PAHO Procurement and Supply Management’s Post

PAHO joins the Circular and Fair ICT Pact On September 11, PAHO became the first UN-related agency to join the Circular & Fair ICT Pact (CFIT), an international procurement-led partnership aimed at accelerating circularity, fairness, and sustainability within Information and Communications Technology (ICT) supply chains. The ICT industry, particularly the production of cell phones and computers, is a major source of carbon emissions globally, accounting for 2 to 4% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with this figure on the rise. Additionally, this sector relies on a range of rare minerals, whose mining, production, and disposal can have significant environmental, human rights, and labor rights impacts. Currently, only a small fraction of these materials is effectively reused or recycled. The CFIT offers an opportunity to advance a circular economy by promoting the renting, reusing, and recycling of materials and products, thereby extending their lifecycle. It also provides the chance to connect with large-scale buyer groups, enabling PAHO to engage with the industry and influence future innovations. “PAHO is committed to supporting its Member States in strengthening and digitizing health systems. This support involves acquiring thousands of laptops, computers, tablets, and phones, not only for these health systems but also for PAHO’s operations across its 27 country offices and headquarters,” explains Kristan Beck PAHO’s Director of Administration. PAHO now will be able enhance its ability to implement sustainable procurement practices, contributing to a reduction in environmental impact and setting a benchmark for responsible ICT acquisition across the UN system. “By joining the Pact, PAHO aims to collaborate with partners to adopt best practices that mitigate environmental and social impacts, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable procurement and reducing the carbon footprint of ICT throughout its lifecycle,” adds Daniel Rodriguez PAHO’s Director of Procurement & Supply Management. Extending the life and use of a computer or phone from 4 to 6 years can save up to 30% of carbon emissions. The decision to join the CFIT aligns with PAHO's ongoing commitment to sustainability under its PAHO Green Agenda and the PAHO Forward initiative, further demonstrating its leadership in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development within the ICT sector. For more information on CFIT, visit: Circular & Fair ICT (CFIT) Pact Pan American Health Organization Marieke Weerdesteijn

  • diagram

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics