Reflections on a year of global connection

2024 has been a dynamic year. A year of lessons, challenges and growth. As I reflect on the people I met over the past year and the work of my Gates Foundation colleagues and partners, there are a few moments that I keep returning to—both big and small—that I’m grateful to have experienced. These are the moments that remain top of mind.?

Much of our work at Gates Foundation - United States on ensuring that students from low-income backgrounds are supported in their education-to-career journeys, and our Pathways program focuses on creating opportunities for economic mobility. I was fortunate enough to see this support in action in Texas, via a OneGoal classroom at Carver High School and long-time foundation partner, San Jacinto College , which offers a dual credit nursing program to CE King High School students. These programs provide guidance, encouragement and opportunities that ensure students—no matter their background—have the chance to reach their full potential. It was on this trip that I met Margarita, a nursing student who works in the OR at a large hospital in Houston, Texas, between classes. She keeps a photo of a little girl with the words “future doctor” in her locker. In talking with her, I learned it was a photo of herself—a photo that reminds her that anything is possible.??

This story floated back into my mind during my trip to visit Ethiopia’s Sidama region in April, where a young mother named Tewabach graciously welcomed me into her home. She is a leader in her community, encouraging her neighbors to take advantage of the health services available and ensuring her children receive all available vaccinations. She shared that her eight-year-old daughter Meskerem hopes to be a doctor when she grows up. Margarita and Meskerem come from vastly different parts of the world, and yet they have the same dream and potential—if they both get the opportunities they deserve.

More recently, I spent time in New York for Goalkeepers, where I had an opportunity to connect with global changemakers like South African activist and actor Nomzamo Mbatha, whose advocacy is helping children reach their full potential in health and education. Our conversation about child malnutrition was sobering yet hopeful as we discussed the progress that can be made through collaboration.

I also traveled to Washington, D.C., for 世界银行 Annual Meetings, where I had productive discussions with leaders, including the State Secretary for Development Policy in Denmark, Lotte Machon, about the critical International Development Association (IDA) replenishment and its importance for low-income countries. Through the leadership of Denmark and other countries that significantly increased their pledges, the World Bank was able to announce a record $100 billion financing package for the IDA—a positive step forward and a strong demonstration of global commitment to the poorest countries. However, while this support is a meaningful start, it’s clear that more needs to be done to fully address the complex challenges these countries face. The path ahead requires continued collaboration and greater action.

As we head into the foundation’s 25th anniversary next year, our mission is more important than ever. We have made significant progress in our work to help people live healthy and productive lives, yet there is still a way to go. I’m excited to see what innovations and breakthroughs 2025 has in store for us and all we can accomplish together with our partners.

I wish you a healthy and happy new year.