BRUSSELS/NEW YORK, (Unib Rashid) — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with discussions focusing on polio eradication, public health, agriculture, digital innovation and Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

Recalling the Gates Foundation team’s recent visit to Pakistan earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the foundation’s continued engagement with Pakistan in key areas including polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization and financial inclusion.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Mr. Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2026) Session.

Recalling Gates Foundation Team’s recent visit to Pakistan earlier this month, the Prime… pic.twitter.com/DRPo7V1p6E

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 23, 2026

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to completely eradicate polio from the country. He thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding support for Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts and expressed his personal commitment to achieving the goal.

Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts under the Prime Minister’s leadership and emphasized that eliminating polio remains essential to protecting future generations from the crippling disease. He also appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal guidance to provincial governments regarding the implementation of the polio vaccination programme across the country.

The Prime Minister described the Gates Foundation as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas including public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also briefed Gates on the government’s ongoing agricultural reforms, highlighting initiatives focused on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity-building for farmers.

The two sides agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration in the development of improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies, with a view to enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and resilience.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued and constructive engagement aimed at strengthening and expanding partnerships in support of sustainable development, technological advancement and improved social-sector outcomes for the people of Pakistan.

Recalling his earlier visits to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also invited Bill Gates to visit the country at his earliest convenience.