Deloitte launches project to help 50m futures in rural China
China Daily
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(Photo: IC)

Deloitte, one of the major global accounting firms, announced the launch of WorldClass in China on Thursday, a plan aimed to benefit 10 million rural children and farmers in the following decade.

The plan involves programs to facilitate quality education for migrant and left-behind children, prepare rural youth for opportunities in the 4th Industrial Revolution, and foster innovation in China's agricultural sector.

WorldClass is Deloitte's global, organization-wide initiative to prepare 50 million futures for a world of opportunity by 2030. This bold ambition exemplifies how Deloitte lives its purpose, making an impact that matters by addressing social challenges. By aligning to a common mission, Deloitte is inspiring increased commitment to and investment in education, skills development, and access to opportunities.

In China, WorldClass seeks to support rural revitalization in the world's second largest economy, as well as channel the benefits of economic, technological and social achievements to the agricultural sector, rural communities and farmers. For instance, some children in rural areas have become either migrants or left-behind. Deloitte China's plan is to create avenues for these children to obtain a quality education and personal development guidance, helping them reach their full potential and realize their dreams. Gradually, agriculture and rural development will be key to China's continued growth and prosperity.

"Our goal with WorldClass is to empower 50 million people globally by 2030, by providing them access to the education and skills required to find meaningful work in the new economy. The world is on the brink of a seismic shift with the emergence of the Industry 4.0 wave, and to thrive in it, we must work together so that no one is left behind," said Deloitte Global CEO Punit Renjen.

"WorldClass aspires to provide opportunities to more people and drive developments in different regions in China, where rural population exceeds 500 million. There is a tremendous opportunity to make a meaningful impact and create pathways for migrants and children of all ages to fulfill their aspirations."

To pilot WorldClass in China, Deloitte has signed an agreement with the Heilongjiang Government to support the province's rural revitalization initiatives through agriculture ecosystem planning, bringing in strategic investors, skills-building programs and supporting left-behind children.

"To achieve our goal of 10 million futures, we will leverage our professional insights and capabilities to empower agricultural transformation in China through innovation and technology, promote more employment opportunities in rural areas, and improve children's education. At the same time, we will provide skills training for young people, empowering farmers, their children and rural youth with opportunities to build a brighter future," said Deloitte China Chairman Philip Tsai.

Yang Pengyu contributed to this story