Session
Uppsala University
Gregory John Simons, Uppsala University, Asia-Pacific Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group Dr. Khouzeifi doud, Cyber Security Resecher, African Group
Gregory John Simons, Uppsala University, Asia-Pacific Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group Dr. Khouzeifi doud, Cyber Security Resecher, African Group
Organization's Website
Speakers
Gregory John Simons, Uppsala University, Asia-Pacific
Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group
Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group
Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group
Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group
Dr. Khouzeifi doud, Cyber Security Resecher, African Group
Onsite Moderator
Manish Jaiswal
Rapporteur
Miroslav Plundrich
SDGs
13.2
13.b
Targets: This session strongly aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, specifically the following targets: SDG 13.2: "Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning." Link to Session: This session will explore how technological solutions, when integrated into national and global policy frameworks, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the tech sector. By promoting sustainable practices and energy-efficient technologies, the session aims to encourage the adoption of climate-conscious approaches in both the private and public sectors. SDG 13.b: "Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing states." Link to Session: The session will focus on how technologies, such as mobile solutions and IoT, can help monitor and mitigate the environmental impact in vulnerable regions such as small island nations and least developed countries. Additionally, the session will address capacity-building for these nations in terms of implementing technology solutions that foster sustainable development and climate change adaptation. By discussing both the negative and positive environmental impacts of technology, the session will contribute directly to advancing SDG 13’s climate action agenda and promoting policies that integrate sustainability in tech.
13.b
Targets: This session strongly aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, specifically the following targets: SDG 13.2: "Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning." Link to Session: This session will explore how technological solutions, when integrated into national and global policy frameworks, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the tech sector. By promoting sustainable practices and energy-efficient technologies, the session aims to encourage the adoption of climate-conscious approaches in both the private and public sectors. SDG 13.b: "Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing states." Link to Session: The session will focus on how technologies, such as mobile solutions and IoT, can help monitor and mitigate the environmental impact in vulnerable regions such as small island nations and least developed countries. Additionally, the session will address capacity-building for these nations in terms of implementing technology solutions that foster sustainable development and climate change adaptation. By discussing both the negative and positive environmental impacts of technology, the session will contribute directly to advancing SDG 13’s climate action agenda and promoting policies that integrate sustainability in tech.
Format
The session will be structured as a hybrid panel discussion with speakers from diverse sectors, including:
Keynote Introduction : A high-level introduction to the environmental impact of energy-intensive technologies and how digital transformation can help meet sustainability goals. The speaker will outline the session's key focus on reducing the carbon footprint of technology while utilizing technology to support climate action.
Panel Discussion : A panel featuring experts from the technology industry, environmental organizations, and academia. Topics will include:
The environmental costs of energy-intensive technologies.
Best practices for energy efficiency in tech design and operations (e.g., AI, blockchain, data centers).
How technology can be leveraged to advance sustainability, such as smart grids, AI for energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture technologies.
Interactive Q&A : Open the floor for audience questions, allowing both onsite and online participants to engage directly with the speakers and ask about practical solutions for reducing tech-related carbon emissions and leveraging tech for sustainability.
Duration (minutes)
30
Description
This session will address two critical aspects of sustainability in the context of technology: the environmental impact of energy-intensive technologies (e.g., data centers, blockchain, AI) and how technology can be leveraged to promote sustainability and mitigate environmental harm.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing have led to an exponential rise in energy consumption. The session will explore innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of these technologies, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and green design practices.
On the flip side, the session will also explore how emerging technologies, like IoT, big data, and AI, can be used to advance sustainability goals. From optimizing energy use in buildings to supporting climate action initiatives, technology has the potential to drive the transition to a more sustainable future.
Through expert insights and discussions, the session will link to key IGF 2025 issue areas such as Environment and Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Artificial Intelligence for Social Good. The discussion will also highlight real-world examples of how tech is being used to promote sustainable practices.
Real-time Streaming: The session will be broadcasted live for online attendees, allowing them to view the panel discussion and interact with speakers in real time. Moderated Q&A: A dedicated moderator will manage Q&A interactions between onsite and online participants, ensuring that both onsite and virtual attendees have equal opportunities to submit questions and engage with the discussion. High-Quality Audio/Visual Setup: cameras will be used to capture various angles of the speakers and audience, providing online participants with a dynamic and immersive experience. High-quality microphones will ensure clear communication, both for speakers and attendees, especially for those participating remotely. Inclusive Interaction: The session will feature live polling and surveys to gather opinions from both onsite and online attendees, ensuring engagement across both formats. Zoom will facilitate small group discussions where participants can share their ideas and collaborate on solutions. A dedicated group will allow participants to access session details, speaker information, and network with other attendees. This will also facilitate real-time interaction and follow-up discussions after the event. This session aims to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas on reducing the environmental impact of energy-intensive technologies while leveraging digital innovations to promote sustainability. It will provide both onsite and online participants with the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to actionable solutions for a greener digital future.
Real-time Streaming: The session will be broadcasted live for online attendees, allowing them to view the panel discussion and interact with speakers in real time. Moderated Q&A: A dedicated moderator will manage Q&A interactions between onsite and online participants, ensuring that both onsite and virtual attendees have equal opportunities to submit questions and engage with the discussion. High-Quality Audio/Visual Setup: cameras will be used to capture various angles of the speakers and audience, providing online participants with a dynamic and immersive experience. High-quality microphones will ensure clear communication, both for speakers and attendees, especially for those participating remotely. Inclusive Interaction: The session will feature live polling and surveys to gather opinions from both onsite and online attendees, ensuring engagement across both formats. Zoom will facilitate small group discussions where participants can share their ideas and collaborate on solutions. A dedicated group will allow participants to access session details, speaker information, and network with other attendees. This will also facilitate real-time interaction and follow-up discussions after the event. This session aims to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas on reducing the environmental impact of energy-intensive technologies while leveraging digital innovations to promote sustainability. It will provide both onsite and online participants with the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to actionable solutions for a greener digital future.