How leaders came together at the Brussels 5G Assembly to shape a better, smarter and more integrated future

Huawei's first 5G Assembly took place in Brussels a few days ago. In collaboration with Forum Europe, it brought together 200+ leaders from policymakers, connectivity providers and vertical industries to NGOs and media, to get a better understanding of 5G.

5G is more than just fast connectivity, a few days ago Huawei’s Deputy Chairman Ken Hu talking at the Fortune Global Forum in Paris, he said: "5G promises to be a game-changer".

As we are entering a smarter and greener world, how can European countries be pioneers on the 5G era instead of being followers? They say it is not the most intelligent or strongest that survives, but the one that is most adaptable to change. 5G is here to change things up and is only through being open-minded that we can see its true potential.

Dr. Hui Cao, Head of Strategy and Policy, Huawei EU said:

"5G is going to have huge effects on the way we work, do business, socialize and communicate with each other. And Huawei is ready to partner with governments and policymakers to ensure that this new technology is deployed wisely – for the benefit of society as a whole.

Europe’s digital sovereignty and its sustainable development are complementary objectives. At Huawei, we have built ‘green’ into our leading 5G products and services. Their deployment will set Europe on the path towards green 5G leadership while ensuring that no-one is left behind.

The good thing about the current stage is that there is still room for Europe to drive the 5G agenda. Even more: Europe has a unique opportunity to do so. Unique, because of the values that underpin the European way of life, and the Treaties that bind Europeans together. These values speak of openness, fairness, and inclusiveness – and are fully shared by Huawei. That’s why we want to be verified by any Government and are willing to address any concerns that may arise. We want open, fair, and evidence-based checks for all, on a level playing field. Germany is showing that this approach can work. Don’t just trust us – verify us."

During the breaks, attendees were able to share their thoughts on the "Ideas Wall", which had 2 messages

1. The greatest impact of 5G on society will be in the area(s) of...

Some of the answers included Transportation and Traffic Efficiency/Safety, AR/VR, Energy Efficiency, Urban Air Mobility, Gaming, Sustainability, Public Safety and Rural areas to name a few

2. My message to the new European Commission when it comes to 5G would be...

Some of the answers included "Think about our future, we have to be connected fast", "Authorize infrastructures faster and help fund the new future", "Get everyone to work together", "Embrace the Future" and "Can you speed up the process of project approval and implementation?"

This was not just a wall for fun, the comments from the ideas wall, as well as the outcomes of the Cyber Security Toolbox that will be released by the European Commission and Member states in December, will be used by Huawei to help shape a revised edition of ‘Detlef’s bible’, which is scheduled to be released in Spring next year, a position paper which outlines the ten key issues facing digital policy-makers in Europe at the moment.

So can 5G truly make a difference when it comes to tackling global and societal changes? 5G is here and the time is now to choose a smarter future and discover 5G for Good.

During my panel, I shared the stage with Topher White, Founder & CEO of Rainforest Connection and Szymon Peplinski, Creative technologist at Facing Emotions where we discussed the role 5G can play in helping save the world’s most threatened rainforests & habitants and helping tackle visual impairment in children.

Topher said:

"Technology can make a difference in the most remote places. With the help of Huawei’s technological resources, Rainforest Connection pioneered a solution using commonplace mobile technology and AI to transform live audio streams directly from the rainforest into a profound understanding of the forest soundscape, rooting out any threats such as illegal logging and poaching"

Topher is an inspiring human being with a passion for helping save the rainforests to combat climate change. For more information about his project visit rfcx.org

Amongst the line-up, was also Ranga Yogeshwar, Physicist and Science Journalist. during his interview, he said :

"5G is our next step towards a connected world. What a great opportunity to share. We have the responsibility to use this connectivity to achieve a fairer society, a greener planet and a more peaceful world. Communication can melt down borders!”

and Mark Spelman, Head of Thought Leadership at World Economic Forum said:

"We start a new decade on the verge of the next wave of digital transformation underpinned by ubiquitous connectivity, delivered by combinations of technologies led by 5G. A multi-stakeholder approach involving policymakers and private companies will be required to unleash the potential of new value creation, accelerate progress on the sustainable development goals and reduce the digital divide"

Overall, it was a very insightful day both by the knowledge shared by those on stage and by the conversations had during the networking time with those attending and sharing their thoughts.

The key message of the day, it was on the importance for all parties to come together and play a part in delivering the potential of 5G for Europe, and crucially, how policymakers and industry can work together to deliver a strategy to ensure that Europe is a 5G leader and not just a 5G follower.

Those interested in reading the ‘Choose a Smarter Future’ white paper, you can access the link here

For a recap of the day, see the video below

Elise Quevedo