institutions, and global experts, delivering high-level training and policy dialogues across multiple continents. Her work reflects a strong commitment to inclusive leadership, systems thinking, and sustainable development diplomacy.


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Mr. Lizhong Li Lifetime Fellow RSA Royal Society of Arts (RSA) & Canadian Academy of Social Sciences, UK

Topics
5G Technology Artificial Intelligence Big Data Blockchain Capacity Building Cloud Computing Digital Economy Digital Inclusion Digital Skills Digital Transformation Education Emerging Technologies Global Digital Compact (GDC) Smart Cities
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C1 logo C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
  • AL C3 logo C3. Access to information and knowledge
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C6 logo C6. Enabling environment
  • AL C7 E–BUS logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-business
  • AL C7 E–LEA logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
  • AL C7 E–EMP logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-employment
  • AL C7 E–ENV logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-environment
  • AL C7 E–SCI logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-science
  • AL C10 logo C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
  • AL C11 logo C11. International and regional cooperation
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 1 logo Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • Goal 4 logo Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Goal 7 logo Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
  • Goal 8 logo Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
  • Goal 9 logo Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Goal 10 logo Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
  • Goal 11 logo Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
  • Goal 12 logo Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
  • Goal 16 logo Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
  • Goal 17 logo Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development