Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Gates Foundation, visited the National Assembly on the 21st and stated, "If many companies in Korea participate in donations, it could save the lives of many children around the world."
Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Gates Foundation (left in the photo), visited the Speaker's Office at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st to meet with Speaker Woo Wonsik. Photo by Moon Hyewon
During his visit to Korea, Chairman Gates visited the Speaker's Office at the main building of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, in the afternoon and met with Speaker Woo Wonshik. He said, "The Gates Foundation has been doing wise work, such as saving many lives with a small budget. If Korea makes donations, I believe we will also be able to provide significant support."
The Gates Foundation is the world's largest private charitable organization. Chairman Gates established the foundation in 2000 and has led the international community's sustainable development efforts through strengthening global healthcare systems, eradicating infectious diseases, and expanding vaccine access.
Chairman Gates said, "Korea provides aid with an amount less than 5% of the government budget," and added, "This is about 0.6% of GDP, but I hope the related budget will be increased to 0.7%."
Speaker Woo responded, "Chairman Gates is someone who has changed human life through technological innovation," and added, "Now, he is taking the lead in addressing global challenges such as the climate crisis, disease, and inequality."
Speaker Woo also said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that no crisis can be overcome without cooperation beyond borders, and it has shown that existing responses are insufficient for issues like climate change and emerging infectious diseases," emphasizing, "Global solidarity is absolutely necessary and extremely important."
He continued, "To solve these problems, a new form of partnership involving governments, international organizations, and civil society is urgently needed," and added, "Korea has played an important role as a member of the international community and will continue to do so in the future."
Immediately after his meeting with Speaker Woo, Chairman Gates plans to exchange practical opinions on the major achievements of global health partnerships and future directions for cooperation through a meeting with the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee.
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