Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates have discussed expanding cooperation between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation in agriculture, artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and public health. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2026, with both sides reviewing areas where technology and innovation could support Pakistan’s development priorities. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting also covered the Gates Foundation’s ongoing engagement with Pakistan in areas including polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitisation and financial inclusion.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed Gates on agricultural reforms being undertaken by the government, highlighting innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity-building for farmers. The two sides agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation involving improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies. The proposed areas point toward greater use of technology and scientific research in agriculture, with the potential to support farmers through improved inputs, agricultural research and technology-driven practices.
The discussion also placed artificial intelligence and digital innovation among the areas where Pakistan is seeking broader collaboration. The Prime Minister expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the Gates Foundation beyond public health to include agriculture, digital innovation and AI. The engagement comes as Pakistan continues to focus on the use of digital technologies across different sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and financial services, while exploring technology-led approaches to development challenges.
Public health remained another major part of the meeting, particularly Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio. Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Gates Foundation for its continued support, while Bill Gates highlighted the importance of polio eradication and appreciated the government’s efforts involving provincial administrations and vaccination programmes. The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue engagement on partnerships supporting technological advancement and social-sector development, while Prime Minister Shehbaz also invited Gates to visit Pakistan.
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