Shehbaz-Gates UNGA Meeting Focuses on AI, Agri-Tech, Polio
Meeting on UNGA sidelines focuses on polio eradication, public health, AI, digital innovation and agricultural technologies, with both sides agreeing to explore cooperation in improved seeds and livestock genetics.
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, with discussions focusing on expanding Pakistan’s cooperation with the foundation across health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Gates Foundation’s longstanding engagement with Pakistan, particularly in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization and financial inclusion.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating polio from Pakistan and thanked the foundation for its continued support. Bill Gates, meanwhile, stressed the importance of polio eradication for protecting future generations and acknowledged the prime minister’s guidance to provincial governments on vaccination efforts.
Pakistan Seeks Cooperation in Agriculture and AI
The meeting also moved beyond the health sector, with Shehbaz Sharif expressing interest in broadening cooperation in agriculture, digital innovation and AI. He briefed Gates on the government’s agricultural reform agenda, including innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity-building for farmers.
Both sides agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation involving improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies. The discussion comes as the Gates Foundation is expanding its global focus on AI-enabled solutions in agriculture, health and development. Earlier this month, the foundation announced major initiatives aimed at using AI to support smallholder farmers and improve access to technology.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation on sustainable development, technological advancement and social-sector outcomes.
Shehbaz Sharif also invited Bill Gates to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity, recalling his previous visits to the country.
