Ban Ki-Moon highlights importance of IT in green economy
By Paul Smithson
25/10/2011
United Nations (UN) secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon has suggested IT plays a vital role in the development of green, sustainable economic growth.
In a video message to the International Telecommunications Union Telecom World 2011 event in Geneva, the UN representative noted that one of the great advantages of globalisation is the way it has allowed IT and communication technology to develop, reported IEWY News.
Through technological advances such as automated IT software the world is being transformed, according to Mr Ban, who pointed out that industry leaders can combine with government organisations to ensure that this progress reaches even those countries with little resources, allowing the spread of green innovation to cross borders regardless of wealth.
"By working together to apply technology to real-world issues, you will enable information and communications technologies to be a catalyst for social, economic and sustainable development. You will help us accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)," said the UN official.
The MDGs include work on children's health, poverty, AIDS, maternal health, sustainability, gender equality and education.
One issue that often goes unnoticed is the electronic waste produced by the constantly developing world of technology, with Third World countries often ending up as dumping grounds for such parts, according to Computerworld's Candice Labelle.
She urged chief information officers to have a long-term e-waste strategy in place, aiming to reduce consumption and using every opportunity to recycle or reuse parts.
