The Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES)
What is CODES?
Founded in 2021, the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES) is a global, multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to driving an inclusive and sustainability-oriented digital transformation. Mandated by the UN Secretary-General and working closely with the UN Office of the Envoy on Technology, CODES focuses on advancing environmental digital sustainability by bringing together diverse actors to share knowledge, set priorities, and take collective action. CODES provides resources and opportunities for its global network of contributors to strengthen capacities and collaborate across sectors, ensuring that the digital revolution supports - rather than undermines - environmental and social sustainability.
đź”—Learn more here: About Us | Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainabilty
How might HEIs benefit from this Initiative?
For HEIs, CODES represents an important opportunity to engage in shaping the future of sustainable digital transformation. Universities and research centers can play a leading role by collaborating with CODES to align research, teaching, and innovation with global sustainability goals. Through this engagement, HEIs can connect with international partners, access open resources for digital sustainability research and capacity building, and empower students and researchers to participate in setting global priorities for sustainable digital development.
What does the work of CODES entail?
To anchor its work, CODES has launched nine Impact Initiatives that focus on three core goals: Align, Mitigate, and Accelerate. These initiatives aim to integrate sustainability principles into digital systems and governance, reduce the environmental footprint of digital technologies, and leverage digital innovation to enable sustainability across all sectors.
Align – Align the global practice and discourse around digital advancement with sustainable development
- World Commission on Sustainability in the Digital Age
- Sustainable AI Initiative Hubs
- Education for Digital Sustainable Development
Mitigate – Reduce the negative impacts of digital advancement
- Harmonization of Digital Companies’ GHG Inventories
- Sustainable Procurement and Green Digital Infrastructure Pledge
- Digitalization for Circular Economy Initiative
Accelerate – Redirect digital innovation to accelerate sustainable development
- Digital Sustainability Innovation Hubs and Accelerators
- Data and Assessments as Digital Public Goods for Sustainability
- Digital Public Infrastructure to Accelerate a Green and Just Transition
Why get involved?
By engaging with CODES, HEIs can contribute their expertise and innovation to a growing global movement that seeks to ensure the digital age becomes a powerful driver of environmental sustainability, equity, and resilience.
đź”—Learn more here: Get Involved | Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability