Mark Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan, Welcome Baby Girl and Pledge to Give Away $45 Billion

Mark Zuckerberg posted a poignant–and lengthy–letter to his new baby girl, Max, in a post on his Facebook wall.

The social media titan also stated in his post that he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, will give away 99% of their Facebook shares during their lifetimes (currently valued at $45 billion) for “improving this world for the next generation.â€

Zuckerberg outlines his intent for giving away billions in aid to help cure disease, advance human potential, and promote equality:

Promoting equality is about making sure everyone has access to these opportunities — regardless of the nation, families or circumstances they are born into.

Our society must do this not only for justice or charity, but for the greatness of human progress.

Today we are robbed of the potential so many have to offer. The only way to achieve our full potential is to channel the talents, ideas and contributions of every person in the world.

Can our generation eliminate poverty and hunger?

Can we provide everyone with basic healthcare?

Can we build inclusive and welcoming communities?

Can we nurture peaceful and understanding relationships between people of all nations?

Can we truly empower everyone — women, children, underrepresented minorities, immigrants and the unconnected?

Zuckerberg emphasized the important role technology will play in improving the world. Many of the greatest opportunities for your generation will come from giving everyone access to the Internet, he wrote to Max. People often think of the Internet as just for entertainment or communication. But for the majority of people in the world, the Internet can be a lifeline.

Other technology magnates, including Sheryl Sandberg and Melinda Gates, as well as other celebrities, such as Katie Couric and Arnold Schwarzenegger, posted well wishes in the comments section of Zuckerberg’s post.