Read Bill Gates annual 2026 letter
Fortune••business
Key Points:
- In his 2026 annual letter, Bill Gates expresses cautious optimism about the future, emphasizing innovation, particularly AI, as a key driver for progress while noting setbacks like the rise in child mortality due to reduced aid from wealthy countries.
- Gates highlights three critical questions shaping future progress: whether global generosity will increase to support those in need, if innovations will be scaled to improve equality—especially in climate, healthcare, and education—and how society will minimize AI's negative disruptions.
- He stresses the importance of restoring and increasing aid budgets to prevent millions of additional child deaths and advocates for government-led efforts to scale innovations that address climate change, healthcare access, and personalized education.
- Gates warns of significant challenges posed by AI, including potential misuse
