news
News
23 November 2023

Sustainable IT Day

The 2023 edition of the Sustainable IT Day is jointly organized by the State of Geneva, the University of Geneva, the HES-SO Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute. Each of these institutions is offering activities on December 6.

Discover the challenges of digital responsibility

In a world where digital technology plays a central role, public institutions have a crucial role to play in promoting digital responsibility, and must act on the negative environmental, social, economic and political consequences of digital technology.

Indeed, the digital sector is responsible for almost 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that could double by 2025. The principle of digital sobriety aims to reduce the ecological footprint of information technologies.

With 15% of the world's population living with a disability, digital accessibility remains insufficient. Moreover, gender disparities in access to and use of digital technologies, as well as in digital-related careers, remain significant. Digital technology represents both a challenge and an opportunity for greater inclusion.

A few digital giants control a significant share of the world's data and digital infrastructure, raising political and economic concerns. By promoting local and ethical alternatives, institutions can help strengthen the digital sovereignty of our societies.

Faced with these challenges, the commitment of institutions to digital responsibility is more than a necessity: it's an imperative for a more sustainable, equitable and autonomous society.

 

Conference - Bridging the digital divide

In the presence of Madame Carole-Anne Kast, State Councillor for Digital Affairs, the conference brings together experts, practitioners and decision-makers to discuss inequalities in access to and use of digital technologies in various communities.  

The academic round table, entitled "Panser la Fracture Numérique", focuses on gaining an in-depth understanding of the digital divide and presenting concrete actions currently being taken to address it. Participants, including Moira Faul, senior lecturer at IHEID and executive director of NORRAG,  will explore the underlying causes of this divide: socioeconomic, geographical and educational disparities. They will highlight innovative and effective initiatives to increase digital accessibility. The aim is to share knowledge, inspire practical solutions and foster collaboration for a more inclusive and equitable digital future.