EU High Representative Federica Mogherini met on 17 October with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss the shared engagement and joint work of the EU and the Foundation in support of human development in Africa in particular, including by accelerating digital development. The EU and Mr. Gates also signed an agreement to create a joint fund to invest €100 million in European companies working to stop climate change.
The EU High Representative and Bill Gates met ahead of a joint appearance in the European Parliament’s high-level debate on “Europe’s role in International Development.”
They agreed that investments in human development in Africa are key to tackling the major global issues of the 21st century, ranging from poverty reduction and social inclusion to climate change and economic growth.
The Gates Foundation’s contribution underpins EU efforts to strengthen diagnostic health services in Sub-Saharan Africa. The cooperation will help to mobilize private investment in laboratory facilities providing timely, cost-effective and accurate diagnostic services for diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria, as well as support maternal and child healthcare. This will allow doctors to detect diseases earlier, respond faster and better targeting treatments.
Ms. Mogherini and Mr. Gates also discussed the work of the Global Tech Panel and its emphasis on practical ways to accelerate digital development, including in North Africa. They agreed that the collaboration between the EU and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on diagnostic labs in Africa is a ground-breaking and successful new form of cooperation that could be a model the future.
During his visit, Bill Gates and European Commisison Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioner Carlos Moedas also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Breakthrough Energy Europe, launching a joint clean energy investment fund worth EUR 100 million.
Original source: EU External Action
Published on 17 October 2018
