UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Ms. Kanni Wignaraja delivered a congratulatory video message in which she stated, “Recognizing their potential to be drivers of innovation, UNDP has long worked with cities across the world particularly in the Asia and the Pacific to initiate, implement and scale solutions for local SDG wins”. She continued on to say that the “SDG Innovation Lab is an important milestone for UNDP China and is a testimony to our shared commitment to advancing sustainable development in the context of mega cities like Shenzhen, aligning with China’s development priorities.” 
 
Mr. Wang said, “Sustainable development is a universal value pursued by humanity and a common aspiration of all nations. Longhua will leverage this partnership to deepen its collaboration with UNDP, continuously expanding its global network of partnerships. We will accelerate the development of a comprehensive ecosystem of industries for innovation and advance international exposure of enterprises to elevate Longhua’s presence and contribution to global platforms. The aim is to generate more replicable and scalable sustainable development practices, pioneering a new pathway for high-quality development.” 
 
Ms. Beate Trankmann highlighted that “HUA HUB will act as a testing ground for cutting-edge solutions to accelerate sustainable development in a mega-city context through exploring new ways of advancing the digital economy, managing natural resources for effective environmental protection, along with modernizing urban governance.” 
 
Mr. Dai Dajiang said, “We will collaborate closely with our partners. By harnessing the UNDP's global network, we aim to transform Longhua District into a global model for sustainable development and support the creation of an innovative demonstration zone for Shenzhen's sustainable development agenda. The project will distil replicable and scalable innovative practices, with Shenzhen as the base, extending its contribution across the Asia-Pacific region and benefiting the world.” 
 
As part of the launch event, a dialogue entitled “Innovation for Sustainable Development in Megacities" was held during which experts exchanged on how people-centred technology and innovation can drive sustainable urban development. 
 
Mr. Joe Hooper, Director of the UNDP Global Centre, emphasized that the centre will continue to collaborate with partners worldwide to drive sustainable development through innovation. 

For more information on the campaign or to request an interview, please contact:

Ms. Zhao Yue, Innovation and Communications Officer, UNDP China at yue.zhao@undp.org
Ms. Zhang Chengcheng, Innovation and Communications Associate, UNDP China at chengcheng.zhang@undp.org

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
 
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global network within the United Nations dedicated to development, operating in over 170 countries and regions. It provides knowledge, expertise, and resources to assist nations in addressing both global and domestic development challenges. Established in 1979, the UNDP China Office collaborates with the people and government of China, as well as other partners, to pursue equitable and sustainable human development domestically and internationally. To date, UNDP has initiated over 900 projects in China. In addition, UNDP leverages its global network and South-South Cooperation (SSC) to facilitate mutual knowledge and experience sharing between China and partner countries on best practices and lessons learned towards advancing sustainable development.

China International Economic and Technical Exchange Centre 
 
The China International Economic and Technical Exchange centre (CICETE) is a non-profit institution directly under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, established with the approval of the State Council on March 12, 1983. CICETE is dedicated to promoting economic and technological exchanges between China and other countries and regions worldwide. As a professional organization for international development cooperation, CICETE is entrusted by the government to coordinate and manage collaborative projects with the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the United Nations Volunteers. In 2008, entrusted by the Ministry of Commerce, CICETE undertook the execution of general material aid projects for China’s foreign aid. With the expansion of China’s foreign aid scale and the continuous innovation of aid methods and means, CICETE assumed the management of the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (formerly South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund projects) in 2016 and undertook the implementation management tasks of the foreign aid training programs organized by the Academy for International Business Officials of the Ministry of Commerce in 2017.

Longhua District of People’s Government of Shenzhen Municipality 

Located in the geometric center of Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Longhua District has become a hub of innovation and boasts a robust industrial foundation. With a regional GDP of 301.072 billion yuan in 2023, the district houses the largest number of recognized innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in Shenzhen and the highest entrepreneurial density in the country. It earned the 23rd place in the “CCID Top 100 Districts in China” for high-quality urban economic development.

Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation

Established in 2014, the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC) is one of China’s pioneering non-public foundations dedicated to fostering international exchange and collaboration, as well as facilitating the development of international cities. The Foundation is devoted to creating a robust platform for international cooperation, promoting Shenzhen in its evolution into an innovative global city, and encouraging engagement from all sectors of society in global governance endeavors.