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What is the Lisbon Declaration?
The Lisbon Declaration was unveiled during Leading the Digital Decade, a two-day online event in June 2021 dedicated to Europe’s next decade of digital transformation. With the aim of strengthening the “European way of doing business”, it aims to contribute to a model of digital transformation that strengthens the human dimension of the digital ecosystem, with the digital single market at the center.
With digital as the protagonist, the declaration focuses on promoting several critical areas that dominate both human and ecological development, such as human rights and fundamental freedoms, digital literacy and cybersecurity – to name just a few examples – as decisive conditions for conditions trustworthy, fair, transparent, sustainable, innovative, secure and competitive digital world.
Digital democracy with meaning
The benefits of digital transformation for society have so far been immense. However, they have not got into these critical areas without their challenges and risks, and large inequalities still persist. The Lisbon Declaration reflects the European Union’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination in the digital age.
For Ericsson, signing this declaration is in line with our vision of promoting a smart, sustainable and connected world. It’s at the core of our attempt to go beyond business to make a positive impact.
Equal opportunities and non-discriminatory approaches are not only necessary, but can also be seen as a competitive advantage for the future relevance of Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has given European leaders a unique opportunity to recover and rebuild all countries in Europe. There is an opportunity here to create a dynamic, just and green economy that gives European citizens the chance to improve their lives and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Technology is key here. It can play a crucial role in making Europe’s digital transformation a reality, especially with 5G as a driver. Securing Europe’s economic recovery is a priority for EU institutions, national governments and European companies, and Ericsson is committed to working with these key players to make it happen and build a better future with 5G.
Promote digital inclusion and literacy
The signing of the Lisbon Declaration reaffirms our commitment to ensure that no one is left behind in digital transformation. In partnership with our customers, partners and institutions, we promote digital inclusion and literacy through the use of current and emerging technologies such as 5G. In doing so, we are helping to reduce the digital divide between and within societies and to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
With this act, we join other major Ericsson initiatives that are at the heart of our organization. By joining the Global Network Initiative, for example, we are intensifying our efforts to integrate the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) into our business activities. As an initiative that grew out of our global partnership with UNICEF, we are also identifying connectivity gaps in 35 countries and taking the critical first step to connect every school to the internet and empower the next generation. A report by the Economist Intelligence Unit showed how connectivity from schools can lead to improved educational outcomes and improved career opportunities for children, leading to higher economic activity and community growth.
Additional benefits of this decision include the ability to provide a critical collaboration platform to address the evolving challenges facing ICT companies. As a key player in the adoption of 5G, we published a 5G Human Rights Impact Assessment Report, which helps identify and address the risks posed by 5G technology. We will also continue to develop and strengthen our human rights framework in order to meet our responsibility to respect human rights in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on business and human rights.
Learn more
Read the Lisbon Declaration
Read more about the Global Network Initiative
Find out more about 5G and Europe’s recovery
Read more about responsible business practices at Ericsson
Learn more about our digital inclusion initiatives
