Huawei joins UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy

MANILA, Philippines — Huawei has joined the UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) as part of the company’s lead-up to the Mobile World Congress 2023, the China-based tech giant announced at a digital talent summit in Barcelona, Spain.

At the summit co-hosted by Huawei and the Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) which serves as the secretariat of the GAL, the two parties agreed to jointly promote the use of technology to raise literacy. They also signed a cooperation agreement under which Huawei will fund an expansion of the UIL’s current initiatives to enhance educators’ use of technology in developing countries. Currently, the UIL initiative operates in Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Huawei, the first private company to become an associate member of the GAL, said its own goals align with the GAL’s vision of eradicating digital illiteracy in young people.

“Huawei’s expertise in the area of innovation in learning will be a great asset to the Global Alliance for Literacy. Collaborative projects such as ours will ensure that no one is left behind on this journey,” said UIL director David Atchoarena.

For her part, Huawei VP for corporate communications Vicky Zhang said as a major player in the technology sector, “Huawei feels it has a responsibility to provide technology skills in all parts of the world, trying our best to include as many people as possible.”

Huawei believes digital talent is a key driver in achieving digital transformation, solid economic growth, and better quality of life. Since 2008, Huawei has offered a wide and expanding range of talent programs. Under its Seeds for the Future umbrella, Huawei provides tens of thousands of people every year with scholarships and digital training courses targeting all age groups. The company also organizes and sponsors tech competitions where students can expand their knowledge, win prizes, and make new friends.