UNITAR Prosperity Alliance Shenzhen (GBA) Center established

The signing ceremony for the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Prosperity Alliance Shenzhen (GBA) Center was held at the Shenzhen Reform and Opening Up Executive Leadership Academy on April 11.

The Prosperity Alliance Shenzhen (GBA) Center will serve as a strategic cooperation platform for UNITAR in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, focusing on sustainable development, youth empowerment, and international capacity building. It aims to promote deep collaboration in areas such as technological innovation, green transformation, and talent development, both regionally and globally.

At the signing ceremony, Mihoko Kumamoto, director of UNITAR's Division for Prosperity, and Lin Yufeng, executive deputy director of the China (Shenzhen) International Personnel Training Center, signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of both parties. Kumamoto stated that the partnership with Shenzhen marks a significant step in advancing their shared missions in education, innovation, and sustainable development.

Kumamoto gives a speech after the signing ceremony April 11.

As a global hub for technology and economy, Shenzhen has demonstrated how technological, digital transformation, and green innovation can drive prosperity. She expressed hope that this collaboration willhelp equip future leaders with the skills needed to tackle global challenges and contribute to building a more sustainable, interconnected world.

The center will leverage UNITAR's international resources and Shenzhen's innovation strengths, focusing on youth talent development, public financial management, and sustainable development. This will provide intellectual support for the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area.

Kumamoto further shared that in 2025, UNITAR and the center will collaborate in areas like knowledge exchange, youth development, and training for government officials. The goal is to use Shenzhen's expertise to offer capacity-building programs, cross-cultural exchanges, and professional training for officials. “This is a global platform for everyone todiscuss and provide innovative solutions to global problems, ” said Kumamoto.

With many challenges facing the world today, traditional methods alone are insufficient, making innovative solutions essential. She hopes to draw innovative ideas from this “miracle city” and spread them globally, while Shenzhen can also learn from global examples.

Kumamoto was deeply impressed by Shenzhen’s achievements in technology, innovation, and green development during her first visit.

“In just a few decades, Shenzhen has transformed from a small fishing village into a global hub for innovation and sustainable development. It has become a leader in technology, entrepreneurship, and green development, showing that economic growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Shenzhen, with its focus on renewable energy, new energy vehicles, green finance, anddigital innovation, is shaping the future of urban sustainability, ” she said.

Kumamoto believes Shenzhen stands out because of its rapid development, strong vision, and combination of resources and talent. “It's rare to see all three elements come together globally, but Shenzhen has done it, and the results are clear. I believe the world can learn a lot from Shenzhen, ” said Kumamoto.

Throughout her speech and the Q&A session, Kumamoto expressed particular interest in Shenzhen’s development of artificial intelligence.

"We've learned about Shenzhen’s unique approach to promoting AI training, not only for tech experts but also for the public, "she said.

Kumamoto also noted that as a frontier city in digital technology, Shenzhen can make significant contributions to tackling climate

change and advancing sustainable development goals through technologies like AI.

In the afternoon, Kumamoto visited the Futian Experimental Education Group Qiaoxiang School, attended the school's 1st Model United Nations Conference there, and presented awards to outstanding students.

Kumamoto and Wang Junjian (L1), principal of the Futian Experimental Education Group Qiaoxiang School, pose for photos with students April 11.

She then visited DJI's showroom in Nanshan District to learn about the development of thisworld-renowned drone giant that originated in Shenzhen, and explored its innovative drone products in depth.

Kumamoto visits DJI’s showroom in Nanshan District on April 11.

Kumamoto's final stop was the Nanshan Study in the Lixiang Park, where she experienced how Shenzhen promotes public reading by providing comfortable reading spaces for all. 

Kumamoto visits the Nanshan Study on April 11.

“I came to Shenzhen just yesterday, so I had less than 24 hours in the city. But I can clearly see that Shenzhen is one of the most advanced cities in the world when it comes to innovation and technology. Today, I had the chance to visit DJI and learn about their efforts in drone technologies, striving for excellence. I’m also enjoying the study space here. It's absolutely beautiful, calm, and connects beautifully with the outdoor environment. It's green. I'm truly inspired by this beautiful city and learning a lot, ”Kumamoto said after her visit.

Source：Shenzhen Daily