Bill Gates Commits to Donate 99% of His Fortune by 2045

In a notable shift in his philanthropic strategy, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced plans to donate 99% of his fortune by 2045. The billionaire, who currently has a net worth of $108 billion, emphasized his commitment to charitable efforts in a recent blog post where he expressed his desire for his legacy to not simply reflect wealth accumulation. Gates stated that he anticipates spending an additional $200 billion through the Gates Foundation on various health and development projects. His dedication to philanthropy is partly inspired by notable figures like Warren Buffett, although he faces criticism for the influence of his foundation on global health policies.

In his blog, Gates cited Andrew Carnegie's "The Gospel of Wealth," reinforcing his belief that wealthy individuals have a responsibility to give back to society. He announced that the Gates Foundation intends to focus on eliminating preventable diseases, combatting infectious diseases, and reducing poverty globally. While recognizing the challenges posed by cuts in foreign aid from major countries, Gates affirmed the foundation's ongoing efforts to uplift the world's poorest communities. He also expressed discontent with cuts made to vital aid programs, publicly criticizing figures like Elon Musk for their roles in budget reductions that adversely affect vulnerable populations. As Gates accelerates his charitable giving, he echoes an urgent call to action, both within his foundation's work and in the broader philanthropic landscape.