Building a Sustainable Future with Technology

The rapid development of ICT is leading us into an era of unprecedented prosperity and unlimited possibilities. As digital technologies like 5G and AI continue to push boundaries and become more widespread, the ICT industry is shifting from a vertical industry to one that underpins society.

It is spurring the intelligent and digital transformation of every industry, driving a new technological revolution. ICT will power inclusive, sustainable development. We hope to play a bigger role with our technologies and expertise in this process.

Inclusive technology: Leaving No One behind in the Digital World

Instead of widening the gap between rich and poor, technology should be used to resolve differences. Right now, about half the world’s population lacks access to the Internet, and many of those don’t even know how to use it.

If we do not act now, they will be left behind. At Huawei, we’re committed to promoting digital inclusion for all, so that no one is left behind.

The Solutions that Can Bridge the Gap

In 2019, we launched RuralStar Lite, a connectivity solution that greatly reduces site construction costs and connects more than 40 million people in remote areas. RuralStar Lite offers connectivity across all types of terrain, including plains, mountainous areas, deserts, and island chains.

Huawei has also worked with its partners to build the DigiTruck mobile digital classroom, providing digital skills training for those in remote regions in Kenya. In 2019, this program has already benefited nearly 800 people. In September 2019, I signed an MoU with the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa on behalf of Huawei. We will work together to take the DigiTruck to more countries and make digital skills accessible to all Africans.

Read more: Student Voices: Why We Need Access to Digital Skills

Building Security and Trustworthiness

Our survival depends on innovation. We invest heavily in basic research and engineering technologies, as this empowers us to provide secure products and services that will continue to win customer trust. This level of security and trustworthiness has enabled Huawei to move steadily forward despite external pressures.

In 2019, we made a concerted effort to enhance transparency and communicate more proactively with the world. We remain committed to the facts and sharing information openly. This past year, we invited journalists, researchers, experts, government officials, and other stakeholders from around the world to see with their own eyes what Huawei is truly about. Since it opened, the Huawei Cyber Security Transparency Centre in Brussels has received more than 160 groups from governments, customers, media outlets, industry organizations, and standards organizations, and it continues to offer a number of verification and testing services.

Huawei has built more than 1,500 networks in over 170 countries and regions that provide network services to more than 3 billion people. Supporting network stability has always been our mission and top priority. During emergencies like earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and even armed conflicts, Huawei employees hold fast in disaster zones to restore communications networks and support smooth network operations. Huawei’s efforts have contributed to the continuity of global ICT infrastructure.

Reducing Carbon Emissions with ICT

Huawei is working to build green products and solutions through continuous innovation. We aim to minimize our footprint while bringing convenience through technology such as our 5G Power solution. According to the results of a trial between Huawei and one of its Chinese customers, this solution can save up to 4,130 kWh of electricity per site per year. A similar trial with a European customer suggests that 5G Power can reduce energy use in each site by 50%.

In 2019, Huawei adopted the Intelligent Campus Energy Management Solution as part of its plan to digitalize campus management. Building on the Huawei Horizon Digital Platform’s intelligent analytics, we have developed a strategy for dynamically controlling campus energy consumption and supplying power where it is needed, cutting energy use by over 15%. In addition, we continue to promote the use of clean and renewable energy. In 2019, more than 1.25 billion kWh of the electricity we used came from clean energy sources, and over 13.5 million kWh of the electricity used on our campuses came from solar power.

Innovative ICT products and solutions are playing an increasingly important role in conserving energy and reducing emissions in various industries and contributing to a green and low-carbon society. We are driving the wider adoption of our smart PV solution worldwide, and helping countries transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. For example, the 300 MW PV plant in Argentina’s Jujuy Province, which was commissioned in October 2019, will generate 660 million kWh of electricity annually, enough to power 160,000 households.

Working with Partners

Huawei is an active, productive member of the communities in which we are present. We adopt a positive, diverse, and open approach to talent management and focus on developing local talent. In 2019, Huawei directly created more than 4,000 new jobs in local communities by recruiting locally. We buy from local suppliers as much as we can to promote local economic development. Over the past year, we organized more than 170 community programs for supporting environmental protection, training for ICT professionals, and direct donations. 

Huawei believes in openness and collaboration for shared success. We work with industry partners, such as our suppliers, to build a thriving industry ecosystem.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We believe that open collaboration is the only way to create a stronger ICT industry. So, we will continue to pursue sustainable development with our global partners.

Working Towards a Better, Sustainable Future

2020 has provided the world with a unique, unprecedented challenge. We will need to adapt to the increasingly complex external environment, while addressing the socioeconomic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more: The Pandemic, Governance & Technology: Impact & Bubbles

We are fully confident that we can overcome these challenges. We will stay the course and continue creating value for our customers and the broader global community. Huawei is ready to work with all its industry partners to promote sustainable economic, environmental, and social development. We are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. 

With our partners by our side, we can continue to stand tall, drive sustainable development, and build a better future.

Download our 2019 Sustainability Report and visit the Huawei TECH4ALL minisite to find out more about the projects, partnerships, and programs that we’re running to boost the environment, development, healthcare, and education.

Disclaimer: Any views and/or opinions expressed in this post by individual authors or contributors are their personal views and/or opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of Huawei Technologies.