Media Center

By Yang Wanli (chinadaily.com.cn) | 2016-03-24

Tsinghua University and UNICEF announced a new long-term partnership today to help the world'spoorest and most disadvantaged children through innovative solutions and advances in design and technology.

The agreement includes the establishment of a Global Innovation Centre for Children that will create products and services to improve the well-being of the most vulnerable children, especially those in developing countries.

About 22,000 children die each day due to poverty, according to UNICEF.

The partnership will bring together creative problem solvers from China and around the world to develop innovative solutions that will meet the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations Member States in September.

"This partnership is an exciting opportunity to tackle some of the immense challenges faced by children in China and across the world, through creative and innovative solutions," said Yoka Brandt, UNICEF's deputy executive director. "It is a vehicle for concrete and practical action to improve the lives of millions of children."

The partnership aims to improve the understanding of children's welfare and sustainable development, and encourage public dialogue and participation in initiatives aimed at improving children's lives.

"Tsinghua is dedicated to educating the next generation of innovators who are committed to bring about transformational technological breakthroughs as well as positive social change," said Chen Xu, the university's chancellor. "Partnering with UNICEF provides an opportunity for Tsinghua to contribute to the global cause for children and sustainable development."