In a phone conversation, Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist and co-president of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation extended Eid greetings to President Sheikh Mohamed. The two leaders explored potential collaboration between COP28 and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to address the impact of climate change on human health. He conveyed his good wishes for the UAE and its people, expressing hopes for their continued well-being and prosperity.
During their discussion, President Sheikh Mohamed and Mr. Gates delved into various topics, with a particular focus on the upcoming COP28 summit hosted by the Emirates. The summit, scheduled for November to December this year, holds significant importance as it will serve as a comprehensive global evaluation of the progress made in implementing the goals of the historic Paris Agreement. Additionally, it aims to accelerate coordinated climate action and enhance global efforts in addressing the consequences of climate change.
At COP28, countries will undertake the first-ever global stock-take of the commitments made under the 2015 Paris Agreement, receiving significant attention in Bonn. The initiation of this stock-take process took place at COP26 in Glasgow and will reach its conclusion at COP28, involving a two-year period and occurring every five years.
President Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Gates emphasized the role of modern technology and innovation in the urgent quest for effective and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. They acknowledged the vital role of innovation in addressing these issues, safeguarding the environment and its natural resources, and achieving sustainable development.
Collaboration to Combat Global Epidemic Diseases
President Sheikh Mohamed and Bill Gates discussed the potential for enhanced collaboration and initiatives to combat global epidemic diseases, particularly focusing on the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio. Challenges related to instability and resistance to vaccination programs have resulted in the persistence of polio as an endemic disease in Pakistan and Afghanistan, despite notable progress made in reducing polio cases.
Both leaders have been staunch supporters of global polio eradication efforts and recognized the advancements achieved in recent times. They also acknowledged the importance of addressing “neglected tropical diseases” in their discussions.
The “Reaching the Last Mile” forum, known for mobilizing and expediting global efforts to assist underdeveloped societies in eradicating life-threatening diseases that hinder their social and economic development, was thoroughly reviewed during the conversation.
Furthermore, President Sheikh Mohamed and Mr. Gates discussed various humanitarian, developmental, and health partnership initiatives that they both endorse, aiming to enhance humanitarian responses and tackle challenges faced by numerous societies and nations worldwide.
President Sheikh Mohamed expressed gratitude to Mr. Gates for his Eid greetings and emphasized the UAE’s unwavering determination to contribute to advancing international cooperation in combating diseases that jeopardize lives and impede development. The President also reaffirmed the UAE’s support for various initiatives and global efforts in this regard.
In response, Mr. Gates praised the UAE’s humanitarian role in providing relief to numerous countries and commended the country’s charitable initiatives aimed at addressing global diseases and epidemics across the world.
