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The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with UNESCO and other United Nations partners, advanced standards‑based approaches to green digital transformation and climate action at the sixteenth Symposium on Information and Communication Technologies, Environment, Climate Change and Circular Economy. The event took place from 19 to 22 May 2026 in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
Held under the theme ‘Driving Digital Climate Action through Standards for Environmental Sustainability and Circular Economy’, the Symposium brought together policymakers, regulators, technical experts and international organizations to strengthen cooperation on sustainable digital development across Africa.
Organized by ITU and the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence Systems of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Symposium benefited from the contributions of United Nations partners and other key co-organizers. UNESCO brought its normative expertise on sustainable digital transformation and Green AI, alongside the Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS), Smart Africa, the Sustainable Electronics Platform (STEP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
The opening session featured Mr Honorato Evita Oma, Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence Systems of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, who highlighted national priorities centred on youth empowerment, sustainable digital transformation and climate action.
From dialogue to policy commitment: the Malabo Declaration
A key outcome of the Symposium was the adoption of the Malabo Declaration on sustainable digital transformation, climate action and youth empowerment, endorsed on 22 May 2026. The Declaration sets out a shared policy vision for Africa that links digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, circular-economy approaches, and youth skills development to climate and environmental priorities.
The Declaration recognises both the opportunities and environmental costs associated with rapid digitalisation. It calls for green, resilient and energy‑efficient digital infrastructure, including sustainable data centres and resource‑efficient ICT products, designed from the outset to reduce emissions and e‑waste through life‑cycle approaches. It also promotes the use of interoperable digital product information systems, such as digital product passports, to improve transparency and traceability across value chains.
Drawing on the complementary mandates of participating organizations, the Declaration places strong emphasis on ethical, inclusive and resource‑efficient artificial intelligence. In line with UNESCO’s work on responsible AI, it encourages the development of local, multilingual AI systems that reflect Africa’s cultural and linguistic diversity while minimising environmental impact. The Declaration also highlights the importance of youth and women’s participation in digital skills development, innovation and technology governance.
Embedding sustainability in Africa’s digital growth
Accelerating digital transformation across Africa is essential to achieving climate, environmental and development goals. At the same time, the expansion of connectivity, data centres and AI systems is increasing energy demand, underscore the need for public policies that prioritise sustainability, equity and long-term public value.
Symposium discussions focused on how international standards can reduce the environmental footprint of digital infrastructure. Participants examined energy‑efficient networks and sustainable data centres as practical policy levers, particularly in countries where energy access and connectivity remain uneven.
Greening AI and advancing the circular economy
Building on the policy priorities highlighted earlier in the Symposium, discussions focused on promoting sustainable digital ecosystems. UNESCO shared its dual perspective on sustainability: reducing the environmental impact of digital technologies (Greening of AI) while using AI responsibly to support climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity protection (Greening with AI). This approach positions artificial intelligence as a public policy tool that supports environmental objectives while serving people and the planet.
Discussions also underscored the role of circular economy policies in addressing e-waste. Standards‑informed approaches were highlighted as key tools to improve product design, extend equipment lifespans, supporting the policy commitments set out in the Malabo Declaration.
Building capacity through standards and peer learning
Dedicated sessions on bridging the standardisation gap provided hands-on guidance on implementing international standards related to climate action and the circular economy. This focus on capacity‑building reflects the shared commitment of ITU and UNESCO to support evidence‑based policymaking and strengthen national institutional capacities.
Hosted at ministerial level, the Symposium underscored Equatorial Guinea’s commitment to sustainable digital policy and resulted in the adoption of the Malabo Declaration as a shared reference point for national and regional action. As digital technologies continue to reshape societies, the Symposium reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation. Through continued collaboration between ITU and UNESCO, Member States are supported in aligning digital transformation with climate action, ethical governance and sustainable development priorities.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/itu-and-unesco-strengthen-collaboration-green-digital-transformation-equatorial-guinea?hub=701
