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Huawei's TECH4ALL Initiative in Europe

At the Huawei Connect Paris 2024, the TECH4ALL initiative took center stage, highlighting its pivotal role in driving both digital and sustainable transformations throughout Europe. Jeffrey Zhou, President of ICT Marketing for Huawei, emphasized that technology and partnerships are crucial elements for fostering a more inclusive and sustainable digital world. Established five years ago, this initiative has significantly evolved and is now more influential than ever.

The first day of the conference featured the TECH4ALL Forum, showcasing both new and ongoing projects aimed at promoting sustainable development that benefits people and the planet. One of the standout initiatives presented was Tech4Nature, launched in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) back in 2020, which aims to enhance conservation efforts worldwide through innovative technological solutions.

James Hardcastle, Director of IUCN's global protected areas program, spoke about the importance of integrating technology into the solutions for biodiversity and climate crises. He mentioned that Tech4Nature has already undertaken 11 major projects across eight countries, providing tailored solutions for specific environmental challenges. He stated, "Technology must be part of addressing the biodiversity and climate crises our planet faces. Tech4Nature seeks to harness technological innovations to help tackle these pressing issues."

The second phase of the Tech4Nature partnership was inaugurated in 2024, introducing new projects set to launch in five different countries. One notable project involves monitoring and protecting biodiversity in Spain's Sierra Nevada, which commenced recently. Additionally, a Greek startup, PROBOTEK, has rolled out a new fire prevention and crisis response system as part of the TECH4ALL initiative. This system incorporates 5G networking, artificial intelligence, drones, and sensors to mitigate damage from wildfires by ensuring rapid response within the critical first fifteen minutes of detection, while also providing evacuation routes to residents.

Collaboration with UNESCO has also been a cornerstone of the TECH4ALL initiative, particularly in the realm of education. Through projects like Open School and UNESCO Campus, the organization has worked alongside Huawei to enhance educational quality and equal access globally, focusing on revitalizing STEM education. Magdalena Landry, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Science and Culture in Europe, elaborated on strategies designed to promote STEM education, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Moreover, the initiative emphasizes the engagement of youth in STEM fields along with increasing teacher capacities and ensuring gender equality.

In terms of digital inclusion, the project partners Close the Gap and Konexio have played a vital role through the DigiTruck initiative, which offers digital skills training to priority groups in France, targeting senior citizens and unemployed youth. So far, around 6,000 individuals from 31 cities have engaged in this program. During the evening event named DigiTALL, both organizations were recognized for their contributions to promoting digital inclusion and advancing the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, international organizations, and tech companies, recognizing the key role technology plays in supporting sustainability and inclusion. Looking ahead, Huawei aims to expand its initiatives and partnerships across Europe to further advance its mission.

About TECH4ALL
TECH4ALL is Huawei's long-term initiative aimed at promoting digital inclusivity through technology and collaboration. By facilitating sustainable development and digital inclusion, TECH4ALL aspires to create a more equitable digital world for all. For more information, visit the Huawei TECH4ALL website at Huawei TECH4ALL. Follow us on X at HUAWEI_TECH4ALL.