UNITAR Division for Prosperity Director Mihoko Kumamoto visited Chengdu, China, at the invitation of the Prosperity Alliance Chengdu leadership.
12 May 2025, Chengdu, China - United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Division for Prosperity Director Mihoko Kumamoto concluded a multi-day visit to Chengdu, China, at the invitation of the Prosperity Alliance Chengdu leadership. Prosperity Alliance Chengdu was established in March 2025 to drive sustainable economic development through strategic partnerships, capacity-building programmes and innovative solutions. Ms. Kumamoto's visit supported the Alliance's commitment to fostering youth development, sustainable economic innovation and cross-cultural collaboration, aligning with Chengdu's growing role as a hub for creativity and global exchange.
During her visit, Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto engaged with the Prosperity Alliance Chengdu Working Committee to outline priority initiatives, including capacity-building programmes for young leaders, international exchange platforms, and projects integrating technology with sustainable development.
A highlight of the tour was Ms. Kumamoto's visit to Chengdu's thriving Electronic Sports and animation sectors, where she met with industry representatives to explore opportunities to promote sustainability and inclusion through these sectors. Discussions included training and research activities to support the e-sports industry and using animations to raise awareness about sustainability and social inclusion.
With the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Ms. Kumamoto talked about ideas to integrate youth development and international exchange with Chengdu's cultural symbol, the giant panda. The parties considered designing educational programmes that combine youth training with cross-cultural partnerships and sustainable economic initiatives.
By empowering young people to lead exchanges anchored in shared cultural values, we can foster both local growth and global cooperation. -Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, UNITAR Division for Prosperity
On 9 April 2025, Ms. Kumamoto took part in the Prosperity Alliance Chengdu UN Chinese Language Day (external videos not made by UNITAR ) event, engaging with students whose innovative projects integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Chinese linguistic and cultural elements. The event highlighted Prosperity Alliance Chengdu's aim to amplify youth voices in shaping an interconnected, equitable future.
Ms. Kumamoto also met with Chengdu education officials to discuss youth development. Key topics included integrating the SDGs into school curricula, expanding vocational training in frontier technologies, and creating exchange programmes to strengthen global citizenship among students.
Next Steps for Prosperity Alliance Chengdu
Next steps for Prosperity Alliance Chengdu include developing collaborative projects that leverage UNITAR's global resources and the Alliance's expertise in order to advance youth development and sustainable economic growth. Prosperity Alliance Chengdu will connect Chengdu and Western China with UNITAR's international networks to drive innovation in education, technology, and youth-centric industries. These aim to establish Chengdu as a model for integrating economic advancement with sustainable practices and youth-driven opportunities.
About Prosperity Alliance
The UNITAR Prosperity Alliance develops and promotes projects in social and economic development, frontier technology, trade and business facilitation, climate actions and more in corresponding regions. It showcases sustainable economic development practices, international exchanges and talent training for sustainable economic development. The activities of the Prosperity Alliance target local, national and regional authorities, representatives of international organizations, civil society organizations, private companies and academic institutions, based on the specificities and capacity-building needs of the region.
