Global hotelier Hilton has announced a partnership with the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation to provide leadership training and to fund projects that bring about positive societal change.

The partnership, officially launched at an event in Shanghai, focuses on the Charity Future-Hilton program, an incubator project to support student-led charity societies.

Over the next two years, the partnership aims to provide youth leaders from 200 student-led charity groups across 100 universities access to leadership and training opportunities. Students can also apply for seed funding to implement local social impact projects.

"Our youth will be the next generation of change-makers in business and society," said Qian Jin, president of Greater China and Mongolia, Hilton. "It is critical that we recognize the challenges they face and provide them with better opportunities."

Charity Future-Hilton draws heavily on the vast network and extensive experience of the CFPA, one of China's most influential NGOs. The CFPA's efforts to alleviate poverty have helped more than 24 million people in need across China.

Ding Yadong, secretary-general of the CFPA, said: "Charity Future-Hilton represents an important model for our organization to collaborate with leading businesses.

"Through this partnership we can make practical, lasting changes to the lives of a whole generation of students, as well as the communities in which they live."

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn