President Lee Meets Bill Gates, Vows Stronger Cooperation in Global Health and Climate Efforts

President Lee Jae-myung met with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, at the presidential office in Yongsan on the 21st to discuss expanding cooperation in global health, climate change, and poverty reduction.

During the talks, President Lee commended Gates for his longstanding commitment to humanity. “I pay my highest respect to your public activities dedicated to the Earth and all its people,” he said. “The Korean government will seek every possible way to join these efforts.”

President Lee Jae-myung meets with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on Aug. 21, 2025. [Photo provided by Yonhap News]

Returning to Korea for the first time in three years, the Microsoft co-founder highlighted the foundation’s initiatives in vaccine development, pandemic preparedness, and sustainable energy. President Lee noted, “Thanks to your creation of Windows, people around the world gained a window to see the world. Now, your leadership in vaccines and green energy is another invaluable contribution to humanity.”

Gates, marking the foundation’s 25th anniversary, reaffirmed his pledge to dedicate all of his personal wealth and foundation resources within the next two decades. “We plan to spend roughly 200 billion dollars to improve global health conditions,” he explained, adding that the foundation aims to reduce annual child mortality to fewer than two million — an 80 percent reduction from current levels.

He also emphasized Korea’s pivotal role in this mission, citing the remarkable progress of its bioscience sector. “From IVI research to companies like SD Biosensor, SK, LG, and EuBiologics, Korea has emerged as a powerhouse in global health. Just a decade ago this industry was small, but today it is vital and indispensable,” he said. Gates recalled that Korean products, including COVID-19 vaccines and diagnostic kits, had played a crucial role during the pandemic.

Bill Gates [Photo provided by Yonhap News]

Acknowledging geopolitical shifts and rapid technological change, particularly in artificial intelligence, Gates stressed that Korea has “a unique opportunity to reassess its strategy and strengthen its leadership in solution development.”

The meeting was attended by senior presidential aides, including Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs Moon Jin-young, and Senior Secretary for AI and Future Strategy Ha Jung-woo. The dialogue began on a warm note, as President Lee welcomed Gates with a greeting to which Gates responded simply, “Thank you.”