Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates discussed expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office said the discussion covered Pakistan’s efforts on polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization and financial inclusion.

Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to completely eradicate polio. He also thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding support on this front. Meanwhile, Gates stressed that polio eradication remains vital to protecting future generations from the disease. He further appreciated the prime minister’s guidance to provincial governments on the polio vaccine program.

The prime minister also briefed Gates on agricultural reforms currently underway in Pakistan. This briefing focused on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity building for farmers. Therefore, agriculture emerged as a major theme of the discussion alongside public health.

Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in developing improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies. Shehbaz also expressed interest in broadening collaboration across public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence. Instead of limiting the conversation to health, the two leaders touched on a wide range of sectors.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued engagement between both sides. This engagement aims to strengthen partnerships supporting sustainable development, technological advancement and improved social sector outcomes. Finally, Shehbaz invited Gates to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, signalling interest in deepening the relationship further.