ITU-Huawei Digital Talent Program Launches First Cohort to Drive Global Innovation

Geneva, Switzerland, July 17, 2024 – The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Huawei have marked a significant milestone with the completion of the inaugural development week for the Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP). This innovative initiative is designed to empower young leaders to spearhead digital transformation and community development worldwide.

Launched in late 2023, the GCYLP supports 30 emerging leaders annually, offering them mentorship, financial support, and a platform to implement digital projects that benefit their communities. Fellows, aged 18-28, undertake a year-long journey that includes an intensive initial development week, as well as ongoing online mentoring, expert sessions, and collaborative projects.

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The recent development week in Switzerland provided fellows with a series of enriching activities aimed at enhancing their leadership and innovation skills. The program featured leadership fireside chats, an intergenerational panel discussion, and visits to Geneva University, Palais de Nations, and Huawei’s headquarters in Zurich. These experiences were designed to expand the fellows’ horizons and refine their project execution abilities.

The program drew considerable global interest, with the initial cohort selected from a competitive pool of 5,249 applicants across more than 200 countries. This diverse group of 30 fellows represents a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, expressed anticipation for the program’s impact. “We eagerly await the contributions these young leaders from 28 countries will make as they bring their innovative ideas to life,” he stated. “Their success will depend on their ability to seize opportunities, collaborate, and employ a multidisciplinary approach.”

Encouragement from global jury members, including John Omo, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, and Corinne Momal-Vanian, Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation, underscored the importance of turning digital ideas into actionable solutions. “The projects proposed by these young leaders address critical needs,” said Selina Wen, Huawei’s Chief Representative to the EU Institutions and Vice President of Public Affairs for Europe. “Their role in leveraging technology to tackle pressing social issues is crucial.”

The projects proposed by the inaugural cohort span diverse fields, including inclusive healthcare, digital skills training, energy storage, and circular economy solutions. These initiatives highlight the program’s commitment to fostering impactful digital innovations.Announced in November 2023 by Huawei Chairman Liang Hua and ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the GCYLP is set to continue its mission with plans to onboard two additional cohorts over the next two years. As these young leaders embark on their transformative journey, they carry the promise of setting new benchmarks in digital innovation and community development. For more information on the Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme, visit ITU’s GCYLP page.