Dr. Deng Yaping becomes the Special Representative of the Peace and Development Foundation:

On 6 December 2009, Dr. Deng Yaping was appointed the Special Representative to the Peace and Development Foundation.

Special Representatives are prominent individuals from the worlds of arts, sciences, literature, entertainment, sport or other fields of public life who have expressed their desire to contribute to the Peace and Development Foundation’s efforts to raise awareness of the aims, objective and priorities of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China, and to convey message about its activities and extend its public outreach.

As Special Representative, Dr. Deng’s focus is on outreach and awareness raising on sustainable development and youth education in China and Hong Kong SAR in accordance with the objectives and priorities of the UNDP in China. Dr. Deng’s appointment is from 2010-2011.

About Dr. Deng Yaping:

Dr. Deng Yaping (邓亚萍) is regarded as one of the top players in the history of table tennis. She has won six World Championships and four Olympic Gold Medals, and has been voted the Chinese female athlete of the century. Following retirement from the sport, Dr. Deng has served on the Ethics and Athletes Commission of the International Olympic Committee. Dr. Deng has a Bachelors degree from Tsinghua University; and has completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge on the impact of the Olympic Games on Chinese development from a multi-disciplinary analysis. Dr. Deng is currently the Deputy Secretary of the Chinese Youth League Beijing Committee.

Appointment Ceremony of the PDF Special Representative and Fundraising Event - 6 December 2009:

On 6 December 2009, the PDF held a ceremony to mark the appointment of Dr. Deng Yaping as the PDF Special Representative. The appointment ceremony was followed by a fundraising event, in which Dr. Deng Yaping succeeded to mobilise donations in support of the work of the PDF and the UNDP by donating an autographed ping pong paddle and ping pong balls. Former UNDP-PDF interns also contributed back to the PDF by assisting in the fundraising activities. The funds raised will go towards UNDP projects in China.

Our sincere gratitude goes to the event sponsors: Spotlight, GemPalace, Hong Kong Dolphinwatch, FolliFollie, Can, Fitter, and Links of London.