Overview

The Digital Economy Report 2024: Shaping an Environmentally Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Future highlights the urgent need for sustainable strategies throughout the life cycle of digitalization. From raw material extraction and usage of digital technologies to waste generation, the report explores the nature and scale of the sector’s environmental footprint, which remains largely unassessed. What is apparent is that developing countries are suffering disproportionately from digitalization’s negative environmental effects, as well as missing out on economic developmental opportunities due to digital divides. UNCTAD calls for global policies involving all stakeholders to enable a more circular digital economy and reduced environmental footprints from digitalization, while ensuring inclusive development outcomes.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Responsible Consumption and Production

Partnerships for the Goals