Gates Foundation warns AI could widen inequality as foundation pledges $1B to expand access

Bill Gates is warning technology companies and world leaders that they must act now to ensure artificial intelligence combats social inequities rather than deepening disparities — and his foundation is pledging $1 billion to improve access.

The Microsoft co-founder appealed in the Gates Foundation’s annual ‘Goalkeepers’ report, which tracks progress on the development goals set by the United Nations to improve quality of life by 2030. The donation announced Tuesday (September 15, 2026) will be spread over the next two years for AI-focused efforts to train models on local languages, improve health outcomes, upgrade educational tools and inform small farmers’ practices around the world.

And despite the United States’ international aid cuts, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman said he would continue pressing Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration to lead the way on foreign assistance.