ICT Key to Achieving Many of the UN’s 17 SDGs – UNIDO
Shanghai, China – August 15, 2024 – Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can help accelerate progress towards the attainment of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has said.
Speaking at MWC24 Shanghai, Zhao Xiaolei, Head of UNIDO ITPO (Investment and Technology Promotion Offices) said digital transformation had a greater potential of creating value through job creation, improving economies, creating harmonious societies and friendly environments.
“At UNIDO, we are creating industry competitive index – under the UN 2030 agenda which will cover 169 factors, out of which over130 factors could be affected directly or indirectly by digital transformation,” Ms. Xiaolei said.
“More than 60% of intellectual property rights have happened in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Also more than 80% in green technologies – therefore technological upgrade is critical in speeding up industrial revolution, innovations and talent developments, which will in turn accelerate the achievement of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Synergetic partnerships
Ms. Xiaolei underscored the importance of creating symbiotic partnerships along Industry and supply chains, to bring together key players including policy makers.
“For UNIDO, we have forged a partnership with Huawei to enhance technology adoption as we work toward achieving the SDGs within stipulated time frame. Huawei is at the centre of the supply chain and we’ve been working together to promote green industry transformation and also digital industry transformation. For the digital transformation, we look at the infrastructures that are reliable, stable, open, accessible, faster, safe, and greener, and Huawei has been in the forefront,” she said.
Last year, UNIDO in partnership with Huawei, launched the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM-Global) at the World AI Conference (WAIC) held in Shanghai, China. This pioneering initiative aims to foster responsible, sustainable, and inclusive application of artificial intelligence in the industrial sector.
AIM-Global is a groundbreaking collaboration platform designed to bring together governments, international organizations, and the private sector and industry leaders who recognize the transformative potential of AI in driving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
