On 4 August, key players in the area of global development, including the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) represented by GIZ East African Community (EAC-GIZ) Cluster, GIZ Digital Global, the Academic Society for Appropriate Technology (ASAT), the Korea National Institute of Green Technology (NIGT), the World Bank, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), held a joint meeting at the former Statehouse Lodge, EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The purpose of the meeting was to explore collaboration potential around an increasingly sustainable technological advancement. Through better and appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks we can minimize the risks of climate change and seize the full potential of green & digital transformation. In particular, this gathering aimed to drive forward the cause of capacity building on green and digital transformation to facilitate better policies and better implementation of such policies.
The meeting, held in a hybrid format, attracted representatives from each organisation, comprising experts in environmental conservation, digital innovation, and sustainable development. Due to large overlaps in their activities on digital skills, green and digital transformation and capacity building, many projects can be conducted more effectively by joining efforts. Such collaboration started exactly one year ago in August 2022, when GIZ Digital Global signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ASAT and NIGT on green and digital capacity building, (academic) exchange and potential joint projects.
During the discussions, the attendees highlighted the need for action to combat climate change and sustainable technologies. They emphasized the importance of Twin Transition - leveraging digital solutions while driving green transition towards an environmentally friendly society and economy.
Collaboration among these organisations signifies the pooling of expertise, resources, and innovative ideas for a unified approach to tackling global challenges. For example, the Korean organizations ASAT and NIGT bring a high expertise in research on sustainable technologies and innovation, whereas UNEP and UNSSC, virtually represented by Samant Veer Kakkar and Nimrat Kaur, both Learning & Training Specialists for Sustainable Development, are extremely experienced in learning unit design. GIZ Digital Global and the World Bank, virtually represented by Sara Ballan (Senior Digital Development Specialist with Focus on Green and Digital), have already successfully trained many policy makers in digital transformation and agile regulation, the GIZ EAC have the best regional knowledge and partner network. By synergizing efforts, the organisations aim to improve current and create new initiatives that can bring about tangible change in the most vulnerable regions.
Furthermore, the attendees stressed the importance of capacity building and knowledge exchange programs among partnering organisations. After having made this important first connection, the participants agreed to continue working towards the vision of comprehensive and impactful capacity building on green and digital transformation.
The meeting represents an important step towards the integration of green and digital principles into joint global development agendas, setting the stage for a more resilient, equitable, and eco-friendly world and technology.