NEWYORK: Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif met Chair of the Gates Foundation Bill Gates on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2026) Session.
Recalling Gates Foundation Team’s recent visit to Pakistan earlier this month, the prime minister appreciated the Foundation’s engagement with Pakistan in support of polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization, and financial inclusion.
Shahbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensure complete eradication of polio from the country. He thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding assistance in the important endeavor and expresses his personal commitment to polio eradication.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts under Prime Minister’s leadership, Gates stressed that polio eradication was vital to protect future generations from this crippling disease. He appreciated the Prime Minister’s personal guidance to the Provincial Governments for the polio vaccine program across the country.
The Prime Minister complimented the Gates Foundation for being a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed interest in broadening collaboration in areas including public health, agriculture, digital innovation and AI.
Pakistan’s prime minister also apprised Mr. Gates of the Agri reforms that the government was undertaking, with particular emphasis on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research, and capacity-building for farmers.
The two sides agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration in the development of improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.
Both sides agreed to continue constructive engagement with a view to further strengthening and expanding partnerships that support sustainable development, technological advancement and improved social sectors outcomes for the people of Pakistan. While recalling his earlier visits, the PM extended an invitation to Mr. Gates to undertake a visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
