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Electronic Waste Rising Five Times Faster than Documented E-waste Recycling: UN

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A record 62 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was produced in 2022, Up 82% from 2010; On track to rise another 32%, to 82 million tonnes, in 2030; Billions of dollars worth of strategically-valuable resources squandered, dumped; Just 1% of rare earth element demand is met by e-waste recycling.

Geneva / Bonn, March 20, 2024 – The world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling, the UN’s fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM) reveals today. The 62 million tonnes of e-waste generated in 2022 would fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, roughly enough trucks to form a bumper-to-bumper line encircling the equator, according to the report from ITU and UNITAR.

Meanwhile, less than one quarter (22.3%) of the year’s e-waste mass was documented as having been properly collected and recycled in 2022, leaving US$ 62 billion worth of recoverable natural resources unaccounted for and increasing pollution risks to communities worldwide.

Read the full Global E-waste Monitor report: www.globalewaste.org

Contacts: Ruediger Kuehr, SCYCLE, UNITAR, +49 228 815 0213/4, ruediger.kuehr@unitar.org – David Hirsch, ITU, +41 22 730 5092; pressinfo@itu.int –Terry Collins, +1 416 878 8712; tc@tca.tc

Worldwide, the annual generation of e-waste is rising by 2.6 million tonnes annually, on track to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, a further 33% increase from the 2022 figure. E-waste, any discarded product with a plug or battery, is a health and environmental hazard, containing toxic additives or hazardous substances such as mercury, which can damage the human brain and coordination system. The report foresees a drop in the documented collection and recycling rate from 22.3% in 2022 to 20% by 2030 due to the widening difference in recycling efforts relative to the staggering growth of e-waste generation worldwide.

Challenges contributing to the widening gap include technological progress, higher consumption, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, society’s growing electronification, design shortcomings, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure. The report underlines that if countries could bring the e-waste collection and recycling rates to 60% by 2030, the benefits – including through minimizing human health risks – would exceed costs by more than US $38 billion. It also notes that the world “remains stunningly dependent” on a few countries for rare earth elements, despite their unique properties crucial for future technologies, including renewable energy generation and e-mobility.

Comments: “Amidst the hopeful embrace of solar panels and electronic equipment to combat the climate crisis and drive digital progress, the surge in e-waste requires urgent attention.” –Nikhil Seth, Executive Director, UNITAR

“From discarded televisions to dumped telephones, an enormous amount of e-waste is generated around the world. The latest research shows that the global challenge posed by e-waste is only going to grow. With less than half of the world implementing and enforcing approaches to manage the problem, this raises the alarm for sound regulations to boost collection and recycling. The Global E-waste Monitor is the world’s foremost source for e-waste data allowing us to track progress overtime and to make critical decisions when it comes to transitioning to a circular economy for electronics” – Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau

“No more than 1% of demand for essential rare earth elements is met by e-waste recycling. Simply put: Business as usual can’t continue. This new report represents an immediate call for greater investment in infrastructure development, more promotion of repair and reuse, capacity building, and measures to stop illegal e-waste shipments. And the investment would pay for itself in spades.” – Kees Baldé, lead author, UNITAR

“Many in today’s society use multiple computers and phones, an ever-growing number of new appliances, monitors and sensors, e-bikes, e-scooters, clothes, toys, and furniture with embedded electronics, electric tools, and energy-saving equipment such as LEDs, photovoltaics, and heat pumps. Urban and remote areas are increasingly connected to the Internet, and a growing number of data centers cater to the needs of the digital transformation. In the face of all this, concrete steps are urgently needed to address and reduce e-waste. Improved e-waste management could result in a global net positive of US $38 billion, representing a significant economic opportunity while addressing climate change and health impacts.” – Ruediger Kuehr, Senior Manager, Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, UNITAR / Adjunct Professor, University of Limerick (Ireland)

The Global E-waste Monitor shows that we are currently wasting US $91 billion in valuable metals due to insufficient e-waste recycling. We must seize the economic and environmental benefits of proper e-waste management; otherwise, the digital ambitions of our future generations will face significant risks.” – Vanessa Gray, Head, Environment & Emergency Telecommunications Division, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau

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By the numbers: –62 million tonnes: e-waste generated in 2022, equal to the weight of 107,000 of world’s largest (853-seat), heaviest (575 tonne) passenger aircraft – enough to form an unbroken queue from New York to Athens, from Nairobi to Hanoi, or from Hong Kong to Anchorage.

–14 million tonnes (22.3%): estimated mass of e-waste trashed, mostly landfilled, in 2022.

–31 million tonnes: estimated weight of metals embedded in e-waste in 2022, along with 17 million tonnes of plastics and 14 million tonnes of other materials (minerals, glass, composite materials, etc.)

–US $91 billion: The value of metals embedded in 2022 e-waste, including US $19 billion in copper, US $15 billion in gold, and US $16 billion in iron.

–US $28 billion: value of secondary raw materials (mostly iron) reclaimed by “urban mining” of e-waste in 2022

–900 million tonnes: Primary ore extraction avoided by reclaiming materials through documented e-waste recycling

–93 million tonnes: CO2-equivalent emissions avoided by formal e-waste management – recaptured refrigerants (41 million tonnes), avoided metals mining (52 million tonnes).

Recycling rates: 42.8%: Formally documented collection and recycling rates in Europe

<1%: Formally recycled e-waste in African countries. ~50% (30 million tonnes): E-waste generated by Asian countries (of which relatively few have enacted legislation or established clear e-waste collection targets).

–17.6 kg: Per capita e-waste generation in Europe, followed by Oceania (16.1 kg) and the Americas (14.1 kg). These regions also have the highest documented per capita collection and recycling rates (7.5 kg in Europe, 6.7 kg in Oceania and 4.2 kg in the Americas).

–16 million tonnes: e-waste collected and recycled outside of formal systems in high- and upper-middle income countries that have developed e-waste management infrastructure.

–18 million tonnes: e-waste managed mostly by the informal sector in low and lower-middle income countries with no e-waste management infrastructure. Any material values recovered by the informal sector are largely (perhaps more than) offset by extremely high health and environmental costs.

–5.1 million tonnes (8.2% of the global total): e-waste shipped across borders in 2022, of which ~3.3 million tonnes (65%) was shipped from high-income to middle- and low-income countries through uncontrolled, undocumented movements.

E-waste by category, selected examples: —33% (20.4 million tonnes): Proportion of e-waste made up of small devices (e.g. toys, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, e-cigarettes), of which 12% are recycled. —4.6 million tonnes: e-waste in the small IT and telecommunication equipment category (e.g. laptops, mobile phones, GPS devices, routers), with only 22% documented collection and recycling rate. —2.4 million tonnes: Expected mass of retired photovoltaic panels in 2030, four times as much as the 600,000 tonnes in 2022.

Among the report’s many observations: Typically, collection and recycling rates are highest for heavier and bulkier equipment categories, such as large devices, temperature exchange equipment, screens and monitors.81 countries had e-waste legislation in 2023, up from 78 in 2019. Of the 81 countries, 67 had a legal instrument governing e-waste management with provisions promoting extended producer responsibility (EPR).

The enforcement of e-waste policy, legislation, and regulation “remains a genuine challenge globally, and the stagnation of the global e-waste collection and recycling rate is likely exacerbated by the fact that only 46 countries have collection rate targets and only 36 have recycling rate targets.”

Selected report infographics (available at https://bit.ly/3wcjfz5).

E-waste at a formal European recycling centre. Credit R. Kuehr, UNITAR. All high-res images at https://bit.ly/3wcjfz5

The Global E-waste Monitor. Since 2014, the Global E-waste Monitor (www.globalwaste.org) has been the world’s foremost source of up-to-date data and reporting on progress in policy, regulation, and offering projections. The 2024 edition is a collaborative product of the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership with support from the Fondation Carmignac.

*****

The UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) – As a dedicated training arm of the United Nations System, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future. UNITAR was created in 1963 to train and equip young diplomats from newly independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate through the diplomatic environment. Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training and learning activities, benefiting learners mainly from developing countries. With the strategy fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda, we support Governments and other stakeholders to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

The Bonn, Germany-based Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, hosted by UNITAR, provides world-class research and action on e-waste. SCYCLE aims to enable societies to reduce the environmental burden caused by the production, consumption and disposal of ubiquitous goods.

The International Telecommunication Union. itu.int – The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, it is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

Fondation Carmignac. fondationcarmignac.com – Fondation Carmignac was founded in 2000 by Edouard Carmignac, a French entrepreneur, CEO and Chairman of asset management company Carmignac. Today, it is structured around three main pillars: the Carmignac Photojournalism Award, which annually funds the production of investigative photo reportage on human rights violations and geo-strategic issues, the Carmignac Collection, which has over 300 works of contemporary art, and Villa Carmignac, an art venue offering annual exhibitions and a rich cultural programme in a 2000-square-meter gallery set in a 15-hectare estate at the heart of a protected site on Porquerolles island.

Contacts:

Ruediger Kuehr, SCYCLE, UNITAR, +49 228 815 0213/4, ruediger.kuehr@unitar.org

David Hirsch, ITU, +41 22 730 5092; pressinfo@itu.int

Terry Collins & Assoc. | www.tca.tc | @TerryCollinsTC | LinkedIn.com/in/terrycollins, Toronto, M6R1L8 Canada

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AI governance should be based on UN Charter and human rights principles, UN says

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London/New York, November 2 – Calling the threats posed by artificial intelligence “insidious” and “dangerous,” the UN chief urged the AI Safety Summit in the United Kingdom to base governance of the technology on the principles of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose main objectives are promoting peace and sustainable development; protecting and promoting human rights.

“We urgently need to incorporate those principles into AI safety,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in an address to the two-day summit held at Bletchley Park, a city northwest of London.

“Bletchley Park played a vital part in the computing breakthroughs that helped to defeat Nazism,” Guterres said. “The threat posed by AI is more insidious – but could be just as dangerous.

We need a united, sustained, global response, based on multilateralism and the participation of all stakeholders. “

“This summit is an important step on the way to consensus, built on a bedrock of science and evidence. Let us connect global efforts for synergy and for impact. The United Nations is ready to play its part.”

During World War II, Bletchley Park was the meeting place of experts and mathematicians who waged a secret war against Nazi Germany and cracked codes that helped allied armies to detect movements of Nazi military movements and its fleets of U-boats. The place also gave birth to modern computers.

Guterres said frameworks should be urgently established to deal with AI risks to protect both developers and the public and prevent AI’s possible long-term negative consequences, which he said include “disruption to job markets and economies; and the loss of cultural diversity that could result from algorithms that perpetuate biases and stereotypes.”

“The concentration of AI in a few countries and companies could increase geopolitical tensions,” he said. “Longer-term harms extend to the potential development of dangerous new AI- enabled weapons… the malicious combination of AI with biotechnology… and threats to democracy and human rights from AI-assisted misinformation, manipulation, and surveillance.”

“The United Nations – an inclusive, equitable and universal platform for coordination on AI governance – is now fully engaged in that conversation.,” he said, pointing to the Multistakeholder Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which he recently launched. The advisory body comprises 39 experts from various countries who are called to work out recommendations to govern AI.

The Bletchley Declaration

The 29 countries that attended the summit adopted a declaration, which said in part: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents enormous global opportunities: it has the potential to transform and enhance human wellbeing, peace and prosperity. To realise this, we affirm that, for the good of all, AI should be designed, developed, deployed, and used, in a manner that is safe, in such a way as to be human-centric, trustworthy and responsible. We welcome the international community’s efforts so far to cooperate on AI to promote inclusive economic growth, sustainable development and innovation, to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to foster public trust and confidence in AI systems to fully realise their potential…”

“In the context of our cooperation, and to inform action at the national and international levels, our agenda for addressing frontier AI risk will focus on:

—“identifying AI safety risks of shared concern, building a shared scientific and evidence-based understanding of these risks, and sustaining that understanding as capabilities continue to increase, in the context of a wider global approach to understanding the impact of AI in our societies.”

—“building respective risk-based policies across our countries to ensure safety in light of such risks, collaborating as appropriate while recognising our approaches may differ based on national circumstances and applicable legal frameworks. This includes, alongside increased transparency by private actors developing frontier AI capabilities, appropriate evaluation metrics, tools for safety testing, and developing relevant public sector capability and scientific research.”

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U.N. seeks global experts to advise on Artificial Intelligence

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New York, August 8 – The United Nations has issued a call for nominations of global experts who can advise on the fast-paced development and application of AI technology. It said the call for nominations is open until August 31, 2023. Nominations and self-nominations can be submitted via this link.

Prior to seeking advisers on AI, the U.N. announced on August 3 the creation of a Scientific Advisory Board for Independent Advice on Breakthroughs in Science and Technology. See story below.

Following is the call for AI nominations.

U.N. Opens Call for Nominations to Global Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence

Convened by the U.N. Secretary-General, the multi-stakeholder High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence will undertake analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of artificial intelligence (AI), and report back on the options for global AI governance by the end of 2023.

To avail of the widest possible pool of talent, the UN has now opened a public call for nominations of experts to serve on this body in their personal capacity.

UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Dr. Amandeep Singh Gill said “We need to bring global interdisciplinary expertise together on AI to make sure it is aligned with the UN Charter, human rights, rule of law, and the common good. The multi-stakeholder Advisory Body is a unique opportunity to get started in the United Nations’ inclusive and universal setting”.

Nominated experts should have leading and relevant expertise among the broad range of fields relevant to the governance of AI or domain of its application.

The call for nominations is open until 31 August 2023. Nominations and self-nominations can be submitted via this link.

U.N. Secretary-General Creates Scientific Advisory Board for Independent Advice on Breakthroughs in Science and Technology

New York, 03 Aug 2023 – The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the creation of a new Scientific Advisory Board to advise UN leaders on breakthroughs in science and technology and how to harness the benefits of these advances and mitigate potential risks.

“Scientific and technological progress can support efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – but they are also giving rise to ethical, legal and political concerns that require multilateral solutions.” Mr. Guterres said.

“My Scientific Advisory Board will strengthen the role of the United Nations as a reliable source of data and evidence, and provide advice to me and my senior management team.”

The Advisory Board will comprise seven eminent scholars alongside the Chief Scientists of UN System entities, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, and the Rector of the United Nations University. The Board will be associated with a network of diverse scientific institutions from across the world.

“The Secretary-General’s decision to establish a Scientific Advisory Board underscores the unwavering dedication of UN leaders to the principles of the scientific method. I look forward to supporting the UN Secretary-General in raising the voice for science-based policy and decision-making,” expressed Professor Yoshua Bengio, Scientific Director of Mila – Quebec AI Institute and Professor at the Université de Montréal.

The primary objective of the Board is to provide independent insights on trends at the intersection of science, technology, ethics, governance, and sustainable development. Through their collaborative efforts, the Board and its Network will support UN leaders in anticipating, adapting to, and leveraging the latest scientific advancements in their work for people, planet, and prosperity.

“By ensuring that UN policies and programs are founded on the best available scientific evidence and expertise, the Board will play a crucial role in navigating the complex moral, social, and political dilemmas presented by rapid scientific and technological progress.”, said Ms. Ismahane Elouafi, Chief Scientist at the Food and Agriculture Organization.

With the formation of the Scientific Advisory Board, the United Nations takes a momentous stride towards better bridging science and policy. This initiative marks a vital step towards embracing the full potential of science and technology for the collective benefit of all Member States. Through collaborative efforts and inclusive representation, the Board will bolster the UN’s capacity to address the intricate challenges and opportunities at the forefront of science and technology, fostering a path towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Scientific Advisory Board’s Design and Membership:

External: -Prof. Yoshua Bengio, A.M. Turing Awardee, Scientific Director of Mila- Quebec Al Institute, Full Professor, Department of Computer Science and Operations Research (DIRO) Université de Montréal.

-Prof. Sandra Diaz, Senior Principal Investigator CONICET and Professor of Ecology Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.

-Prof. Saleemul Huq, Director International Centre for Climate Change and Development, Independent University Bangladesh.

-Prof. Fel-Fei Li, Sequoia Professor of Computer Science, Stanford University, -Denning Family Co-Director, Stanford Institute for Human- Centered AI (HAI), Stanford University.

-Prof. Alan Lightman, Professor of the Practice of the Humanities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

-Prof. Thuli Madonsela, Professor of Law, Stellenbosch University Prof. Thomas C. Südhof, Nobel Laureate, Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine

Internal: Chief Scientists from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology. Rector, United Nations University.

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UN internet forum seeks accountability, equal access, end of disinformation and hate speech

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Katowice, Poland/New York, December 6 – The number of people accessing the internet under the Covid-19 pandemic has surged to an estimated 4.9 billion this year based on new data available to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). But for about 2.9 billion people the internet has remained inaccessible and a tool to disseminate disinformation, hate speech and human rights attacks, the United Nations said at the opening of the 16^th Internet Governance Forum.

The forum taking place December 6-10 in Katowice, Poland, under the theme “Internet United” is bringing together over 7,000 innovators, big tech executives, young people, government ministers and parliamentarians to spur efforts to build an open, secure and free digital future for all, UN News said. The forum calls for “stepping up collective efforts to achieve universal access and meaningful connectivity, economic inclusion and human rights protection online.” UN Internet Governance Forum

The UN said all participants whether joining the forum in person or virtually can enjoy equal footing and access to the debates through the state-of-the-art 3D online platform.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the life-changing power of the Internet,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “Digital technology has saved lives by enabling millions of people to work, study and socialize safely online. But the pandemic has also magnified the digital divide and the dark side of technology: the lightning-fast spread of misinformation, the manipulation of people’s behaviour and more. We can only address these challenges united, through strengthened cooperation.”

Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said, “We need ‘Internet United’ and a united response to the digital issues that we are facing recently, especially since the global pandemic has accelerated the process of digitalization in the areas of economic, political and social life. These important topics are being discussed during this year’s UN Internet Governance Forum in Katowice.’’

The ITU, a specialized UN agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), said in a report published on November 30 that the number of people using the internet surged to 4.9 billion in 2021 from 4.1 billion in 2019. The rest of the world population, about 2.9 billion, still have no access to the internet. While the surge represented an important global development, the ITU said millions of internet users “may only get the chance to go online infrequently, via shared devices, or using connectivity speeds that markedly limit the usefulness of their connection.”

Of the 2.9 billion people still offline, an estimated 96 per cent live in developing countries, the ITU said.

“While almost two-thirds of the world’s population is now online, there is a lot more to do to get everyone connected to the Internet,” said ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao. “ITU will work with all parties to make sure that the building blocks are in place to connect the remaining 2.9 billion. We are determined to ensure no one will be left behind.”

The ITU report said the internet remains vulnerable to abuses and the costs data breaches are expected to top $5 trillion by 2024. It said the lack of accountability in cyberspace has made the Internet “a vehicle for the spread of hate speech, violent extremism and misinformation on the pandemic.”

For Media:
– Facts and Figures website
– Download the report
– Media Resources

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UN: Science, technology and innovation can help post-pandemic recovery

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New York, May 17 – While the world is still struggling to end the pandemic with massive vaccination campaigns, the United Nations called for advanced application of science, technology and innovation programs to boost post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery and close gaps in gender inequality and vaccine distribution.

The UN Conference on Trade and Technology (UNCTAD) provides the lead concept in the debate taking place at a the 24^th conference of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) from 17 to 21 May. The meeting is bringing together UN officials and experts under the leadership of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed to examine how new technologies can improve people’s lives while countries around the world are trying to recover from the pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pressing need to prioritize science, technologies and innovation (STI) in terms of policymaking, resource allocation and international cooperation,” said Shamika N. Sirimanne, UNCTAD’s director of technology and logistics, who also heads the CSTD secretariat.

“But governments also need to make sure that the development benefits of STI translate directly into the daily lives of people all over the world,” Sirimanne said.

Moreover, Ms. Sirimanne added, it’s vital for all countries to have equal access to the benefits of life-saving treatments, not only for the pandemic but also for poverty-related diseases, future health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks.

The UN conference will examine opportunities offered by frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and robotics, some of which have been used in fighting the pandemic. Developing countries can benefit from those technologies and transform their economies and societies, UNCTAD said

in the UNCTAD Technology and Innovation Report 2021.

The report examines how frontier technologies may lead to the unwanted situation of widening existing inequalities and creating new ones. It also calls for strengthening government and international policies to create a more equal world of opportunity for all. The report says frontier technologies already represent a US$350 billion market which could grow to US$3.2 trillion by 2025.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has already highlighted many manifestations of profound digital inequalities within and among countries,” Sirimanne said.

She said proactive policy interventions, the mobilization of all stakeholders and international cooperation are needed to set the direction of STI advances towards a sustainable and resilient recovery from the pandemic.

Speakers at the 24th session of the CSTD will include the president of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Munir Akram; the president of the 75th UN General Assembly, Volkan Bozkır; the secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union, Houlin Zhao; a Nobel laureate in chemistry, Jennifer Doudna; and a senior vice president of BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals, Katalin Karikó.

First technology summit calls for more technology governance to improve lives, respond to global challenges

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watch video news

UPDATE

Tokyo/New York, April 8 – The first global summit on the Fourth Industrial Revolution dedicated to shaping the future of technology backed the need for more technology governance because it would help a beleaguered world to tackle pressing problems particularly the ongoing pandemic.

Organized by the government of Japan and the World Economic Forum (WEF), over 2,000 government, business and civil society representatives took part in a virtual meeting April 6-7 in Tokyo to discuss key issues, including ethical artificial intelligence, blockchain and data privacy.

WEF said the summit built on the work of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Japan and the Forum’s global Network of centers in 13 countries.

The summit was opened by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who emphasized the timeliness of discussions among leaders on the implementation of digital technologies in the post-COVD era, WEF said. Suga also reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating reforms to create the world’s most advanced digital society.

The World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network will develop this work throughout 2021 and beyond, WEF said.

Following is a press release from WEF:

COVID-19 has radically transformed the role of IoT in just a few months. Connected devices have been useful tools for monitoring and containing the disease around the world and are expected to play a critical role in safely distributing future vaccines.

But the situation has also highlighted the need to strike a proper balance between the public interest in protecting health in the face of future pandemics and the need to ensure the full range of human rights, such as protecting freedom of expression, association and movement.

As societies emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, a unique window of opportunity has opened to reimagine our relationship with IoT, realize new opportunities for growth and unlock a safer and more inclusive use of the technology.

The economic impacts of COVID-19 are also shaking up the IoT ecosystem.

Business that prioritized IoT investment to monitor machine health are now using connected devices monitor and protect human health, while also investing in remote working capabilities and automation.

The IoT market is expected to grow even faster once the world enters a new post-COVID-19 business environment, thanks to the release of pent-up demand and new investment in technology to minimize impacts from future disruptions.

Conclusion: Charting a path to a brighter connected future
In response to the findings of this report, the World Economic Forum in partnership with the Global IoT Council has developed a Global Action Plan that aims to encourage collective action on the most pressing challenges the connected world currently faces.

IoT is already an indispensable part of our daily lives and fundamental infrastructure. As it grows in extent and capabilities, we must act if we want to realize the full potential of IoT.

The Global Action Plan is structured around a set of high-level actions, which are tied to related initiatives and commitments, learn more about those initiatives here.

The World Economic Forum in partnership with the Council on the Connected World intends to provide regular updates on the progress of the Global Action Plan. An updated and expanded version of this report will be published in two years in order to track progress of the Global Action Plan and stay abreast of emerging governance gaps.

“As the internet of things becomes a part of our daily lives, it is essential that we build upon the last three decades of learning from the World Wide Web, ensuring that these technologies create a digital future that is safe and empowering for everyone.”

—Adrian Lovett, President & CEO, World Wide Web Foundation

“As we become increasingly reliant on connected devices throughout our daily lives, privacy and security are of paramount importance. They will be crucial to the safe and secure digital transformation of industries throughout the next decade”

—Cristiano Amon, President, Qualcomm Incorporated

For more information:

The Internet of things describes the network of physical objects—“things” or objects—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. Wikipedia

Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Japan

Global Technology Governance Summit

Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network.

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Data experts to discuss new demands for global, trusted and reliable data serving a changing world under the pandemic

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New York, October 14 – Over 5,000 data experts will take part in a three-day workshop organized by the United Nations World Data Forum to boost data capacity and partnership to tackle the pandemic and meet a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The virtual October 19-21 forum will allow the experts from 100 countries to work “to identify innovative solutions for better data, intensify cooperation on data for sustainable development and renew the urgent call for more and better funding for data.”

The forum will open on October 19 with remarks by the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Federal Councillor of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Home Affairs Alain Berset, the CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Mark Suzman, and other special guests to be announced.
It is supported by the Swiss Confederation, with substantive help from the Federal Statistical Office, who will host the next physical meeting of the World Data Forum scheduled to take place in Bern on October 3-6. 2021.

“Recovering better from Covid-19 must be underpinned by quality data that tell us where we have been falling short. It is trusted data that allow us to see if we are heading in the right direction,“ said Liu Zhemin, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, who heads the secretariat for the forum. “More importantly, it is critical to leverage data and statistics to ensure that no one is left behind.”

“The 2020 virtual UN World Data Forum builds upon the momentum generated at the Forums in Cape Town and Dubai and provides a unique opportunity to identify solutions for better data and better financing for the development of data and statistical systems,” he said.

The first UN World Data Forum was hosted by Statistics South Africa in Cape Town, South Africa in January 2017 and the second forum was hosted by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority of the United Arab Emirates in October 2018 in Dubai.

Registration

To watch the live and pre-recorded sessions, get access to the exhibit spaces, and connect with the data and statistics community, register in 2 easy steps:
(1) Get your ticket here: UNDataForum.org and
(2) Create your profile by signing up to the Attendify platform using the instructions on your ticket

For Media: Media wishing to cover the Forum should register and check the accredited media box. For more details, see https://unstats.un.org/unsd/undataforum/media

More information
Event programme: https://unstats.un.org/unsd/undataforum/programme
Live-stream and pre-recorded sessions: watch on the Attendify platform
Event website: UNDataForum.org
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Corruption in global finance robs funds for development in poor countries, UN says

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New York September 24 – The United Nations plans to strengthen rules aimed at curbing corruption in the global finance which has drained hundreds of billions of dollars a year from funds that should have gone to humanitarian programs to assist poor countries.

Volkan Bozkir, president of the UN General Assembly, said a special conference on corruption will be held next year to strengthen rules aimed at demanding transparency and integrity in global finance. He said funds are needed to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which include ending poverty and boosting development and education in developing countries.

“We must begin these conversations now,” Bozkir said as a panel unveiled an interim report on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity for Achieving the 2030 Agenda (FACTI Panel). The panel is composed of former heads of state and government, past central bank governors, business and civil society leaders and prominent academics.

“The poorest and most vulnerable need all actors – governments, the public sector, business, and fellow citizens – to live up to their commitments and to contribute to achievement of our global goal,” Bozkir said. He provided support to promote the use of emerging technologies and data for result-oriented action.

“The use of technologies will be critical to make our global financial system and digital economy work for sustainable development. This will help strengthen both trust and transparency in finance for development.”

The interim report said tax abuse, money laundering and corruption plague global finance and it called on governments to take urgent reforms to tackle the widespread problems. But it said also that governments have failed to agree on the issue of corruption and measures to fight it.

The interim report estimated $500 billion losses to governments each year from profit-shifting enterprises and $7 trillion in private wealth hidden in haven countries, with 10% of world GDP held offshore. It estimated money laundering of around $1.6 trillion per year, or 2.7% of global GDP.

“Corruption and tax avoidance are rampant,” said Dr. Dalia Grybauskaitė, FACTI co-chair and former president of Lithuania. “Too many banks are in cahoots and too many governments are stuck in the past. We’re all being robbed, especially the world’s poor.”

“Trust in the finance system is essential to tackle big issues like poverty, climate change and COVID-19. Instead we get dithering and delay bordering on complicity.”

The panel said criminals have taken advantage of the Covid pandemic as governments focused on fighting the virus and relaxed controls over corruption.

“Our weakness in tackling corruption and financial crime has been further exposed by the COVID-19,” said Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, FACTI co-chair and ex-prime minister of Niger. “Resources to stop the spread, keep people alive and put food on tables are instead lost to corruption and abuse.”

Start of ITER assembly paves ways for fusion energy era

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Global E-waste Surging: Up 21% in 5 Years

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A record 53.6 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was produced globally in 2019,
the weight of 350 cruise ships the size of the Queen Mary 2;
$57 billion in gold and other components discarded – mostly dumped or burned

(Released from Bonn, Geneva, Vienna, London and Toronto
July 2, 2020
The report in full, including regional e-waste breakdowns, is available for media preview at https://bit.ly/3dFDZQQ
Post-embargo at: www.globalewaste.org
Video, photos, graphics, backgrounders: https://bit.ly/2AapxCI
Lead contact: Terry Collins, +1-416-878-8712, tc@tca.tc )

A record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide in 2019, up 21 per cent in just five years, according to the UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020.

The new report also predicts global e-waste — discarded products with a battery or plug — will reach 74 Mt by 2030, almost a doubling of e-waste in just 16 years. This makes e-waste the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream, fueled mainly by higher consumption rates of electric and electronic equipment, short life cycles, and few options for repair.

Only 17.4 per cent of 2019’s e-waste was collected and recycled. This means that gold, silver, copper, platinum and other high-value, recoverable materials conservatively valued at US $57 billion — a sum greater than the Gross Domestic Product of most countries – were mostly dumped or burned rather than being collected for treatment and reuse.

According to the report, Asia generated the greatest volume of e-waste in 2019, some 24.9 Mt, followed by the Americas (13.1 Mt) and Europe (12 Mt), while Africa and Oceania generated 2.9 Mt and 0.7 Mt respectively.

For perspective, last year’s e-waste weighed substantially more than all the adults in Europe, or as much as 350 cruise ships the size of the Queen Mary 2, enough to form a line 125 km long.

E-waste is a health and environmental hazard, containing toxic additives or hazardous substances such as mercury, which damages the human brain and / or coordination system.

Other key findings from the Global E-waste Monitor 2020:
• Proper e-waste management can help mitigate global warming. In 2019, an estimated 98 Mt of CO2-equivalents were released into the atmosphere from discarded fridges and air-conditioners, contributing roughly 0.3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions
• In per capita terms, last year’s discarded e-waste averaged 7.3 kg for every man, woman and child on Earth
• Europe ranked first worldwide in terms of e-waste generation per capita with 16.2 kg per capita. Oceania came second (16.1 kg) followed by the Americas (13.3 kg). Asia and Africa were much lower: 5.6 and 2.5 kg respectively
• E-waste is a health and environmental hazard, containing toxic additives or hazardous substances such as mercury, which damages the human brain and / or coordination system. An estimated 50 tonnes of mercury – used in monitors, PCBs and fluorescent and energy-saving light sources – are contained in undocumented flows of e-waste annually
• E-waste in 2019 was mainly comprised of small equipment (17.4 Mt), large equipment (13.1 Mt), and temperature exchange equipment (10.8 Mt). Screens and monitors, lamps, small IT, and telecommunication equipment represented 6.7 Mt, 4.7 Mt, and 0.9 Mt respectively
• Since 2014 the e-waste categories increasing fastest in total weight terms: temperature exchange equipment (+7 per cent), large equipment (+5 per cent), lamps and small equipment (+4 per cent). According to the report, this trend is driven by the growing consumption of those products in lower income countries, where those products improve the living standards. Small IT and telecommunication equipment have been growing more slowly, and screens and monitors have shown a slight decrease (-1 per cent), explained largely by lighter flat panel displays replacing heavy CRT monitors and screens

• Since 2014, the number of countries that have adopted a national e-waste policy, legislation or regulation in place has increased from 61 to 78. While a positive trend, this is far from the target set by the International Telecommunication Union which is to raise the percentage of countries with an e-waste legislation to 50 per cent

The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 (www.globalewaste.org) is a collaborative product of the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP), formed by UN University (UNU), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), in close collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) also substantially contributed to this year’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020.

Comments

“The findings of this year’s UNU-affiliated Global E-waste Monitor suggest that humanity is not sufficiently implementing the SDGs. Substantially greater efforts are urgently required to ensure smarter and more sustainable global production, consumption, and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. This report contributes mightily to the sense of urgency in turning around this dangerous global pattern.”

David M. Malone, Rector United Nations University (UNU) & UN Under Secretary General

“Far more electronic waste is generated than is being safely recycled in most parts of the world. More cooperative efforts are required to make aware of this increasing issue and take appropriate countermeasures supplement by appropriate research and training. I am pleased that UNITAR now joins this important Global E-waste Statistics Partnership of UNU, ITU and ISWA, illustrating how valuable these activities are.”

Nikhil Seth, Executive Director, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) & UN Assistant Secretary-General

”The Global E-waste Monitor highlights the pressing issue of e-waste management in today’s digitally connected world in that the way we produce, consume, and dispose of electronic devices has become unsustainable. Monitoring e-waste streams will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and tracking the implementation of the ITU Connect 2030 Agenda. The Monitor serves as a valuable resource for governments to improve their global e-waste recycling rate by developing the necessary/needed/required e-waste policies and legislation. ITU will continue to support the efforts made in this report towards the global response required in identifying solutions for e-waste.”

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

“E-waste quantities are rising 3 times faster than the world’s population and 13 per cent faster than the world’s GDP during the last five years. This sharp rise creates substantial environmental and health pressures and demonstrates the urgency to combine the fourth industrial revolution with circular economy. The fourth industrial revolution either will advance a new circular economy approach for our economies or it will stimulate further resource depletion and new pollution waves. The progress achieved in e-waste monitoring by the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership is a sign of hope that the world can manage not only to monitor closely the e-waste rise but also to control their impacts and set up proper management schemes”

Antonis Mavropoulos, President, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)

“Informal and improper e-waste recycling is a major emerging hazard silently affecting our health and that of future generations. One in four children are dying from avoidable environmental exposures. One in four children could be saved, if we take action to protect their health and ensure a safe environment. WHO is pleased to join forces in this new Global E-waste Monitor to allow evidence, information about health impacts and joint solutions and policies to be made available to protect our future generations’ health.”

Maria Neira, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health Department, World Health Organization (WHO)

Join the conversation on social media using hashtag #eWaste

Media contacts:
• Terry Collins, +1 416 878 8712; tc@tca.tc
• Ruediger Kuehr, Director UNU-ViE SCYCLE, +49 228 815 0213/4, kuehr@vie.unu.edu
• Monika Gehner, Head Strategic Communication Division, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Phone: +41 22 730 5459, Press line: +41 22 730 6039, E-mail: pressinfo@itu.int
• Georgiana Olivier, Communications Manager, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), +31 636 06 41 83, golivier@iswa.org

About the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP)

The GESP helps countries compile useful national policy-making statistics using an internationally-recognized harmonized measurement framework. The GESP convenes policy makers, statisticians, and industry representatives to enhance the quality, and their understanding and interpretation of e-waste data. At the global level, the GESP contributes to the monitoring of relevant waste streams, measuring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals 11.6, 12.4 and 12.5. The GESP allows international organizations, such as the ITU, to measure progress towards their goals. In 2018, the ITU established a target to increase the global e-waste recycling rate to 30 per cent by 2023 – a 12.6 per cent increase from today’s global average.

About the United Nations University (UNU)

UNU is an autonomous organ of the UN General Assembly dedicated to generating and transferring knowledge and strengthening capacities relevant to global issues of human security, development, and welfare. The University operates through a worldwide network of research and training centres and programmes, coordinated by UNU Centre in Tokyo.

The Bonn, Germany-based Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, co-hosted by UNU’s Vice Rectorate in Europe and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), provides world-class research and action on e-waste. SCYCLE aims to enable societies to reduce the environmental burden caused by the production, consumption and disposal of ubiquitous goods.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the specialized United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of over 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. For more information, visit: www.itu.int.

About the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

As a dedicated training arm of the United Nations System, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future. UNITAR was created in 1963 to train and equip young diplomats from newly-independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate through the diplomatic environment. Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training activities. We have become a leading institute in the provision of customized and creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both public and private sectors. With a strategy fully focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNITAR supports Governments to implement the 2030 Agenda.

About the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)

The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) is a global, independent and non-profit making association, working in the public interest promoting sustainable, comprehensive and professional waste management and the transition to a circular economy. ISWA is open to individuals and organisations from the scientific community, public institutions as well as and public and private companies from all over the world working in the field of or interested in waste management. ISWA is the only worldwide waste association that enables its members to network with professionals, companies and institutional representatives.

Terry Collins & Assoc., Twitter: @TerryCollinsTC, www.tca.tc, 295 Wright Ave., Toronto, Ontario M6R1L8 Canada
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