International Conference Discusses Green Technology Innovation and Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future
UIN Jakarta, UIN News Online - The International Conference on Innovative Interdisciplinary Science for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future has held its second session on Thursday (12/9) afternoon in Jakarta. The session titled “Green Technology and Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future” featured two keynote speakers from overseas, attracting the attention of academics, industry practitioners, and policy makers.
Associate Professor Ritesh Chugh from the Central Queensland University, Australia, opened the session with an in-depth presentation on the issue of greenwashing in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. Chugh highlighted the practices of ICT companies that often exaggerate their sustainability efforts.
“Greenwashing has become a widespread phenomenon in the ICT industry. Many companies exaggerate their sustainability efforts, but actually lack clear accountability,” said Chugh. He added, “There are significant gaps in e-waste management and carbon reduction initiatives that need to be addressed.”
Chugh emphasized the importance of accurate and transparent sustainability reporting. “Without transparency and accuracy in reporting, we will not be able to make meaningful progress towards greener ICT practices,” he emphasized. However, he also acknowledged the limitations of his research which primarily focused on large ICT companies and may not have fully captured smaller or emerging ICT business practices.
The session was followed by Prof. Ayesha Farooq from Aligarh Muslim University, India, who presented on the development of the non-oil sector in the Gulf region. In her presentation, Farooq highlighted the dynamics of economic change taking place in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
“The current renewable energy boom seems to restore the leadership position that GCC countries lost after the 1990s,” Farooq said. He added, “Sustainable energy is one of the niches where Gulf countries can achieve real competitive advantage, based on the rationality of local energy conservation and utilization of their geo-economic position.”
Farooq also described the variety of economic diversification efforts among GCC countries. “Saudi Arabia, for example, is starting to develop its mining and petrochemical industries. However, we need to look at the significant impact of these industries on energy and the environment,” he explained. He then compared the United Arab Emirates which is considered more successful in diversification, with Dubai as a model of non-oil economic development.
“Dubai manages to generate most of its state income through the tourism sector and its large immigrant population. This shows that proper economic diversification can reduce dependence on oil while promoting sustainable growth,” Farooq added.
The event, which was attended by over 200 participants from various backgrounds, also included a lively Q&A session. Participants enthusiastically asked questions and shared experiences related to the implementation of green technology and circular economy in their respective countries.
By the end of the second session, the conference participants understood the importance of integrating green technology and circular economy principles in creating a sustainable future. The speakers hoped that this discussion could inspire concrete actions and further innovations in various sectors to face global environmental and economic challenges.
The conference, which runs from 13.00 to 15.00 WIB, is organized by the International Cooperation Center of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta with a number of partners. And let's see the full details on the zoom live stream at the following link;
https://www.youtube.com/live/AO1LYPieRjg?si=CfcswP9TbZIposnd
(Rizkiyah Gustiana/Fauziah M./Dzihan Aufa Kilmi Firdausi)