Source organisation:

Climate Technology Centre and Network

Objective:

Adaptation

Mitigation

Cross-sectoral enabler:

Innovation & RDD

Publication date:

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

December 6, COP28, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Over 30 global leaders, policymakers, and experts attended the Digital Readiness Dialogue organized by the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism. Held under the theme "Digital readiness of developing countries: how it can accelerate climate action," the dialogue delved into crucial discussions on the role of digital readiness in advancing global efforts against climate change.

Digital technologies play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment. Digital innovation can unlock new types of interventions that were not possible before. The instant exchange of information, decentralized intelligence, and automation, all at significantly lower costs, hold the potential to propel developing countries towards a smart, resilient, and green future.

The high-level dialogue, featuring thought leaders and experts, delved into lessons learned and best practices concerning digital readiness for climate action in developing countries.  Adopting a digital readiness lens in all digital technology interventions is crucial to ensure user-centric development and create ownership to fit digital tools to the needs of developing countries for long-lasting climate impact.

Katja Kammerer, Director for Public Sector Liaison / Client Liaison and Business Development at GIZ, welcomed participants, emphasizing that "Digital readiness is not merely about adopting technology; it's about unlocking the transformative power of digital solutions to drive a sustainable transition." She highlighted GIZ's commitment to a comprehensive, context-specific and human-centered approach, working collaboratively to ensure that “digital transformation becomes a catalyst for positive change in the lives of people in developing countries.”

Ambrosio Yobánolo del Real, Vice-Chair of the Technology Executive Committee, reiterated the TEC's commitment to advancing digital readiness as a key catalyst for transformative change. He noted, "Through the TEC's Joint Work Programme and strategic partnerships, we aim not only to understand challenges but also to co-create solutions empowering nations to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital landscape."

Rajiv Garg, CTCN Director a.i, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that "The Programme of Work of the CTCN is strategically aligned to leverage digital innovation." He reiterated the importance of prioritizing the Least Developing Countries for CTCN technical assistance, emphasizing the ability to accelerate climate action and promote a future that is both sustainable and equitable. He pointed out, “For Least Developing Countries, digitalization is not just a pathway; it is a lifeline, offering new possibilities for interventions that were previously out of reach.”

Showcasing a commitment to enhancing digital readiness and guiding future interventions, the CTCN, in collaboration with the South Korean National Institute for Green Technologies (NIGT) and the US American George Washington University, designed the Digital Readiness Index (DRI) to address the digital divide by assessing the digital readiness of developing countries in their climate action.

Moving forward, steps have already been taken for the digital readiness assessment, and subsequent phases of the DRI are planned with the initial phase, focusing on ‘Energy Systems, aligning with one of the five system transformation areas of the CTCN’s Programme of Work 2023-2027.

The Digital Readiness Dialogue, organized by the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism at COP28 in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), underscores the collective commitment to leveraging digitalization for positive change and paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future.

Watch the recording here.