Bill Gates set to address global poverty issues

Bill Gates is set to lay out his vision for tackling world poverty at a Co-operative Group sponsored event on Wednesday.

As co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation he will discuss his annual letter with an audience of students, international development experts and co-operators at the London School of economics. He will be joined by Swedish statistician and advisor to the Global Poverty Project, Hans Rosling.

The event is tied in with the launch of the Global Poverty Project's Ambassadors initiative in the UK, which brings together an army of community volunteers, including co-operators, to take action in their local areas to help fight global poverty.

Sponsored by the Co-operative Group, the scheme invited people from all walks of life across the UK to engage their communities.

As part of its campaign to tackle global poverty, the Co-operative Group is a sponsor of the program as part of its support for co-operatives in developing countries along with ethical trade and financing.

Pinky Badhan, the Co-operative Group’s Regional Co-operative & Membership Manager, said: “Becoming a Global Poverty Ambassador is about how we can all play a role to end extreme poverty. It will give people the skills to really make a difference in the communities that we serve. This is an exciting opportunity to harness the passion people have to change the world. It’s an incredibly powerful message for communities to hear and will enable people to take that extra step.”

The Gates Foundation helps to fund projects that enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty around the world.

Bill Gates will also be answering questions submitted by readers and supporters of the Global Poverty Project. To follow the conversation on Twitter, search for #BillsLetter.

Ask Bill Gates a question about co-operatives and poverty:

This form will send your question direct to the Global Poverty Project.