Bill Gates will not appear at the India AI Impact Summit on Thursday to deliver the event’s keynote address, adding fresh trouble to a conference already facing criticism over multiple disruptions.
Organisers did not provide a specific reason for the cancellation. However, the Gates Foundation said Gates stepped back “to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities.” As a result, the summit will proceed without one of its biggest international draws.
Meanwhile, the decision comes at a sensitive moment for the Microsoft co-founder. Last month, the US Department of Justice released emails that included communication between the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and members of the Gates Foundation staff.
The documents suggest Gates met Epstein repeatedly after Epstein served a prison term. According to the emails, the discussions focused on expanding Gates’ philanthropic work. Gates has previously stated that the relationship remained limited to philanthropy-related conversations. Still, he acknowledged it was a mistake to meet with Epstein.
At the same time, the summit has struggled with operational issues. Delegates complained about traffic disruptions linked to VIP movement. In addition, the event faced organisational lapses and an incident involving a malfunctioning robot, which drew unwanted attention.
The Gates Foundation, launched in 2000 by Gates and his then-wife, remains one of the world’s largest funders of global health initiatives. Gates continues to serve as the foundation’s chair and a board member.
