Huawei has released its 2020 Sustainability Report explaining the major progress the tech giant has made over the year in its four strategies for sustainability: digital inclusion, security and trustworthiness, environmental protection, and a healthy and harmonious ecosystem.

The company has been publishing the sustainability report over the last 13 consecutive years.

One of the areas the report focused on was the 'TECH4ALL digital inclusion initiative'.

Aimed at leaving no one behind in the digital world, the report highlights how the company has used 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 COVID-19 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," the report disclosed.

As part of its efforts to provide universal access to digital technologies and applications, Huawei curently 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.

"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."

The report also dwelt on how the company prioritised cyber security and privacy protection in 2020.

"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," it said.

Liang Hua, Chairman of Huawei, also quoted in the report said, "An intelligent world should be a green world. 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.

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.