Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates in New York to discuss expanding cooperation between Pakistan and the foundation.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Both sides discussed polio eradication, public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What Happened | Shehbaz Sharif met Bill Gates to discuss wider cooperation between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation. |
| Location | New York, United States |
| Date | September 23, 2026 |
| Key Areas | Polio eradication, healthcare, agriculture, AI, digital innovation and financial inclusion |
| Agriculture | Potential cooperation includes improved seeds, livestock genetics and agricultural technology. |
| Polio | Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to ending wild poliovirus transmission. |
| Current Status | Both sides agreed to explore further areas of cooperation. |
Pakistan and Gates Foundation Partnership
Sharif thanked the Gates Foundation for its long standing support in Pakistan. The foundation has worked with Pakistani partners on polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition and immunisation.
Its wider engagement also includes digitisation and financial inclusion. Pakistan and the foundation now want to explore additional areas of cooperation.
The Gates Foundation continues to identify Pakistan as an important country for its health and development work.
Polio remained a central issue during the meeting.
Bill Gates said polio eradication remains important for protecting future generations. He also recognised Pakistan’s vaccination efforts and Sharif’s guidance to provincial governments.
Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where wild poliovirus continues to circulate. The Gates Foundation says vaccination, surveillance and stronger health systems remain important parts of global eradication efforts.
Agriculture Could Become a New Area of Cooperation
The talks also moved beyond healthcare.
Sharif briefed Gates on Pakistan’s agricultural reforms. He highlighted biotechnology, innovation, climate resilience, research and farmer training.
Both sides agreed to explore cooperation on improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.
Traveling throughout South Asia and other areas. Its work includes crop science, livestock health and digital tools for farmers.
Digital Innovation and AI
Artificial intelligence and digital innovation could become another part of the partnership.
Sharif expressed interest in expanding cooperation in these areas alongside public health and agriculture. The Gates Foundation has recently increased its focus on AI applications in health, agriculture and other development areas.
Pakistan Gates Foundation Partnership Expands
The latest meeting has expanded the conversation between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation beyond polio and public health.
Health remains a major focus, while agriculture, digital innovation and AI could become important areas for future cooperation. The next stage will depend on specific projects, funding decisions and agreements between the relevant partners.
