Topline Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman in his annual letter pushed back against criticism about the organization’s power and influence on key public health initiatives around the world, saying it is not trying to set the world’s agenda on global health and development issues but only “respond to it,” as the foundation announced its biggest ever annual budget Tuesday. Bill Gates speaks during the Goalkeepers Conference.Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Key Facts In the annual letter, Suzman outlined the Gates Foundation’s plans to spend $8.3 billion on various initiatives in 2023—its highest-ever annual amount—before addressing multiple criticisms leveled at the organization. Without specifically naming anyone the letter pushed back against criticism that “unelected billionaires setting the agenda for global health and development,” saying they simply respond to the agenda already set by global bodies and rely on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as guidance. The letter noted the foundation makes all of its investments public and tries to be “fully transparent about our priorities and strategies.” Suzman, however, said he ag… Click below to read the full story from Forbes
Read More
Gates Foundation CEO Defends Philanthropy’s Influence On Global Health
