The Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) and Tencent, a major Chinese tech company, are teaming up to launch a new platform at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil this November. This platform aims to connect the urgent needs of climate change with innovative solutions from businesses around the world.
Luis Neves, the CEO of GeSI, shared this exciting news during his recent trip to China. He sees this platform as an important marketplace for companies to share their innovations, making it available to all GeSI members and other global participants.
Currently, GeSI includes about 50 major corporate members, mostly from Europe and the U.S. However, only seven are based in mainland China, such as Huawei and ZTE. Neves hopes to attract more Chinese companies to join and wishes to establish a permanent presence in China, recognizing its significant role in the global economy and sustainability initiatives.
Neves has witnessed immense growth in China’s digital industry since his first visit in 2002. He believes no other sector has transformed as rapidly as digital technology, enhancing sustainability and growth in areas like education, healthcare, and energy efficiency. The innovations from Chinese firms are particularly inspiring, showing the potential for other countries to learn from their advancements.
Neves points out that the digital sector can significantly reduce global carbon emissions. Research conducted by GeSI indicates that while the information and communications technology industry accounts for about 2% of global emissions, digital solutions could reduce emissions by up to ten times that figure.
The mission of GeSI has been to harmonize digital technologies with various sectors, such as energy and education, to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Neves is optimistic about the upcoming platform, hoping Chinese companies will showcase their scalable innovations. He’s particularly interested in solutions that improve energy efficiency, artificial intelligence applications, and green technologies.
As digital tools become more integrated into everyday life, the potential for reducing emissions and improving sustainability increases significantly. Neves emphasizes that collaboration between companies and policymakers worldwide is crucial for understanding and maximizing the impact of these technologies.
Recent surveys show that 77% of companies are now prioritizing sustainability in their operations, demonstrating a global shift towards greener practices driven by technological innovation. This movement reflects a growing awareness that businesses play an essential role in combating climate change.
For more information on sustainable practices and the role of technology, you can explore recent findings from the United Nations and GeSI.
