Page 51 - SAMENA Trends - December 2023

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

CST Announces the

Start of the “Develop-
ing E-Waste Manage-

ment Regulations”
initiative

The Communications, Space and
Technology Commission (CST)
announced the start of the “Developing
E-Waste Management Regulations”
initiative, launched in partnership with
the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU), to implement regulations
in Zambia, Rwanda, and Paraguay.
The announcement was made during
COP28, which was attended by
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Altamimi, CST
Governor, Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas,
Deputy Secretary-General of the ITU
and representatives of beneficiary
countries. CST indicated that this
initiative aims to reinforce the
Kingdom's ongoing commitment to lead
global efforts in digital sustainability,
accelerate the transition to green
practices by introducing regulations
that promote a circular economy; in
addition to offering innovative solutions
for mitigating e-waste globally, which
currently amounts 54 million tons
annually, only 17% of which is recycled.
In addition, Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas,
Deputy Secretary-General of the
ITU, highlighted the importance
of creating strong regulations and
legislation to address the e-waste in
both the private and public sectors,
and transition to the circular economy,
which is one of the top solutions in
facing the negative impact of e-waste
on the environment. Moreover, Mr.
Lamanauskas encouraged the adoption
and implementation of such regulations
by all regulators, to accelerate the
shift towards green practices. CST
participated at COP28 to promote
Saudi Arabia's endeavors to lead global
efforts in enabling digital sustainability,
which is in line with the Kingdom's
transformation to circular economy,
as it has worked on several qualitative
initiatives that have contributed to
raising awareness and publicizing
the best technology practices for a
sustainable future and society.

51 DECEMBER 2023