Huawei has successfully brought digital access to 90 million people residing in remote regions across nearly 80 countries. This achievement aligns with Huawei’s commitment to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition, marking a pivotal moment since the company joined the coalition last year.
The announcement took place at Huawei’s 2023 Sustainability Forum, where Dr. Liang Hua, Chairman of the Board of Huawei, emphasized the importance of next-generation digital infrastructure in driving socio-economic development.
Drawing parallels with physical infrastructure like roads, Dr. Liang highlighted that digital infrastructure is crucial for sustainable development across all sectors.
The forum, themed “Thriving Together with Tech: Realizing Sustainable Development,” gathered key figures such as Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary-General of ITU, and Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Representatives from telecommunications ministries and regulators, including those from Pakistan and Ghana, explored how digital infrastructure can contribute to building a greener and more inclusive intelligent world.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, echoing Dr. Liang’s sentiments, emphasized the need to harmonize technology and sustainable development, stating, “Let’s thrive together with tech. Let’s build a digital future that advances progress for people and the planet.”
Recognizing the significance of digital talent in fostering technological innovation, Huawei has deepened its partnership with ITU.
The company will launch the “ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme in Partnership with Huawei,” a three-year fellowship open for applications early next year. This initiative aims to support 30 young visionaries (aged 18-28) annually from around the world, empowering them to use digital technology for community development.
Jeff Wang, President of Huawei’s Public Affairs and Communications Department, expressed pride in partnering with ITU for this cause. The fellowship participants will receive financial support for their projects, mentoring from ITU and Huawei experts, and opportunities to participate in joint events.
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, praised the partnership, emphasizing the role of digital in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He looks forward to the global impact of this innovative project, where young people will contribute and lead in the evolving digital ecosystem.
The Partner2Connect (P2C) Coalition, initiated by ITU, aims to drive meaningful connectivity and digital transformation globally, prioritizing underserved communities. Huawei, having signed the global commitment last year, aims to bring connectivity to approximately 120 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries by 2025.
Notably, Huawei has already provided 2,066 training opportunities in Cambodia, the first P2C partner country, in collaboration with local ministries and universities.
