TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK - DOHA Founder of Mircosoft and one of the world’s most generous philanthropists, Bill Gates arrived at Education City on Saturday and met with several members of the board of directors of Qatar Foundation.

Dr Fathy Saoud, President of Qatar Foundation, Dr Abdulla al Kubaisi, Executive Director of the Office of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Missned and Dr Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman of Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) met him on the occasion. Bill Gates had the opportunity to discuss possible future cooperation between The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Qatar Foundation. He also delivered a keynote address at the ‘International Conference on Information and Communications Technology and Development’ (ICTD 2009) hosted by Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.

Commenting on his visit to the region, Bill Gates said: “Investments in global health and development are delivering results and saving lives around the world. However, millions of people in developing countries – most of them children – still die every year from diseases that are preventable and treatable. The world must do more to address these problems. The Gulf leaders and regional foundations that I have been meeting with are doing great work that will have an enormous impact on improving global health and fighting global poverty and I look forward to deepening our relationships here.”

Gates is among the most successful entrepreneurs in the world over the past 25 years. His company, Microsoft has revolutionised the software industry and has introduced many computer applications, which have contributed enormously to human development all over the world.

In 2000, he established The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is considered the world’s largest transparently operated charitable organisation allowing benefactors to see how their donations are being spent.