Huawei Technologies Co said it has already brought connectivity to 90 million people in remote regions in nearly 80 countries following its pledge to the International Telecommunication Union's Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition.

The announcement was made as part of Huawei's first progress report since it joined the Coalition last year.

Liang Hua, chairman of the board of Huawei, said at the company's 2023 sustainability forum in Dongguan, Guangdong on Tuesday that "Next-generation digital infrastructure, like connectivity and computing power, are as vital to driving socio-economic development as our physical infrastructure, just like roads. This new infrastructure will be crucial to sustainable development for all of society."

"Computing is a core driver of productivity in the digital economy. Faster rollout of computing infrastructure will help speed up digital transition in many industries, and promote deeper integration of the digital and real economies. This can further promote global economic stability and sustainable development," Liang said.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the secretary-general of ITU, said: "Let's not choose between tech and sustainable development. We need both! Let's thrive together with tech. Let's build a digital future that advances progress for people and the planet."

Huawei said it firmly believes that digital talent is key to future technological innovation. To foster more widespread digital engagement and develop future leaders, the company has deepened its partnership with ITU by launching a fellowship called "ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program in Partnership with Huawei".

The fellowship will be open for applications early next year, and will last three years. Each year, 30 young visionaries (aged 18-28) worldwide will receive support in their projects to use digital technology to drive community development.