02:26
The United Nations and Chinese internet giant Tencent announced Monday they are partnering to hold thousands of conversations online and reach out to millions of people across the world to share their thoughts on global challenges like the coronavirus pandemic to mark the organization's 75th anniversary.
As the COVID-19 outbreak impacts the entire world, international cooperation and solidarity are more critical than ever, the UN said in a statement.
"Their (the Tencent's) dialogue tools and videoconferencing services will greatly enhance our capacity to reach out to more people across the globe," said Fabrizio Hochschild, a special adviser to the UN.
The UN is calling on people around the world to engage in the conversations with the help of Tencent's software and apps such as VooV Meeting, WeChat Work, and Tencent Artificial Intelligence Simultaneous Interpretation.
Tencent's remote work software VooV Meeting and office collaboration tool WeChat Work have been widely used by global companies like DHL and schools all over the world amid the pandemic. VooV Meeting was launched in more than 100 countries and regions. WeChat Work is offering services to 2.5 million companies and has 60 million active users.
"Global collaboration not only plays a vital role in human well-being and our future, but is also the key to fighting the current global pandemic. Tencent will spare no effort in providing the technical solutions to support online meetings and idea exchanges for the UN, with the aim of bringing the global village even closer together," said Martin Lau, president of Tencent.
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, China's tech firms have leveraged online platforms and technologies to back up governments in their fight against the pandemic. They have offered services such as electronic health records, real-time data monitoring, online medical consultation, and online education.