PM Modi meets Bill Gates in Glasgow

PM Modi meets Bill Gates in Glasgow; analyzes climate change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on the sidelines of the climate summit here and discussed ways to promote sustainable development and measures to mitigate climate change.

The meeting between Modi and the American business magnate, whose foundation focuses on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, took place after the former launched the Initiative for Resilient Island States (IRIS) for the development of infrastructure of the small island nations.

“Prime Minister @narendramodi met @BillGates on the sidelines of the @ COP26 Summit in Glasgow. They both discussed ways to promote sustainable development and steps to mitigate climate change, ”the Indian Prime Minister’s Office said on Twitter.

In the past, Gates has reinforced his foundation’s commitment to supporting the Government of India in its efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on health, nutrition, sanitation and agriculture.

On Monday, Gates said that at this year’s UN Climate Conference, innovation will take center stage and was optimistic about the way forward.

“By uniting the world at # COP26, we can find more ways to accelerate the development and adoption of the clean technologies we need to achieve net-zero emissions,” he said on Twitter.

In May of last year, Gates and Prime Minister Modi interacted via video conference and discussed the coronavirus pandemic.

“Thanks for the conversation and partnership, @narendramodi. Fighting the pandemic requires global collaboration. India’s role is key as the world works to minimize the social and economic impact, and pave the way towards access to vaccines, tests, and treatment for all,” said the billionaire philanthropist on Twitter.

In November 2019, Gates visited Modi in New Delhi during which the Prime Minister said that the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is helping to make the planet a better place.

“It is always a pleasure to interact with him on various topics. Through his innovative zeal and grassroots work, ”Modi had said on Twitter.

Last month, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced a commitment of up to $ 120 million to accelerate access to the investigational antiviral drug molnupiravir for low-income countries as part of its COVID-19 response effort.

The funding will be allocated based on consultations with partners and will support the range of activities required to develop and manufacture generic versions of the drug.

However, it is being developed by Merck & Co in collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, the foundation said in a statement.

This commitment builds on the foundation’s ongoing efforts, including $ 1.9 billion in funding, since the start of the pandemic to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines, treatments.

And testing by supporting research and development, regulatory work, manufacturing at risk, and product delivery.