Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will deliver the 14th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on 17 July 2016, the eve of Mandela Day according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Set to be held in association with the University of Pretoria, the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture honours its founder, Nelson Mandela, and raises topical issues affecting South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world through dialogue. The Lectures are addressed by speakers who have made a significant contribution in their field of expertise.
Gates’ lecture themed “Living Together” highlights the need for a new social pact across the globe to end protracted conflict, overcome intolerance and prejudice, improve access to healthcare and education, and reduce poverty and inequality.
Gates is guided by the belief that all lives have equal value, and is dedicated to building a world where every person has a chance to lead a healthy, productive life.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works with partners and grantees to combat infectious diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest; empower women and girls to transform their lives; ensure that children and young people survive and thrive; and inspire people to take action to change the world.
“It’s an incredible honour to be invited to deliver this year’s Nelson Mandela Lecture. President Mandela will be remembered for generations to come for his courage, his vision, and his relentless pursuit of equality and justice. I believe, as he did, that progress is possible. We can help people everywhere live healthier, more productive lives – if we make sure that innovation reaches everyone who needs it. I can’t think of a better venue for discussing these urgent issues than the Nelson Mandela Lecture,” said Gates.
“We are delighted that Mr Gates has accepted our invitation to deliver this year’s Lecture. I have no doubt that his views will stimulate debate and highlight the issues that continue to curb progress of poor and marginalised communities in South Africa and around the world,” said Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The Lecture will be held at the University of Pretoria’s Mamelodi campus.
