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Strengthening partnerships and driving digital growth: UNIDO redefines the digital landscape at Mobile World Congress 2025 

Barcelona, Spain – 3-5 March 2025 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) solidified its leadership in digital transformation and Industry 4.0 at Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25), forging strategic partnerships with key global industry players—including GSMA, Huawei, PwC, EY, Deloitte, and UNICEF—for a shared commitment to advancing manufacturing, promoting ethical AI, and bridging digital divides. 

Keynote at Huawei Industrial Digital and Intelligent Transformation Summit  

At Huawei’s Summit, Mr. Ciyong Zou, Deputy to the Director General of UNIDO, delivered a keynote on the role of AI, 5G, and cloud computing in fostering sustainable and inclusive industrial development. Mr. Zou spotlighted key UNIDO initiatives such as the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and AIM Global, which are designed to bridge digital divides and promote the ethical use of AI within industrial innovation. “Huawei has been instrumental in AIM Global, playing a pivotal role in accelerating the sustainable adoption of cutting-edge technologies,” Mr. Zou stated. “These partnerships reinforce our shared belief that technology must serve humanity—not the other way around.” 

Looking ahead, Mr. Zou emphasised three guiding principles for digital transformation in industry: inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration. 

  • Inclusivity ensures that digital transformation leaves no country, sector, or entrepreneur behind. 
  • Sustainability ensures that technological innovation supports a greener future for all. 
  • Collaboration calls for strong global, regional, and national ecosystems that foster cooperation across borders, industries, and sectors. 

As a follow-up to the summit, Huawei showcased its Lighthouse Solutions, including successful initiatives such as the Digital Village in Zambia and projects focused on critical minerals in the context of the digital economy and GDC implementation. 

Forging Strategic Collaboration to Accelerate Digital Transformation and Sustainable Industry with GSMA  

In parallel with these efforts, UNIDO strengthened its partnership with GSMA to advance digital transformation and the responsible adoption of AI, with a focus on smart manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and the expansion of digital infrastructure—particularly across Africa. Key discussions between the two organizations centered on creating robust regulatory and investment frameworks, including spectrum policies, 5G deployment strategies, and AI governance models. This collaboration is aimed at driving greater ESG compliance, increasing supply chain transparency, and reducing carbon footprints through the integration of next-generation digital technologies. 

At the GSMA Manufacturing and Production Summit, UNIDO’s Chief Digital Innovation Officer, Mr. Jason Slater, presented the UNIDO Solutions Platform, reinforcing its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. He spotlighted flagship initiatives such as AIM Global and AISMA (Alliance for I4.0 and Smart Manufacturing in Africa), which promote the adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions and support the growth of digital economies in developing regions. Mr. Slater emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration and invited industry leaders to join forces with UNIDO in scaling digital transformation globally—ensuring it is inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven. 

Innovative Solutions for Driving Digital Growth or Bridging Divides in Sub-Saharan Africa 

At the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Roundtable, UNIDO spotlighted the transformative role of mobile technology in accelerating the digitalization of key industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. The discussions explored how Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) can become key innovation drivers, unlocking new revenue streams while supporting sustainable industrial development across the region. Mr. Jason Slater, UNIDO’s Chief Digital Innovation Officer, emphasized Africa’s growing potential in smart manufacturing, driven by the AISMA (Accelerator for Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing in Africa) initiative. AISMA is advancing digital transformation through skills development, technology adoption, and enabling policy frameworks, paving the way for a digitally empowered industrial ecosystem.  

The session showcased a compelling case study highlighting how Google’s AI and geospatial technologies are being used to support deforestation-free coffee supply chains, aligning with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This innovative solution addresses regulatory requirements for commodities such as coffee, cocoa, and soy by using data-driven tools to enhance transparency, traceability, and compliance. The initiative empowers farmers with actionable insights, encourages sustainable and ethical coffee production, and fosters equitable value distribution along the supply chain. It also helps attract sustainable investment, builds open-source digital infrastructure, and strengthens Africa’s position as a global leader in climate-resilient, ethical agriculture. By supporting long-term economic growth and regulatory readiness, this effort exemplifies how technology can unlock inclusive, resilient value chains across Sub-Saharan Africa. More info

Women Shaping the Future of Tech at MWC25  

Building on this momentum, from day 1, Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa, UNIDO’s Chief of Digital Transformation & AI, participated in the panel “Reimagining Innovation – Women at the Forefront of Tomorrow’s Technology”. UNIDO’s participation underscored the role of AI and digital transformation in economic empowerment, particularly for women in developing nations. Ms. Nishio de Sousa shared UNIDO-led initiatives that promote ethical AI, policy advocacy, and investment mobilization, ensuring that advanced technologies contribute to sustainable and equitable global development. “AI and digital transformation must serve as tools for inclusive growth, not as mechanisms that widen existing gaps,” said Nishio de Sousa. “At UNIDO, we work closely with governments, industries, and international partners to implement AI and emerging technologies in ways that create sustainable economic opportunities and social impact.”The session explored real-world applications of AI in developing nations, including projects that use machine learning for climate resilience, smart manufacturing, and digital upskilling programs to equip the workforce of the future. UNIDO’s initiatives focus on ensuring that technological advancements are accessible to all, particularly in regions with limited digital infrastructure. 

The discussion also underscored the critical role of women in driving ethical, responsible, and sustainable innovation. UNIDO actively supports gender-inclusive digital policies and fosters leadership programs to ensure that women are not just participants but leaders in the digital transformation journey. Panelists reflected on the growing influence of women in shaping the next wave of technology, advocating for policies that promote gender equality in STEM education, leadership training, and entrepreneurship. The conversation reinforced the idea that a diverse tech industry is a stronger, more sustainable one 

Joint Partnerships Driving Innovation in Industry 4.0 

UNIDO engaged in strategic discussions to advance AI-driven solutions and digitalization. Discussions with PwC focused on integrating AI-based sustainability assessments to support SDG benchmarking and improve ESG performance. UNIDO also advanced its partnerships with UNICEF and Deloitte, particularly around Deloitte’s active role in AIM Global and UNIDO Solutions Platform initiatives. These alliances aim to foster innovation ecosystems that are ethical, inclusive, and globally scalable. In parallel, InnovateUK was introduced to UNIDO’s Innovation Lab ScaleX program, designed to connect UK-based start-ups with emerging markets, further promoting cross-border innovation. Additionally, initial plans were set in motion for a new EU-funded project focused on innovation and impact investment, further aligning with UNIDO’s mission of sustainable industrial development. Looking ahead, UNIDO invites like-minded organizations and tech leaders to join its efforts in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future through Industry 4.0 solutions. Through high-impact partnerships with organizations such as GSMA, Huawei, and key private and public sector players, UNIDO continues to shape the future of industry by ensuring that innovation is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. These collaborations reinforce UNIDO’s commitment to building a future where digital solutions empower communities, enhance industrial competitiveness, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide. 

For media inquiries, please contact:  

Global Alliance on AI for Industry and Manufacturing, aim-global@unido.org   

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