Mikko Lavanti, SVP Mobile Networks MEA, Nokia delivered a keynote titled ‘There is No Green Without Digital’ on Day 1 of the 17th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit at the Le Meridien in Dubai.
An Ethical and ESG Approach to Digital Technology
Highlighting Nokia's Ethical and ESG approach to digital technology, Lavanti noted that Nokia has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere - a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.
Lavanti highlighted significant achievements in 2022, citing the processing of 3,400 metric tons of obsolete products and parts, leading to a substantial reduction in emissions. The Nokia Oulu factory, specializing in high-end telecom network equipment, achieved a remarkable 250% increase in output while maintaining the same level of resources and energy consumption. Furthermore, the latest AirScale baseband portfolio demonstrated notable progress by delivering twice the performance with only half the energy consumption. These accomplishments underscore Nokia's commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and technological advancement in the evolving landscape of telecom manufacturing
Additionally, he highlighted that all field workers and partners have achieved health and safety certification in accordance with international standards, emphasizing Nokia's commitment to ensuring a secure working environment. Furthermore, he emphasized the pivotal role of the Nokia Open Innovation Lab in the Middle East and Africa, noting its active contribution to driving innovation through the integration of AI-powered technologies. These initiatives underscore Nokia's dedication to both safety standards and fostering cutting-edge advancements within the technology landscape.
He addressed Nokia's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, outlining key focus areas within the ESG framework and expressing the company's ambition to emerge as a leader in energy efficiency and circular practices. This commitment emphasizes Nokia's dedication to responsible business practices, environmental sustainability, and a circular economy, positioning the company as a frontrunner in driving positive impacts across diverse aspects of corporate responsibility.
Nokia’s Journey to Net-Zero
Lavanti said that reducing the emissions from “use of sold products” is crucial for Nokia’s path to net-zero.
He conveyed that, in alignment with the corporate Science Based Target, Nokia has committed to ensuring that its final assembly suppliers achieve zero emissions for Nokia's portion of their manufacturing by the year 2030. This strategic initiative underscores Nokia's proactive approach towards environmental sustainability and its dedication to setting and achieving ambitious targets that contribute to mitigating climate change impacts across its supply chain.
Lavanti also underscored the ESG Customer Advisory platform where Nokia shares ideas and experiences with the aim of defining opportunities for collaboration to solve challenges. The objective for the council is to:
- Establish a shared vision for the industry’s role in meeting global sustainability goals.
Identify new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations to increase overall impact and solve common industry challenges.
- In shaping Nokia's future strategy, there is a dedicated focus on comprehending customer needs to become a more proactive and engaged partner regarding their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities. This customer-centric approach underscores Nokia's commitment to anticipating and meeting the evolving ESG requirements of its partners, positioning the company as a collaborative and forward-thinking ally in addressing shared sustainability goals.
