The Huawei Tech Cares Forum recently highlighted a significant issue: technology’s rapid advancements risk leaving behind those without fundamental digital skills and infrastructure. The global mobile ecosystem has expanded access to technology, but there’s a pressing need to focus on creating an equitable digital society as AI continues evolving.
“We have seen AI progress so much over the last year,” said Huawei’s CEO of ICT Business Group, Yang Chaobin, while noting that “this progress has not benefited everyone”.
This gap is stark. According to the ITU, 2.2 billion people remain without mobile internet access, and 300 million more have access but don’t use it. This disconnect highlights the divide between those who benefit from AI-driven tools and services and those still lacking basic digital amenities.
Cosmas Zavazava from the ITU stressed the need to shift focus from algorithms to people. As AI presents transformative opportunities, it is crucial to deliver its benefits universally. Without the necessary infrastructure, billions may lag behind in this technological leap.
Yang Chaobin echoed this, underscoring the importance of improving digital amenities, including high-speed networks and computing facilities. Huawei exemplifies this effort through its Partner2Connect initiative, aiming to connect more than 170 million people in remote areas by the end of 2025. Their innovative RuralStar product provides extensive coverage without requiring extensive infrastructure.
However, regional executives like Marina Madale from MTN highlight an existing challenge beyond connectivity – the persistent usage gap. Barriers include device and data plan costs, digital literacy, and energy constraints.
Compounding the issue, AI models often lack localization for remote communities. Such gaps are pronounced in regions like Africa, where many languages exist. Cultural and regional discrepancies must be addressed to ensure inclusive AI adoption.
UNESCO’s Jing Fang and ITU’s Sylvia Poll stress that AI solutions require local context to avoid data inequalities. Regions lacking local datasets risk being overlooked by AI systems, reinforcing global inequalities. For Ambassador Philip Thigo, inclusiveness in design is essential to prevent deepening divides between the digitally connected and those without access.
Yet, there is optimism. Initiatives like Huawei’s DigiTruck offer mobile classrooms to teach digital skills, demonstrating an innovative approach to bridging knowledge gaps.
Madale notes that connectivity is now an economic necessity. Multilateral collaboration and inclusive governance are crucial to closing the digital divide. The consensus is clear: simultaneous infrastructure improvement, skill development, and inclusive AI practices are key to distributing the prosperity brought by AI advancements widely.
