Technology’s role in effectively combating the spread of COVID-19 and boosting post-pandemic economic recovery was discussed by top industry minds during the Better World Summit, an online corporate-level event organized and hosted by Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices.
The event, held from July 27-30 and livestreamed via https://bws2020.carrier.huawei.com, was available in eight languages, including Arabic. Guest speakers during the Better World Summit included representatives from China Telecom, Etisalat, MTN, GSMA, and 3GPP/ETSI who were also joined by several thousand online attendees comprising telecom carriers, regulators, analysts, media, and Huawei’s experts and partners from more than 80 countries. Discussion topics delved into how ICT is providing new value in a wide range of fields, including telemedicine, remote education, telework, and public health services, as well as setting strategic foundations for a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.
On day one of the Summit, Huawei’s Rotating Chairman, Guo Ping, led the event. He elaborated on how synergy across five major tech domains will help unlock the full potential of 5G, to drive commercial success. “As an ICT company, it’s our responsibility to use the technology we have to help contain and defeat this pandemic,” said Guo. “Together with our partners and customers, including carriers and enterprises of all types, we can use technological solutions to effect a positive impact on our communities,” he said. “By drawing on our experience in early hotspots, we have developed nine scenario-based solutions that use ICT technology to help combat the pandemic. Whether it’s hospital network deployment, remote consultation, online education, or restarting governments and businesses, we’ve been sharing our experience and capabilities to help control the spread of the virus and reopen economies.”
Day two of the Summit began with a keynote speech from Ryan Ding, Executive Director and President of Huawei’s Carrier Business Group, who discussed how carriers need to be prepared in four areas of network construction and business development to quickly unleash network potential and inspire business growth. Ding emphasized four points: carriers need to maximize the value of existing networks; focus on user experience and build the best 5G networks; speed up 5G commercialization in B2B for more business opportunities, and build future-oriented target networks.
Catherine Chen, Huawei Corporate Senior Vice President and Director of the Board, opened day three of the Better World Summit with a keynote speech addressing the need for collaborative efforts to overcome challenges raised by COVID-19, and to create a more inclusive future for all. “We envision a more connected, intelligent, and innovative future, and above all else, we must ensure this is an inclusive, sustainable, and better future by all, for all,” said Chen. “To revive the economy, we need top-down designs, as well as bottom-up creativity and vitality. Supporting government policies coupled with active digital transformation across the industry will bring the benefits of digital technology to all industries, boost their efficiency, and restore growth.”
Other speakers throughout the event include representatives from European Competitive Telecommunications Associations; Department of Government and Enterprise Service, China Mobile; the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); World Economic Forum (WEF); China Unicom, and many more.