Huawei Technologies Co on Wednesday called for joint efforts from industries and telecom regulators of many nations to address the shared challenges that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and to create a more inclusive future for all.

Catherine Chen, senior vice-president and director of the board at Huawei, said over the past 30 years, information technologies have advanced rapidly, making people's lives and work much easier. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that digital infrastructure has not kept pace with technological developments.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, over half of the world's population still does not have internet access nor access to other digital technologies. As economies across countries slow, governments grow increasingly concerned with economic recovery strategies.

"We envision a more connected, intelligent, and innovative future," Chen said. "Above all else, we must ensure this is an inclusive, sustainable, and better future by all, for all."

"To revive the economy, we need top-down designs, as well as bottom-up creativity and vitality," Chen noted. "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."

Referencing the recent World Bank report on the growing gap between the fast-growing global digital economy and a lack of digital skills, Chen said, "Huawei is continuing with its flagship Seeds for the Future program."

This program was launched in 2008, and is designed to develop local ICT talent. So far, this program has benefited more than 30,000 students from over 400 universities in 108 countries and regions, Chen said

"Due to the pandemic, we are moving the program online and opening it up to more outstanding students than ever before. As more industries adopt digital technologies, they will drive the United Nation's 2030 Strategic Development Goals, especially those related to climate change," she added.