Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Uzair Farooqi, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Edmon Chung, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Kenneth Leung, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Waqar Ahmad, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Edmon Chung, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Kenneth Leung, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Waqar Ahmad, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A roundtable format allows for open dialogue, fostering dynamic exchanges between industry experts, policymakers, and technical stakeholders. This format ensures inclusivity and active participation, enabling attendees to share best practices, discuss policy frameworks, and develop collaborative strategies for advancing sustainable network infrastructure.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A roundtable format allows for open dialogue, fostering dynamic exchanges between industry experts, policymakers, and technical stakeholders. This format ensures inclusivity and active participation, enabling attendees to share best practices, discuss policy frameworks, and develop collaborative strategies for advancing sustainable network infrastructure.
Policy Question(s)
A. What are the key policy and regulatory measures needed to drive the transformation of network infrastructure through circular economy principles?
B. How can industry leaders, governments, and policymakers collaborate to establish global governance frameworks for sustainable network transformation?
C. What strategies and incentives can be introduced to encourage telecom operators and technology providers to embrace circular economy models for long-term sustainability?
D. How can multi-stakeholder collaboration, including governments, private sector, and civil society, facilitate the widespread adoption of circular economy models in network infrastructure?
E. What technological innovations can help optimize resource efficiency and lifecycle management in network equipment?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how circular economy principles can drive sustainable network infrastructure transformation. They will explore real-world case studies, innovative policies, and regulatory frameworks that support sustainable ICT development. The session will provide valuable insights into industry best practices, emerging governance frameworks, and technological innovations that enable resource-efficient and resilient digital networks.
Additionally, participants will engage with global stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and technical experts, fostering meaningful collaborations to advance circular economy models in networking. The session will equip attendees with practical strategies and action points to advocate for sustainable infrastructure policies and implement circular networking principles in their respective domains. By the end of the session, participants will be well-prepared to contribute to digital sustainability efforts and promote long-term solutions for environmentally responsible ICT infrastructure.
SDGs
Description:
The increasing demand for digital connectivity has necessitated a fundamental transformation in how network infrastructure is designed, deployed, and maintained. The traditional linear model of network development, where equipment is manufactured, used, and discarded, is no longer sustainable. The circular economy model represents a transformative shift, ensuring that network hardware is reused, refurbished, and sustainably managed throughout its lifecycle. However, the ICT sector still lacks comprehensive policies, global standards, and widespread incentives to implement these principles at scale. This session will bring together network engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how circular economy models can drive the transformation of network infrastructure in a sustainable and scalable manner. It will examine global governance efforts, industry collaborations, and regulatory frameworks that facilitate sustainable networking solutions. Discussions will focus on transforming outdated network infrastructure, implementing innovative policies for refurbishing and reusing equipment, standardizing sustainable practices across different regions, and identifying the role of governance in ensuring long-term sustainability. By fostering a multi-stakeholder dialogue, this session aims to facilitate global collaboration on transforming digital infrastructure, ensuring long-term connectivity solutions that are environmentally responsible and economically viable. Participants will engage in discussions on best practices, case studies, and technical innovations, leaving with concrete strategies to implement circular economy principles in network engineering and policy-making.
The increasing demand for digital connectivity has necessitated a fundamental transformation in how network infrastructure is designed, deployed, and maintained. The traditional linear model of network development, where equipment is manufactured, used, and discarded, is no longer sustainable. The circular economy model represents a transformative shift, ensuring that network hardware is reused, refurbished, and sustainably managed throughout its lifecycle. However, the ICT sector still lacks comprehensive policies, global standards, and widespread incentives to implement these principles at scale. This session will bring together network engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how circular economy models can drive the transformation of network infrastructure in a sustainable and scalable manner. It will examine global governance efforts, industry collaborations, and regulatory frameworks that facilitate sustainable networking solutions. Discussions will focus on transforming outdated network infrastructure, implementing innovative policies for refurbishing and reusing equipment, standardizing sustainable practices across different regions, and identifying the role of governance in ensuring long-term sustainability. By fostering a multi-stakeholder dialogue, this session aims to facilitate global collaboration on transforming digital infrastructure, ensuring long-term connectivity solutions that are environmentally responsible and economically viable. Participants will engage in discussions on best practices, case studies, and technical innovations, leaving with concrete strategies to implement circular economy principles in network engineering and policy-making.
Expected Outcomes
This session aims to establish a clear roadmap for the adoption of circular economy principles in network infrastructure. It will lead to industry-wide guidelines that promote the shift from traditional infrastructure development to more sustainable and circular models. Participants will collaboratively identify key challenges and solutions that affect global implementation while discussing policy recommendations for governments, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
Furthermore, this workshop will facilitate cross-sector partnerships that enhance knowledge exchange and innovation in sustainable ICT infrastructure. Through dialogue and interactive discussions, attendees will contribute to shaping future policies, best practices, and governance models that ensure the long-term sustainability of digital networks. The session will serve as a foundation for ongoing discussions and potential follow-up initiatives aimed at scaling circular economy frameworks at regional and global levels.
Hybrid Format: To ensure an engaging hybrid session, we will adopt an interactive approach that integrates both onsite and online participants through:
Live Q&A and real-time polling using platforms like Slido to gather insights and ensure active participation.
Moderated chat and live digital collaboration tools (Miro, Jamboard) to facilitate discussions and capture key takeaways.
Interactive case study presentations to provide tangible examples of circular networking models in action.
This approach ensures equal engagement opportunities for all participants, maximizing their contributions and fostering a truly inclusive dialogue.