Ports are major energy consumers and sources of emissions. The energy mix of ports needs to transition towards more sustainable solutions. New business models and opportunities can support solutions for the green transition and decarbonization.
In addition, the digital transition triggers a new era of smart ports. New digital technologies enhance operational capacity by improving infrastructure, addressing environmental risks, anticipating changes and boosting competitiveness by enabling faster and more accurate decision-making.
Discussions at this event will address the future-proofing of ports; explore strategies for enhancing port resilience while adapting to evolving energy and digital landscapes; and address how solutions can account for local contexts, to increase resilience.
In line with the policy recommendations in Review of Maritime Transport 2024 on continued port development through decarbonization and digitalization, discussions will also address the challenges linked to the energy and digital transitions, particularly among countries in the Global South, share best practices and boost knowledge, for elaborating sustainable port strategies for the future.
Programme
Opening remarks: UNCTAD Secretary-General/Deputy Secretary-General
High-level panel and interactive discussion
Questions:
- What challenges do the energy and digital transitions create for ports in the Global South?
- Which investments should ports prioritize to successfully navigate the energy and digital transitions?
- What role should government policy and international frameworks play in supporting the efforts of ports to modernize and decarbonize? Are current regulations facilitating progress?
- What are best practices and lessons learned from ports that are more advanced in the energy and digital transitions?
Moderators: Lili Flour, Consultant, TrainForTrade, and Mark Assaf, Chief, Human Resources Development Section TrainForTrade
