Pentagon official says U.S. war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 bi...
On the 25th anniversary of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates announced plans to donate nearly all of his personal wealth over the next two decades, aiming to provide $200 billion in support to the world’s poorest communities, especially as global aid budgets face significant reductions.
Bill Gates has pledged to give away nearly his entire fortune by 2045, committing around $200 billion through the Gates Foundation to tackle critical global challenges such as child mortality, poverty, and preventable diseases.
The announcement came as the Gates Foundation marked its 25th anniversary. Gates emphasized the urgency of acting now, given the reductions in international aid by several governments. “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people,” he wrote in a personal note on his website.
Gates expressed concern over declining support from some of the world’s largest donor nations, including the U.S., U.K., and France. He stressed that meaningful progress on global health issues - such as polio, malaria, and maternal health - depends on a combination of private philanthropy and continued public sector support.
While referencing cuts to the U.S. aid budget under current administrative reforms, Gates underscored his desire to fill some of the gaps created by reduced public spending. He also noted that while private foundations play a vital role, governments remain central to achieving lasting solutions, particularly in funding large-scale health initiatives.
Gates highlighted the need for international collaboration, noting that African nations have taken proactive steps to offset budget shortfalls. Still, he cautioned that key goals, like eradicating polio, require broader global backing.
The Gates Foundation has already disbursed $100 billion since its inception in 2000, funding programs like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The foundation’s annual budget is set to reach $9 billion by 2026. Gates said the organization would spend about 99% of his wealth before closing its doors by the end of 2045.
Gates acknowledged that the foundation has occasionally faced scrutiny over its influence in global health policy, but reaffirmed his belief in its mission. “I hope other wealthy individuals consider how much they can accelerate progress for the world’s poorest if they increase the pace and scale of their giving,” he added.
The philanthropist also noted that he has been in touch with President Donald Trump in recent months to discuss the importance of sustained investment in global health and development.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high after a U.S. official said President Donald Trump was unhappy with a proposal from Tehran that does not deal with its nuclear programme. Washington is insisting that any talks must address Iran’s nuclear activities.
The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC+ on 1 May has put renewed focus on one of the most influential groups in global energy - and how its decisions can shape oil prices worldwide.
The death toll from a train collision near Indonesia’s capital Jakarta rose to 14 women on Tuesday (28 April), with 84 people injured, after rescuers completed efforts to free passengers trapped in the wreckage, the state rail operator said.
Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, known as “El Jardinero”, a senior commander of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in the western state of Nayarit, Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said on Monday (27 April).
Two Jewish men have been stabbed in London in an incident that British police are treating as a terrorist attack.
Reversing a decade of restrictions, New South Wales has opened new areas for gas exploration in its remote west. The move reflects growing concern over future energy supply across Australia’s east coast.
Travel demand across China is expected to remain robust during the upcoming five-day Labour Day holiday starting 1 May.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 29th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Mali’s military leader, Assimi Goita, has said the situation is “under control” in his first public remarks since a wave of coordinated attacks shook the country last weekend.
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