[November 21, 2023, Dongguan, China] Following its promise to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition, Huawei said that it has already connected 90 million individuals in remote locations in over 80 countries. Huawei made the statement as part of its first progress report since joining the Coalition last year.
The statement was made by Dr. Liang Hua, Chairman of the Board of Huawei, during the company’s 2023 Sustainability Forum, which is themed “Thriving Together with Tech: Realizing Sustainable Development.” Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General; Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Development; and representatives from telecommunications ministries and regulators, including some from Pakistan and Ghana, also attended the event. Participants discussed how digital infrastructure may better promote sustainable development and contribute to the creation of a greener, more inclusive, and intelligent society.
“Next-generation digital infrastructure, such as connectivity and computing power, is as important as physical infrastructure, such as roads, in driving socioeconomic development.” This new infrastructure will be critical to the long-term growth of society as a whole, according to Dr. Liang. “In the digital economy, computing is a key driver of productivity.” Accelerated computer infrastructure deployment will aid in the digital transformation of many businesses and foster closer integration of the digital and real economies. This can help to foster global economic stability and long-term growth.”
To Dr. Liang’s point, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin added, “Let us not choose between technology and sustainable development.” We require both! Let’s prosper with technology together. Let us work together to create a digital future that fosters development for people and the earth.”
Huawei is convinced that digital talent is critical to future technological progress. To promote more digital participation and the development of future leaders, Huawei has expanded its cooperation with ITU by creating the “ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme in Partnership with Huawei.”
The fellowship, which will last three years, will be up for applications early next year. Every year, 30 young visionaries (aged 18-28) from across the world will receive funding to assist their ideas that employ digital technology to advance community development.
“Huawei is proud to partner with ITU for this important cause, and to see young visionaries making a tangible impact for digital inclusion all over the world,” said Jeff Wang, President of Huawei’s Public Affairs and Communications Department. Participants will get financial assistance for their initiatives, coaching from ITU and Huawei specialists, and opportunity to participate in joint events.”
“Through ITU and Huawei’s joint efforts, young people will learn, contribute, and lead in the digital world,” stated Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau. “Digital is a requirement for accelerating SDG achievement.” We encourage young people to push the boundaries of the expanding global digital ecosystem and make transformational contributions. I am grateful to Huawei for this wonderful collaboration, and I eagerly await the worldwide effect of this unique endeavor.”
The ITU-launched P2C Coalition promotes meaningful connection and digital transformation internationally, with a focus on rural populations in countries and areas with limited digital access. Huawei joined the worldwide pledge last year, with the objective of connecting 120 million people in rural locations across more than 80 nations by 2025. In conjunction with local ministries and colleges, Huawei has given 2,066 training opportunities in Cambodia, the ITU’s first P2C partner nation.
