Bill Gates, UAE President discuss humanitarian cooperation

Tech titan Bill Gates and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call on Thursday where they discussed a range of matters, including ways to boost humanitarian efforts.

Gates, who is the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also congratulated the UAE President on Eid Al-Fitr and wished for the Emirates’ continued prosperity, according to a report on WAM.

The call further discussed the encouraging outcomes from COP28 climate conference, which was hosted in the UAE late last year. 

At COP28, the Gates Foundation announced a $200m partnership with the UAE to support food systems innovation across the globe. In a note after COP28, Gates’ highlighted the importance of developing initiatives such as local long-range climate forecasts for farmers, as well as drought-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties of maize.

During Thursday’s call, Gates also praised the UAE’s humanitarian endeavours worldwide, particularly in eradicating polio and bolstering global health initiatives.

The UAE President and Gates both stressed the urgent need to support vulnerable communities in eradicating diseases hindering their progress, according to WAM

Meanwhile, they both touched on the UAE’s efforts in aiding the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the importance of facilitating relief and medical aid.