UNESCO and Huawei join forces for digital transformation and green

Europe stands at a pivotal moment in shaping its digital future. Yet, disparities persist across the region in digital capacities, innovation ecosystems, and access to new technologies, particularly in South-East Europe and the Mediterranean. Responding to these challenges, the UNESCO Office in Venice has launched a new project titled ‘Digital Futures for a Smart Europe: A Feasibility Study on Digital Transformation and Green Innovation’, funded by Huawei Technologies.

The project aligns with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033) led by UNESCO, and contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). At a regional level, it also supports the EU Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) framework, which guides innovation investments based on national and regional strengths in digitalisation, green innovation, and Industry 4.0. 

Digital technologies and green innovation are increasingly recognised as powerful enablers of sustainable development, offering integrated solutions to complex challenges such as climate change, economic resilience, and social inclusion. Through this partnership, UNESCO and Huawei combine their complementary strengths to advance the Organization’s mandate as a laboratory of ideas, clearinghouse, capacity builder, and convener in the science-policy interface, while mobilising private-sector technological expertise in support of public good objectives.

To be implemented in 2026 and 2027, the project will support UNESCO Member States in assessing and establishing a baseline of their digital transformation and green innovation ecosystems. 

The initiative moves from understanding to action. It begins by building a strong evidence-based framework through a regional feasibility study, combining country-level assessments, policy analysis, data collection, and dialogue with diverse stakeholders. This analytical work will be complemented by hands-on capacity development, supporting institutions and local actors through targeted training, knowledge exchange, and partnerships with universities, innovation hubs, and UNESCO Chairs and Centres.

A wide range of beneficiaries and actors across Europe stand to gain from this initiative – including universities, science agencies, innovation hubs, policymakers, public institutions, as well as youth, non-governmental organisations, and local communities. By empowering stakeholders to become active innovators, the project aims to strengthen capacities in emerging technologies and improve the innovation ecosystems.  

By laying the strategic groundwork for future action, the initiative is expected to contribute to a smarter, greener, and more inclusive Europe, where digital and green innovation serve as engines of sustainable development and long-term resilience.