Bridging the Digital Divide: Huawei’s 2023 CSD Forum Highlights the Path to Sustainable Development

At the forefront of digital innovation and sustainability, Huawei’s 2023 CSD Forum, themed “Thrive Together with Tech: Realizing Sustainable Development,” served as a global stage for thought leaders to advocate for a more inclusive and sustainable digital world.

Liang Hua, Chairman of Huawei, outlined the company’s vision for a future where digital infrastructure is as fundamental as roads, underpinning socio-economic development. He emphasized the necessity of connecting remote and rural areas, revealing that Huawei’s ICT solutions had already connected 90 million people in remote areas across nearly 80 countries​​.

Zhou Jun, President of ICT Marketing at Huawei, addressed the digital divide, stressing the need for digital technology to make the world more equal and sustainable. Jun showcased Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative’s impact on education and environmental protection, highlighting significant projects like the RuralStar in Ghana, which has extended connectivity to millions, thereby enhancing the rural economy​​.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU, praised Huawei for its commitment to the ITU’s mission, particularly noting the pledges made under the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition. She underscored the urgent need for universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation to accelerate the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals​​.

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava of the ITU celebrated the launch of the Generation Connect Youth Leadership Programme in partnership with Huawei. This initiative exemplifies ITU’s dedication to youth empowerment in the digital age, aiming to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and experiences needed to lead impactful projects within their communities​​.

The collective voices at the forum delivered a powerful message: the future is digital, and it must be inclusive and sustainable. Huawei’s commitment to innovation, coupled with its partnerships and initiatives, is paving the way for a digital transformation that promises to leave no one behind, fostering a connected and intelligent world for generations to come.