ZTE Corporation: Paving path for green innovation in digital economy

—Winner of Social Contribution under the 2024 World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award for Enterprises 

ZTE Corporation, founded in 1985, is a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology (ICT) solutions, offering a comprehensive, end-to-end product and solution portfolio. The company is committed to becoming a digital economy builder and supporting global digital transformation through innovative ICT technologies.

ZTE deeply practices the concept of green development, focusing on four areas to build a "green digital pathway": green operations, green supply chain, green digital infrastructure, and green empowerment. In 2024, the company was recognized for its outstanding actions against climate change by CDP, securing a position on the CDP A List. Only less than two percent of participating companies globally achieve this distinction and ZTE is one of only two companies from the Chinese mainland to earn the recognition. In April 2024, ZTE’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets based on the 1.5°C pathway and long-term net-zero targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making it the first large-scale ICT tech company in China to receive official approval for both the near- and long-term GHG emission reduction targets and secure a place on the CDP A List.

As a digital economy builder, ZTE plays a dual role. Domestically, it aligns with national strategies, using 5G and leveraging information technology to bring the benefits of digital economy development, such as smart healthcare, smart education, smart tourism, and smart orchards, to rural residents. Globally, ZTE has established high-performance craftsmanship networks in over 100 countries and regions. The company participated in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition project and was recognized as one of the first P2C Champions by ITU. ZTE pledged to construct ICT infrastructure annually for LDC/LLDC/SIDS countries by 2025 and to dedicate 50,000 hours of ICT lectures globally for the benefits of the local workforce in need. 

For years, ZTE has regarded public welfare as an important part of its corporate social responsibility. It has initiated various projects around the world, including smart emergency response, low-carbon environmental protection, educational support, medical assistance, caring for veterans, and overseas charity work. ZTE Foundation has established 16 volunteer branches globally and organized 200 public welfare projects in more than 40 countries. ZTE Foundation has received a perfect score in the China Foundation Transparency Index (FTI) for seven years running.

The World Internet Conference launched its Distinguished Contribution Award in 2024 to recognize individuals and enterprises that have made outstanding contributions to the global internet sector. The first award ceremony was held at last year's Wuzhen Summit, where seven global leaders and 14 renowned companies were honored.

The award for enterprises is divided into three categories: Social Contribution, Innovation Breakthrough, and Growth Potential. The winners come from diverse sectors, including internet platforms, mobile communications, artificial intelligence, chip design, energy and power, and cybersecurity. The award paints a vibrant and prosperous picture of the global internet ecosystem, encouraging more excellent enterprises to contribute to the development of the internet industry and explore the infinite possibilities of the digital future.