Bill Gates Commits to Donate Nearly All His Wealth in the Coming Decades
Billionaire Bill Gates announced on Thursday his intention to donate nearly all of his personal wealth over the next two decades. He stated that about $200 billion will be allocated through his foundation to aid the world’s poorest as international aid from various governments declines.
At 69 years old, Gates, who co-founded Microsoft and is known for his philanthropic efforts, expressed his desire to accelerate the distribution of his wealth and to conclude the operations of the Gates Foundation by December 31, 2045.
In a message posted on his website, he remarked, “People will say many things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them.”
He emphasized the urgency of addressing pressing issues, stating, “There are many urgent problems that need solutions, and I cannot hold on to resources that can be used to assist others.”
In a pointed critique of U.S. President Donald Trump’s cuts to aid from the world’s largest donor nation, Gates expressed his commitment to combating preventable maternal and child deaths, eliminating diseases such as polio, malaria, and measles, and reducing poverty.
He also noted, “It is unclear if the richest nations will continue to advocate for the poorest populations,” highlighting reductions in contributions from key donor countries like the UK and France.
Despite the substantial financial capabilities of his foundation, Gates asserted that progress would not be achievable without governmental support.
He commended the initiative to address reduced aid to Africa, as some governments have reallocated their budgets, but underscored that, for instance, polio will not be eradicated without U.S. funding.
Gates shared his plans coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the foundation, which he established in 2000 with then-wife Melinda French Gates, later joined by investor Warren Buffett.