World leaders in Abu Dhabi call for urgent investment and action to protect millions of young lives
The world is facing a troubling milestone: for the first time in more than 100 years, the number of children dying before their fifth birthday is set to rise.
That stark warning took centre stage at Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi this week, as global leaders, philanthropists and change-makers came together to push for urgent action to protect the world’s youngest lives.
Co-hosted by the Gates Foundation and the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the event brought more than 500 leaders to Abu Dhabi for one clear purpose; to stop preventable child deaths and finish the fight against deadly diseases like polio.
And action followed words. A total of $1.9 billion in new funding was announced to drive global efforts to eradicate polio, including $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation.
The funding leaves a remaining shortfall of just $440 million to fully finance the Global Polio Eradication Initiative through to 2029, putting the world within touching distance of wiping out the disease for good.
“Far too many children are still dying from illnesses we know how to prevent,” said Bill Gates. “We already have the vaccines, treatments and tools; what’s needed now is the commitment to get them to every child who needs them.”
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Polio has already been pushed to the brink, with cases down by 99.9 per cent worldwide. Leaders at the event stressed that crossing the finish line is not just possible; it’s essential. Doing so would prove that global cooperation really can beat even the toughest diseases.
The UAE’s role in the fight has been especially significant. Since 2011, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has personally committed $525 million towards polio eradication, helping deliver vaccines to more than 400 million children every year.
Hosting Goalkeepers in Abu Dhabi for the first time also reflects the region’s growing influence in global health leadership.
Beyond the announcements, the event mixed policy with powerful storytelling. Actor and advocate David Oyelowo hosted the evening, while CNN’s Becky Anderson led a discussion with Bill Gates and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy.
Polio survivor and champion Ramesh Ferris delivered an emotional reminder of what’s at stake, and what’s still possible.
The night also included musical performances, personal stories from international advocates, and tributes to women’s leadership from across the region.
But the message stayed the same throughout: the world knows how to save millions of lives; it just needs to choose to act.
As one simple truth echoed through the room: progress isn’t guaranteed. But with the right investment, courage and cooperation, a healthier future for every child is still within reach.
For further information, visit Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity
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