Huawei Advocates for Open Innovation to Bridge the Digital Divide Amidst Rapid AI Advancements

Huawei's Call for Open Innovation to Address Digital Divide

At the recent ICT Sustainability Roundtable during MWC Barcelona 2025, Huawei made a significant appeal to policymakers and stakeholders within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The company urged for a heightened focus on open innovation and collaboration in the face of escalating advancements in artificial intelligence. Recognizing the potential of these technologies to widen the digital gap, Huawei's Rotating Chairman Ken Hu articulated the importance of unity in addressing these challenges, emphasizing, "As AI makes the world more intelligent, we are likely to see a new digital divide. We need to pay attention to this and work together to bridge the gap."

In his keynote address, Hu highlighted that digital technologies are instigating sustainable changes for both humanity and the environment. The importance of building inclusive frameworks by governments and bolstering the tech sector's commitment to collaboration was emphasized as essential steps towards an equitable digital landscape. The roundtable, which gathered global experts along with partners from Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative, showcased various collaborative projects aimed at enhancing digital inclusion.

For instance, the Kenyan government represented by Eng. John Tanui CBS illustrated how collaborations with Huawei fit into the broader objectives of Kenya Vision 2030, promoting digital economic development. He mentioned the Huawei TECH4ALL DigiTruck, a mobile classroom initiative that has successfully trained nearly 6,000 youths in Kenya since its inception in 2019. The DigiTruck program educates young people about various aspects of technology, including smartphone functionality, online safety, and digital resource access.

"In Kenya, we believe no one should be left behind. That's why Huawei is a strategic partner in upscaling digital skills through initiatives like TECH4ALL, which we leverage to drive digital inclusion," stated Eng. Tanui. He pointed out that the 2024 DigiTruck Digital Literacy Skills Program Evaluation Report indicated that 93% of participants showed improved capabilities after the training, with notable increases in employment rates and business-oriented internet usage.

Similar successes were echoed by the Universal Service Fund Pakistan (USF), which reported transformative outcomes in rural areas through the TECH4ALL Smart Village Pakistan initiative. This project provides broadband connectivity, e-education, and e-health services, paired with essential digital skill training. The collaboration with the Pakistani government and Huawei has facilitated significant advancements in these remote communities.

Global entities like UNESCO and Spain's University of Alicante are also making strides in the realm of digital skills development. Their partnership with Huawei’s ICT Academy aims to cultivate the future of ICT talent, addressing the skills shortage in the technology sector.

Furthermore, the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasized the role of ICT in promoting environmental conservation, showcasing their collaboration with Huawei through the Tech4Nature initiative, which supports 13 innovative projects across 11 countries dedicated to protecting natural resources.

The common thread woven throughout these discussions is the necessity for innovative technologies and cross-sector partnerships to harness ICT's potential in fostering an inclusive and sustainable digital environment. Indeed, as we advance into an era dominated by AI and other digital technologies, collaborative frameworks will be indispensable in circumventing the pitfalls of a widening digital divide.

About TECH4ALL

TECH4ALL is Huawei's commitment to promoting digital inclusion and sustainability. This long-term initiative relies on innovative technology and partnerships to ensure that everyone has access to the advantages of the digital world. More details can be found on Huawei's TECH4ALL website. Follow Huawei on social media for updates.