Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan have written a letter to their newborn daughter, Max, and promised to give away 99 percent of Facebook (FB) shares, which is around US$45 billion (approx. AU$61 billion) .

On Tuesday, Zuckerberg posted a 2,000-word letter for his newborn daughter. However, it did not mention the exact date of Max’s birth. In the letter, Max’s parents said that they hope to give her a better world to live in, focusing on establishing a disease free world, “advancing human potential” and “promoting equality.”

Wishing Max a life full of promises and happiness, Zuckerberg reflected on the world today and how he and Chan can do their share to help. He said that children who go through traumatic experiences in their childhood witness lesser cognitive growth, as Chan, a doctor, knows.

The recently launched Chan Zuckerberg Initiative aims to foster healthy children growth. It aims to cure diseases and help develop healthy body and mind. The young billionaire said that curing disease is a gradual process and will not show sudden results. It will reportedly take five or 10 years to make a difference.

“But over the long term, seeds planted now will grow, and one day, you or your children will see what we can only imagine: a world without suffering from disease,” the note reads.

For this cause, Zuckerberg vowed to give away 99 percent of FB shares to ensure their daughter and other children of the coming generation live a healthy life in an advanced and equal environment.

“We will give 99 percent of our Facebook shares – currently about US$45 billion (approx. AU$61 billion) – during our lives to advance this mission,” the couple wrote in the letter.“We know this is a small contribution compared to all the resources and talents of those already working on these issues. But we want to do what we can, working alongside many others,” the couple added.

To serve the purpose and contribute in the team work, Zuckerberg, in a Facebook post, penned down his desire to serve as Facebook’s CEO for “many, many years to come.” He will reportedly share more details in the coming months.

For now, the new father will go on a two-month parental leave, which is half of what Facebook offers its U.S. employees. As of writing, the letter generated thousands of likes and around 14,000 comments from well-known media and tech personalities.

“Welcome to the world, Max! Bill Gates and I can’t wait to meet you. You are lucky to have such an amazing mom and dad,” Melinda Gates, wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, commented. “Mark and Priscilla: Congratulations—we’re thrilled for both of you! Raising children is a great adventure and the best thing we have ever done together. You will be fantastic parents.”

She also praised the couple for their generous donation. The Gates have contributed over US$30 billion (approx. AU$41 billion) to their eponymous foundation, which aims to advance healthcare and reduce poverty in the world.

Another comment came from Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, which reads, “This is a beautiful letter and an incredible commitment to future generations. Congratulations Mark and Priscilla – this is the start of another amazing chapter in your lives.”

“Welcome to the world, dear Max, and congratulations Mark and Priscilla! We agree the world is getting better and we're dedicated to covering all that's working,” Arianna Huffington, editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, also commented.

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