Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation. Key areas included polio eradication, public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to completely eradicate polio. He thanked the Gates Foundation for its long-term support for Pakistan’s polio programme.
The foundation has also supported Pakistan in maternal and child health. Its areas of engagement include nutrition, immunisation, digitisation and financial inclusion.
Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate polio. He said eradication was important for protecting future generations from the disease. He also appreciated the prime minister’s guidance to provincial governments on vaccination efforts.
The meeting also covered cooperation beyond the health sector. Shehbaz Sharif expressed interest in expanding collaboration in agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
The prime minister briefed Bill Gates about ongoing agricultural reforms. He highlighted innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience and agricultural research.
The government is also focusing on improving farmers’ capacity and productivity. Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in several emerging agricultural areas.
These areas include improved seeds and livestock genetics. They also include emerging agricultural technologies and related scientific research.
The discussions reflect Pakistan’s efforts to use technology in key sectors. Agriculture, healthcare and digital development were among the areas discussed during the meeting.
Bill Gates has previously visited Pakistan and supported development initiatives. Shehbaz Sharif recalled those visits during the meeting.
The prime minister also invited Bill Gates to visit Pakistan again. The invitation was extended during discussions about continued cooperation.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain constructive engagement. Both sides discussed strengthening partnerships linked to sustainable development and technology.
The talks between Bill Gates and Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the role of international partnerships. Such cooperation can support initiatives in health, agriculture and digital development.
The Gates Foundation has remained involved in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. Its broader engagement also covers several social and economic development areas.
The latest meeting provided an opportunity to discuss expanding this cooperation. Bill Gates and the prime minister agreed to explore additional areas for collaboration.
The discussions also included emerging technologies that could support Pakistan’s development goals. Artificial intelligence and agricultural technology featured among the proposed areas of cooperation.
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The engagement between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation is expected to continue. Both sides expressed a commitment to further discussions on shared development priorities.
