Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates have agreed to explore cooperation on improved seeds, livestock genetics and agricultural technologies. The discussions formed part of broader talks on public health, digital innovation and artificial intelligence in New York.
The two met on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Shehbaz outlined Pakistan’s agricultural reform priorities and expressed interest in expanding the country’s partnership with the foundation beyond existing areas of cooperation.
Improved seeds and livestock genetics in focus
The prime minister briefed Gates on reforms centred on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity building for farmers.
Both sides agreed to explore opportunities involving improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies. The meeting readout did not announce a funding amount, implementation timetable or signed agricultural project.
The proposed cooperation overlaps with the Gates Foundation’s established agricultural development work across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
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According to its official programme overview, the foundation supports crop breeding, livestock health and digital services for smallholder farmers. Its investments include crop varieties suited to changing climate conditions, livestock vaccines and digital soil maps.
The foundation also supports research that helps farmers respond to drought, flooding, higher temperatures, pests and crop diseases. These are areas of its wider programme, rather than projects announced specifically for Pakistan at the New York meeting.
Polio eradication remains a priority
Public health remained a central part of the talks, alongside the agricultural agenda.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to completely eradicate polio and thanked the foundation for its longstanding support.
Gates stressed the importance of eliminating the disease to protect future generations. He also appreciated the prime minister’s guidance to provincial governments on the polio vaccination programme.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Mr. Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2026) Session.
Recalling Gates Foundation Team’s recent visit to Pakistan earlier this month, the Prime… pic.twitter.com/Q6EA4pPNxT
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 23, 2026
The Prime Minister’s Office said discussions covered maternal and child health, nutrition and immunisation. The two sides also reviewed cooperation on digitisation and financial inclusion.
Shehbaz expressed interest in broadening collaboration across public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence. Both sides committed to continued engagement aimed at supporting sustainable development, technological advancement and better social sector outcomes.
Talks build on earlier climate discussions
The agriculture and technology agenda follows earlier exchanges between Pakistan and the foundation on climate resilience.
In June 2024, Pakistan’s climate ministry and the foundation agreed to work together on strengthening the country’s ability to withstand climate impacts.
An official account of an Islamabad roundtable recorded discussions on agriculture, water, energy, food, health and education. Gates also met private-sector innovators working in health, agriculture, technology and climate finance.
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At that meeting, he highlighted artificial intelligence’s potential to address problems at scale and reiterated support for Pakistan’s climate adaptation efforts.
The latest talks identified seeds, livestock genetics and agricultural technology as areas for further engagement. Shehbaz concluded by inviting Gates to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
