Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bill Gates discussed expanding cooperation in public health and agriculture.
- The meeting took place during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
- Both leaders highlighted the importance of polio eradication and expressed interest in digital innovation and AI.
During the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan met with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, to discuss expanding collaboration in public health, agriculture, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence.
Recalling the Gates Foundation’s recent visit to Pakistan, the Prime Minister appreciated the foundation’s support in areas such as polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, and financial inclusion.
PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio and thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding assistance in this critical endeavor.
Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and stressed the importance of polio eradication to protect future generations from the disease, praising the prime minister’s personal guidance to provincial governments.
The Prime Minister also apprised Gates of the agricultural reforms being undertaken by the government, focusing on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research, and capacity-building for farmers.
Both leaders agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration in the development of improved seeds, livestock genetics, and emerging agricultural technologies.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued and constructive engagement, aiming to strengthen and expand partnerships that support sustainable development, technological advancement, and improved social sector outcomes.
PM Shehbaz extended an invitation to Gates to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, expressing interest in broadening the scope of collaboration.
