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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'He died rich' won't be on my tombstone: Bill Gates to spend bulk of his $200 billion fortune on health and education in Africa over next 20 years
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has pledged to spend the majority of his estimated $200 billion fortune over the next two decades to improve health and education services across Africa. Speaking at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the 69-year-old billionaire said, 'By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity.' The announcement follows Gates' earlier commitment to give away 99% of his wealth by 2045, at which point his philanthropic organisation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, plans to wind down operations. 'I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,' Gates told African leaders and innovators gathered at the AU headquarters. Gates highlighted his foundation's focus on strengthening primary healthcare. 'What we've learned is that helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Transform Your Child's Confidence with Our Public Speaking Program Planet Spark Book Now Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference,' Gates said, as quoted by BBC. He also called on Africa's young innovators to consider how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a role in transforming healthcare delivery across the continent. 'Africa largely skipped traditional banking and now you have a chance, as you build your next generation healthcare systems, to think about how AI is built into that,' he said. As an example, he pointed to Rwanda's use of AI-enabled ultrasound to detect high-risk pregnancies. Mozambique's former First Lady, Graça Machel, welcomed Gates' pledge, saying it came at a 'moment of crisis.' She added, 'We are counting on Mr Gates' steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us.' The pledge comes amid reductions in US foreign aid to Africa under former President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, which included cuts to HIV/AIDS programs. Gates acknowledged the growing need for external support and reiterated his foundation's long-term commitment to the continent. According to the Gates Foundation, its three priorities are: ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies, ensuring the next generation grows up free from deadly infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty. Gates also addressed public scrutiny of his philanthropic efforts. Though he remains one of the world's wealthiest individuals, he wrote in a blog post last month, 'People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that 'he died rich' will not be one of them.' Alongside Paul Allen, Gates founded Microsoft in 1975. He stepped down as CEO in 2000 and left the company's board in 2020. He credits his decision to give away his wealth in part to inspiration from fellow philanthropist Warren Buffett. Still, the Gates Foundation has faced criticism over its influence in global health and claims that it uses its charitable status to avoid taxes, allegations that Gates has not directly addressed. Despite this, Gates emphasized the urgency of his mission. 'This is not charity. It's an investment in Africa's future.' Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Israeli PM Netanyahu slams UK, France, Canada for opposing Israel's military action in Gaza
Following the United Kingdom, France, and Canada's strong opposition to Israel's recent expansion of military operations in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (local time) launched a sharp rebuke of those countries and their leaders, accusing them of rewarding Hamas's genocidal attack on October 7, 2023. In a strongly worded post on X, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to achieving "total victory" against Hamas, aligning with US President Donald Trump's vision for resolving the conflict. "By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities," the Israeli Prime Minister said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Transform Your Child's Confidence with Our Public Speaking Program Planet Spark Book Now "This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved," he added. Netanyahu recounted the origins of the conflict, noting, "The war began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists stormed our borders, murdered 1,200 innocent people and abducted over 250 more innocents to the dungeons of Gaza." Live Events The Israeli Prime Minister outlined conditions for ending the war, saying, "Israel accepts President Trump's vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled, and Gaza is demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less, and Israel certainly won't." This came following a joint declaration by the UK, France, and Canada earlier today condemning Israel's expanded military operations in Gaza under the "Gideon's Chariots" offensive, which began on Saturday. The European leaders criticised the "intolerable" human suffering in Gaza, Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid, and settlement expansions in the West Bank, threatening further action, including sanctions, if Israel does not halt its offensive. They also supported US, Qatari, and Egyptian-led efforts for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution .
