In our current world Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an indispensable resource just for everything. However, there are large obstacles in procuring ICT in a manner that is sustainable. Throughout the whole supply chain, from mining to manufacturing, there are many unsustainable activities linked to ICT. How can we, as consumers and procurers of such products, aim to mitigate the negative impact the industry has on the environment and workers.<\/p>\n
There are several steps involved in the full supply chain of ICT and it starts with the mining of the minerals used in our
\ndevices. In their rush for raw materials, mining multinationals often harm human rights, demolish the environment and put the future of local communities on the line. Many of these operations take place in land inhabited by indigenous groups, hence, further exploiting social groups that are already vulnerable. Furthermore, mining corporations often use their influence to threaten and harass people that are defending their lands.<\/p>\n
The mined minerals are shipped around the world to be assembled in countries that often have poor work standards. Due to cheap and unregulated labor and low tax costs such locations are highly beneficial for the tech companies to operate in.<\/p>\n
In the last step, the finished product is shipped around the world for public consumption. The same products are also a key part of many institutions around the world and especially in Europe and North America. We strive towards a vision where all parts of the supply chain will receive a more secure and more sustainable way of conducting these activities. The Government of Flanders targets to achieve 100% sustainable public procurement by 2020, a very ambitious initiative that could set a precedent for other public buyers. Much of the responsibility lies in the hands of the people demanding the product that a supplier provides; hence, the same people also have power in deciding how that product is created.<\/p>\n
The public sector has the chance to have an impact on the supply chain in its role as consumer. Public sector organizations value social responsibility and sustainability along with transparency and fair competition. They are large consumers of ICT hardware such as portable and desktop computers, printers, display screens, and media storage, and purchase these products through long-term contracts. They can, therefore, create market opportunities for companies that commit to respect labor rights and safety standards in global supply chains, and hold them accountable for any failure to do so.<\/p>\n
Therefore, this symposium is going to focus on how this supply chain can be made more sustainable. How can the security of local populations and their ecosystems where the mines are located, be ensured? How can the workers of the manufacturing companies be provided with a safer work environment and reasonable pay? And how can we as public buyers and individual consumers contribute to this process?<\/p>\n
PROGRAMME:<\/p>\n
09h30-10h00 Reception of the guests
\n10h00-10h10 Welcome – Dr. Johan Eyckmans, Dean of the faculty FEB
\n Introduction by Charlotte Christiaens (CATAPA) and
\n prof. Marc Craps (KU Leuven)<\/p>\n
Part 1: Problem definition<\/p>\n
10h00-11h30 Panel on impact of mining
\n Moderator: Boris Verbrugge (KU Leuven)
\n Speaker 1: Eugenia Robles Mengoa (Antwerp
\n University – Artisanal Mining in Colombia)
\n Speaker 2: Oscar Choque (NGO Ayni – Socio-
\n Economy of conventional mining in Bolivia)
\n Speaker 3: Norma Luza Ampis (TRIFPSS – Social
\n and environmental impact of metallurgic mining in the
\n Carage region, Philippines)<\/p>\n
11h35-12h25 Panel on impact of assembling
\n Moderator: Jeroen Merk (University of Edinburgh)
\n Speaker 1: Peter Pawlicki (Electronics Watch –
\n Conditions and labour rights in ICT)
\n Speaker 2: Laura Morel (Recy-call – The social and
\n environmental impact of electronics in the Global
\n South)<\/p>\n
12h30-13h30 Network lunch<\/p>\n
13h30-13h50 Declaration of intent by Silke van Caenegem (CATAPA)<\/p>\n
Part 2: Hands-on sessions<\/p>\n
13h50-15h50 Two round tables with introducing keynote and plenary
\n Table 1: What is the most strategic way to create
\n impact as a public buyer?
\n Speakers: Helena Vanderkerckhove (Tri Finance) &
\n Peter Pawlicki (Electroncis Watch)<\/p>\n
Table 2: How to create support for sustainable
\n procurement in your organisation?
\n Speaker: Karen de Geyndt (KU Leuven – Creating
\n support within the organisation)<\/p>\n
15h50-16h20 Concluding remarks with Q&A session – prof. Marc
\n Craps (KU Leuven)<\/p>\n
16h20 Network reception<\/p>\n
SUBSCRIPTION:
\nBy email to events@catapa.be<\/p>\n
Conference fee is 25 euro. Please transfer before the 9th of March to IBAN: BE49 979528617871.
\nSubject: \u201cSymposium ICT Supply Chain\u201d<\/p>\n
This workshop is part of the Make ICT Fair and FAIR ICT Flanders Project.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"