AmCham Transatlantic Partnership Award 2011 for Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Media contact
Robert Haegelen
Otto Group
Phone: +49 40-6461-3129

AmCham Germany
Patricia Limburg
Phone: +49 69 929104-40

BERLIN -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be honored for its worldwide commitment to philanthropy through the presentation of the 25th Transatlantic Partnership Award. The jury explained its decision as follows: "The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation promotes innovation and research projects and displays a readiness to take risks where local governments are either unwilling or unable. People like Bill and Melinda Gates have the opportunity to motivate those in politics and business to contribute more to development aid and thereby make a significant contribution to the welfare of many people."

Approximately 500 high-profile guests in politics, business and the sciences, in addition to media representatives, are expected to attend. The ceremony will take place on April 6, 2011 in Berlin. The award speech will be given by the chairman of the supervisory board of the Otto Group, Dr. Michael Otto.

Foundation drives innovation and supports research initiatives

The foundation established by Bill Gates and his wife Melinda dedicates itself to fighting global poverty and diseases such as malaria, AIDS and polio in partnership with organisations like the GAVI Alliance and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In addition, the foundation actively organizes and supports youth education programs in disadvantaged regions in the United States. Bill Gates regularly meets with politicians and economic policy leaders across the globe in order to promote the foundation’s programs and development projects. His celebrity secures the financial support and attention of many influential people. But it is not just about money; equally as important is raising awareness on topics such as agricultural development and vaccines. The foundation lays the groundwork for further charitable work. The foundation also finances projects with an uncertain outcome and hopes that future scientific advances, such as the development of an AIDS vaccine, will be sponsored by others as well.

Success and prosperity come with obligations

With assets of $36.7 billion, the foundation is guided by the belief that every life has equal value and works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. Together with his wife, Melinda, Bill Gates established the foundation in 1999 through the contribution of half of his private assets. Global challenges such as disease and poverty require society’s dedication and the financial commitment by companies and individuals.

"The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is very generous. Foundations play an important role in the US and have the ability to affect positive change through their considerable influence in society," says Fred B. Irwin, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany. "We’re very happy that Bill Gates is here today to accept the AmCham Transatlantic Partnership Award on behalf of the Foundation."

In his laudatory speech Michael Otto praises Bill Gates’ "exceptional commitment to the transatlantic economic partnership" and his "economic life’s work." Dr. Otto emphasizes that Gates "doesn’t just have a brilliant intellect but also the courage to use it." This has made him an important role model.

"I’m honored to receive the AmCham Transatlantic Partnership Award," said Bill Gates. "And it’s great to be able to use this opportunity to share the Living Proof message that smart aid works. When aid is spent well, it is the most effective investment a government can make for saving lives, improving livelihoods, and building prosperous and stable societies."

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AmCham Germany
The American Chamber of Commerce in Germany strives to enhance global economic and trade relations built on a strong foundation of American and German partnership. We actively promote our members’ interests through business, policy and the AmCham global network. AmCham Germany enables cross-cultural understanding, cooperation and new investment through our commitment to transparent dialogue, unrestricted trade and a competitive and open business climate.