The virtual conference held on 20th January 2021, organized by ELEVATE in partnership with Huawei, served as a platform for framing the green recovery in Asia. Speakers shared their insights about the recent government plans, commitments and measures towards more inclusive and green economies.
How to rebuild and transform economies post COVID-19 while confronting the climate crisis? The pandemic reminded us of the impact humanity has had on the environment, making green recovery essential. Cleaner air quality and effective waste management can help generate economic growth, while improving resilience of communities to global pandemics. Digital technologies also have the ability to reduce energy consumption and emissions across a number of industries, from the use of big data to IoT solutions, and can empower renewable energies via the use of AI solutions.
Asia Pacific, excluding China, comprises nearly half of the world’s population and about 25% of the world’s GDP in 2019, which exhibits a collective appeal for new ICT infrastructure, an integrated approach to sustainable and inclusive development, and renewed optimism for green economic models.
“We firmly believe that technology must be used for the good of the planet, our one and only home,” said Catherine Chen, Huawei Corporate Senior Vice President and Director of the Board. She emphasized the importance of tackling climate change and highlighted Huawei’s contribution to reducing carbon emissions, pursuing new renewable energy resources, and supporting circular economy through green ICT solutions.
“I am fully confident in not only our ability to drive technology forward, but also in the global community's ability and determination to build a harmonious relationship with nature,” she stated.
In order to align with the Paris Agreement and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Huawei commits to minimizing its environmental impact in production, operations, and throughout the lifecycles of its products and services. As a part of Huawei’s commitment to innovative technology for a better planet, the company aims to save resources and drive industries to build a low-carbon society.
The event featured speakers from Governments and International organizations from the Asia Pacific region, including: Dr. Vong Sok, Head of the Environment Division and Assistant Director of Sustainable Development Director at the ASEAN Secretariat, Mr. Yeon-chul Yoo, Ambassador for Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Asad Naqvi, the Head of Secretariat of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE-UNEP), Ma Aimin, Deputy Director of the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, Hyoeun Jenny Kim, Deputy Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Meng Liu, Head of Asia Pacific Networks at the United Nations Global Compact.
“The event clearly articulated the challenges and opportunities of a post-COVID recovery consistent with the pressing demands of climate change and other environmental imperatives. It envisaged a green growth agenda being possible through committed partnerships between governments, businesses and civil society organizations,” said Richard Welford, Senior Advisor at ELEVATE.
