The invention of the telephone more than 100 years ago ended the eras of pigeon carriers, horse back messengers and the telegraph. Telecommunications is now one of the key driving forces that improve communications, enable a better quality of living, and increase efficiency. In a world well-connected, everyone can create, acquire, use and share information, thereby enabling us to realize our full potential and to drive progress in our societies. Communication is a basic human need and fulfilling this need by expanding and enhancing telecommunications networks and services around the globe, has become the top priority for our industry. As the world's leading provider of telecommunications network solutions, Huawei's vision is to enrich life through communication. It is with this vision that we leverage our experience in telecommunications to help people become a part of the information society regardless of their geographic origin and, by bridging the digital divide, to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities in which we operate around the world.
Environmental protection is a top CSR(Corporate Social Responsibility) priority for Huawei. We have established a team of professionals specializing in energy conservation and emission reductions to ensure that measures are incorporated throughout the entire lifecycle of our products, including the planning, design, research, development, delivery and service stages. Our innovative energy-efficient solutions reduce carbon emissions by minimizing the need for activities such as the flow of goods and business trips. We continue to improve the energy efficiency of our products and promote the application of sustainable energy solutions that help operators achieve their environmental and OPEX goals.
Our global commitment to helping communities in need was reflected in our rapid response to natural disasters which struck in many parts of the world last year from unprecedented snowstorms in Southern China to the destruction caused by the Sichuan earthquake, to the suffering created by floods in Algeria. In each case, Huawei played a key role in restoring vital telecommunications services and supporting other major relief efforts. In addition to the provision of telecommunications services to communities in crisis, Huawei donates educational equipment and scholarships in Africa and Asia that enhance local technological capabilities and boost economic growth in these regions.
As a member of the United Nations Global Compact, we have incorporated the Compact's principles into our corporate culture and our business activities. Our Huawei Employee Business Conduct Guidelines require all of our employees to demonstrate the utmost integrity in everything they do. In addition, we have engaged our supply chain partners in our CSR commitment through their participation in our Social Accountability Management System. As part of our efforts to be a responsible employer, we created the position of Chief Staff Health and Safety Officer and further enhanced the social security and occupational health programs for our employees.
We believe sustainable business growth is the foundation for carrying out greater corporate social responsibilities. 2008 was a strong year of growth for Huawei and also a year of significant expansion of our global CSR activities. We commenced a series of new CSR campaigns across the world in 2008 and this report provides an overview of these initiatives and, in particular, our recent efforts in eliminating the digital divide and protecting our environment. By working closely with our valued partners, we look forward to even greater contributions and to further enriching people's lives through communication.
Huawei Executive Management Team
(Huawei EMT)
