(Photo: Xinhua)

Since 2016, every Sept. 5 marks China’s Charity Day. This year, China’s Tech Giant Alibaba held a Xin philanthropy conference in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang Province, on Wednesday. 

The event focuses on "The Power of Small", a theme that emphasizes the cumulative power of small, everyday acts in creating a better future for the world, as the enabling force of the internet lowers the barrier for ordinary people to give back to society.

Many celebrities participated in the event, including Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Queen Rania touched on the power of logic and love, especially for the education crisis affecting many parts of the world today. “Education is the birthright of every child [and] is an act of love. Education is also logical. It is the source of all human progress, the antidote to extremism, and the foundation of any peaceful society,” she said.

While the queen called for a global movement to address the crisis, she also highlighted the collective power of individuals to resolve global challenges, even for those that may seem too diffuse or distant from our own lives. “Yes, small can be powerful. What starts small can grow,” added the queen. 

Jack Ma, the founder and chairman of Alibaba, also delivered a speech. “True philanthropy is a collective effort by many, and not many philanthropic deeds carried out by just one individual. Everyone has the right and the ability to give. It doesn’t matter how big or small your contribution is, and it doesn’t mean you have to do something big or be someone important to do philanthropy,” he said. 

“Personal philanthropy is not about giving cash, but giving your heart, your time and most importantly, your action. Ultimately, personal philanthropy makes you a better person, and if everyone participates, we will have a better world,” he added.

Launched in 2016, the biennial conference is an important representation of Alibaba’s commitment to encouraging inclusive, universal and sustainable growth for businesses and communities alike – all for the greater benefit of people. 

Over 1,000 participants have gathered both in China and, for the very first time, in India today, bringing together pioneering individuals and leading organizations seeking to make a difference in their communities through contributing to important causes such as rural education, youth engagement, environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment.