Huawei today
released its 2020 Sustainability Report. The company has been publishing this annual
report for 13 consecutive years. The 2020 report explains the major progress
that Huawei has made over the past year in its four strategies for
sustainability: digital inclusion, security and trustworthiness, environmental
protection, and a healthy and harmonious ecosystem.
TECH4ALL digital
inclusion initiative: Leaving no one behind in the digital world
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained global education and healthcare
systems in a way that has never been seen before. The company has been using
its innovative ICT solutions to provide people across different regions with
equal access to quality education and healthcare resources, and playing its
part in the fight against the pandemic.
In 2020, Huawei rolled out
its Skills on Wheels and Connecting Schools programs in over 200 schools around
the world, benefiting more than 60,000 people. Huawei also used ICT solutions to
assist the pandemic response in the communities where it operates and provided
technical assistance to nearly 90 countries, doing its best to support local
communities in this time of great need.
As part of its efforts to
provide universal access to digital technologies and applications, Huawei
provides 15 accessibility functions on its smartphones. Every month, about 10
million people use these functions that allow them to better enjoy a smart
lifestyle.
In 2020, Huawei helped 22
protected areas in 18 countries manage natural resources and protect
biodiversity more efficiently using its digital technologies. Huawei also
launched the RuralStar Pro solution, which provides voice and mobile broadband services
for sparsely populated remote villages. Its RuralStar solutions now provide
network coverage for more than 50 million people in remote communities.
Staying
people-centric: Building secure, trustworthy, and high-quality products,
solutions, and services
"We believe that
technology should be people-centric," said Tao Jingwen, a board member and
Chairman of the CSD Committee of Huawei, in the report. "Technology should
serve people in a manner that fully respects their rights by guaranteeing
informed choice and consent."
Huawei treats cyber
security and privacy protection as its top priorities. In 2020, Huawei released
the Software Process Trustworthiness
Capability Framework and Assessment Criteria, establishing a complete set
of trustworthy coding production mechanisms. As of the end of 2020, Huawei had
been granted 2,963 patents relating to cyber security and privacy protection
around the world. Last year, the company signed data processing agreements with
more than 5,000 suppliers and performed extensive due diligence to ensure
compliance.
Despite the pandemic and
being on the Entity List, Huawei continued to ensure the smooth communications
of more than three billion people worldwide and support network stability
during more than 200 disasters and major incidents.
Tech
for a better planet: Powering green and sustainable development with technology
"An intelligent world
should be a green world," said Liang Hua, Chairman of Huawei, in the
report. "Advances in technology can help us better understand and protect
nature, mitigating the impact of human activity on the planet. We believe that
technology can work in harmony with nature and help make this world a better
place."
As part of its efforts to
create a greener and more sustainable digital world, Huawei focuses on cutting
carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and contributing to a circular
economy. In 2020, Huawei's CO2 emissions per million RMB of sales
revenue showed a 33.2% reduction compared to the base year (2012), beating the
target (30%) the company set in 2016.
In 2020, the global
environmental non-profit CDP scored more than 5,800 companies for their efforts
to tackle climate change, and Huawei was one of the few companies that were
recognized with a prestigious 'A' score for its actions to cut emissions,
mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy.
To promote renewable energy,
Huawei has deployed its digital power solutions in more than 170 countries and
regions, serving one third of the world's population. To date, these solutions
have generated 325 billion kWh of electricity from renewable sources and saved
10 billion kWh of electricity. These efforts have resulted in a reduction of
160 million tons in CO2 emissions.
The company is also using
more eco-friendly materials, designing its products for greater longevity,
using more sustainable packaging, and reducing waste. Combined, these actions will
help promote a circular economy.
Tech
for good: Continuing to create social value and driving progress towards the UN
SDGs
In addition to creating
more business value for its customers, Huawei recognizes the importance of
creating social value for all stakeholders and advancing progress towards the
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Huawei cares about its employees
and puts their safety first. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company took a
number of steps to ensure the health and safety of employees and help suppliers
and contractors safely resume work.
In 2020, Huawei organized
more than 650 charitable activities around the world. Its flagship CSR program
Seeds for the Future has benefited nearly 9,000 students from 130 countries and
regions, and these young people will become a valuable talent pool for the ICT industry
in the future.
Over
the past year, Huawei continued to enhance its compliance program and engaged
and collaborated openly and proactively with stakeholders to foster mutual
understanding and trust.
In the
post-pandemic era, technology is poised to play an even greater role in
supporting sustainable social development. Huawei is ready and willing to work
with its partners, and use innovative ICT solutions to support progress towards
the UN SDGs, and ultimately, to bring digital to every person, home and
organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.
The 2020 Sustainability
Report can be found at: http://www.huawei.com/en/sustainability/sustainability-report
