The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) emphasized the critical role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in accelerating progress toward achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC24) in Shanghai, China.
Zhao Xiaolei, Head of UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Offices (ITPO), spoke at the event, underscoring the transformative potential of digital technologies in creating value across various sectors. She noted that digital transformation could significantly contribute to job creation, economic growth, and the development of harmonious societies and environmentally friendly practices.
“At UNIDO, we are developing an industry competitive index under the UN 2030 agenda, which will cover 169 factors, with over 130 factors directly or indirectly influenced by digital transformation,” said Xiaolei. She highlighted the significant impact of technological advancements on intellectual property rights, particularly in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, where over 60% of these rights are concentrated. Additionally, she noted that more than 80% of intellectual property in green technologies originates from these sectors.
Xiaolei also emphasized the importance of technological upgrades in driving industrial revolution, innovation, and talent development, all of which are crucial for accelerating the achievement of the SDGs.
Fostering Synergetic Partnerships
Xiaolei stressed the need for creating symbiotic partnerships along the industry, value, and supply chains to bring together key stakeholders, including policymakers. She highlighted UNIDO’s partnership with Huawei as an example of how collaboration can enhance technology adoption and support the achievement of the SDGs.
“Huawei plays a central role in the supply chain, and we have been working together to promote green industry transformation and digital industry transformation,” said Xiaolei. She added that reliable, stable, open, accessible, fast, safe, and green infrastructure is essential for successful digital transformation, and Huawei has been at the forefront of these efforts.
Last year, UNIDO, in collaboration with Huawei, launched the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM-Global) at the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. This pioneering initiative aims to foster the responsible, sustainable, and inclusive application of artificial intelligence in the industrial sector.
AIM-Global serves as a groundbreaking collaboration platform, bringing together governments, international organizations, the private sector, and industry leaders who recognize AI’s transformative potential in driving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
