PM Shehbaz, Bill Gates eye collaboration in agri-tech, AI

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, engaged in talks during the 81st United Nations General Assembly session about expanding their cooperative efforts across various sectors. These areas of focus include public health, agriculture, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The conversation followed a recent visit to Pakistan by members of the Gates Foundation to bolster initiatives in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitisation, and financial inclusion.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his appreciation for the Gates Foundation’s ongoing support in these crucial areas, specifically reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to completely eradicate polio. He further thanked the foundation for its assistance in this endeavor and made a personal promise to aid in polio eradication. Bill Gates, in turn, emphasized the importance of polio eradication in safeguarding future generations from the debilitating disease, praising Prime Minister Shehbaz’s guidance to provincial governments on the polio vaccine program.

The prime minister also highlighted ongoing agricultural reforms undertaken by the government, with a focus on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research, and capacity-building for farmers. Both leaders agreed to investigate possibilities for collaboration in developing improved seeds, livestock genetics, and emerging agricultural technologies.

Their discussions concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain and expand partnerships aimed at fostering sustainable development, technological progress, and improved social sector outcomes for the people of Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Bill Gates to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity to further these collaborations.