Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, is launching an innovative ‘ICT4CSR’ initiative to focus attention within the ICT industry and beyond on the role that communications technology can play in helping meet the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy. 

It will be showcased in an eye-catching exhibition from 6 to 9 February 2012 hosted in the European Parliament. A cocktail reception will be held on 7 February at 18:00 with presentations from Leo Sun, President of Brussels Office, Huawei and Stefan Crets, Executive Director, CSR Europe. Robert Sturdy, MEP, will host the event.

Information and communications technologies are creating new possibilities for the way in which European businesses approach corporate social responsibility, or CSR. Organisations are already embracing ICT to boost their bottom line but that will also create a ‘social upside’ as the emergence of ultra-fast, ultra-smart and ubiquitous communications technology drives a greener, more inclusive and more equitable European economy.

Leo Sun President of Brussels Office, Huawei said: “Huawei is a leading provider of ICT services and networking solutions, so it is important that we practice what we preach in terms of the ICT4CSR nexus. We believe it’s time to spread our vision of ‘Enriching life through communication’ – how ICT can and will contribute to our society, delivering much-needed smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, not just for Europe but for everyone.” 

The impact of Huawei’s technologies – including its ‘cloud office’ suite, smart phones, smart grids, and a bevy of networking and broadband solutions – is helping to improve Europe’s connectivity and drive competitiveness. But these technologies will also make it easier for companies to meet their pledges to the environment, stakeholders, customers, suppliers, employees, and so on, while providing unprecedented potential to bridge the digital divide between the internet/broadband ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.

Stefan Crets, Executive Director of CSR Europe, said: “Business in Europe must take advantage of the opportunities offered by ‘green ICT’ if they are to rise to the challenges presented by climate change and realise the economic vision contained in the Europe 2020 Strategy. This is a real opportunity for Huawei to use its capacity to innovate and contribute to the responsible business movement in Europe!” 

Huawei’s thought-provoking triptych exhibition, on display in the Parliament’s ASP Building, tells a story in the spirit of Flemish Primitive painters of how ICT provides fertile ground for companies to nurture ideas, talents and people. This should come to fruition in the form of better (digital) working conditions, safeguards for the environment, and myriad ways for enriching society, all reinforcing the Millennium Development Goals.

Robert Sturdy, MEP, said: “The exponential growth of ICT in our everyday lives has been incredible. Having access to the internet and other ICTs will not just be the privilege of the few. I truly believe that smarter, greener, targeted ICT can change the way we work and live, for the better, no matter which corner of the world you are from.

“These developments will not just change the way we live, but will change the very nature of our economies. This exhibition is about fulfilling these promises and meeting the challenges laid down in Europe’s 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. In the short term, innovation through new technologies will help kick-start the European and global economy and will help Europe stay competitive in a globalised, digital economy.”

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Contact:

Tina TSAI: Hsini.TSAI@huawei.com / M: +32(0)492733094 

Practical info:

Exhibition: How ICT companies can help Europe achieve “smart, sustainable and inclusive growth” for the world’s population. For more information, visit Huawei online: www.huawei.com / Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/huaweipress  and YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/HuaweiPress

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology solutions provider. Through our dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. We are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population. 

About CSR Europe

CSR Europe is the leading European business network for corporate social responsibility with around 80 multinational corporations and 35 national partner organisations as members. In 2010, CSR Europe launched its Enterprise 2020 initiative to address societal challenges through collaborative action and shape the business contribution to the European Union’s Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

www.csreurope.org