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Warren Buffett Sets Plans To Donate Entire $149 Billion Fortune

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 26, 2024

Warren Buffett, the renowned investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has taken further steps to ensure his vast fortune is given away after his death, solidifying his lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

Key Highlights

Buffett, 94, intends to donate 99.5% of his remaining wealth, valued at approximately $149.7 billion as of Friday, to a charitable trust managed by his three children: Susie, 71, Howard, 69, and Peter, 66.
In a letter to Berkshire shareholders on Monday, Buffett revealed three potential successors for the trustee role in case his children are unable to fulfil their duties. These individuals, who are slightly younger than his children and trusted by the family, would oversee the distribution of the fortune.
He has also announced an additional $1.14 billion donation in Berkshire Hathaway stock to four family foundations.

“I never wanted to create a dynasty or follow a plan that would last beyond my children. But these heirs are on the waiting list. I hope Susie, Howie, and Peter themselves distribute all my assets,” Buffett wrote in his shareholder letter.

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Since 2006, Buffett’s total charitable donations have surpassed $58 billion. His philanthropic efforts include substantial contributions to family foundations and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has received over $43 billion from him. To date, he has donated 56.6% of his Berkshire shares.

Buffett, who has helmed Berkshire Hathaway since 1965, still owns 14.4% of the company’s stock. He plans to continue giving shares to five foundations throughout his lifetime.

Upon his passing, his children will have roughly a decade to distribute the remaining wealth, working unanimously to decide how the funds will serve philanthropic purposes.

Buffett’s commitment to giving emphasizes his belief in using wealth to create meaningful change. By entrusting his children to allocate his assets, he ensures his philanthropic legacy will adapt to future challenges while remaining true to his values.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.