Bill Gates’ Bold Philanthropic Vision: Shutting Down the Gates Foundation by 2045

by News Editor

May 9, 2025

In a remarkable announcement, Bill Gates has shared his determination to distribute nearly all of his $168 billion personal wealth and close the Gates Foundation by December 31, 2045. Gates, at 69, emphasizes his commitment to solving global issues, insisting his legacy will not be defined by wealth. His goal is to be removed from the world’s richest list, a pledge he’s upheld over the years.

Since its inception in 2000, the Gates Foundation has dispersed over $100 billion globally, addressing health, poverty, and climate change. With plans to increase the annual budget from $6 billion to $9 billion, there’s an expectation of contributing an additional $200 million in the years leading up to 2045, subject to market conditions.

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Gates aims to combat preventable diseases, bolster education, and break poverty cycles in Africa. However, he stresses the critical need for governmental partnerships, highlighting a concerning trend of aid budget reductions. No philanthropic endeavor can singularly bridge this financial gap, a sentiment echoed during discussions of large-scale geopolitical financial strategies like Hellenic Bank’s recent commitments to green financing.

Influenced by his mother and collaborators like Warren Buffett, Gates is an optimist about the future, fueled by technological and healthcare advances. Reflecting on Andrew Carnegie’s notion that dying rich equates to disgrace, Gates encourages fellow wealthy individuals to increase their philanthropic engagements.

Hope in Future Innovations

While steadfast in his purpose, Gates remains inspired by technological advancements, including the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. Despite these optimistic prospects, Gates humorously rebuffs any notion of indulgence, asserting that every dollar should serve a beneficial societal purpose.

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Cyprus Tax-To-GDP Ratio Rises To 36.3% In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 30, 2026

Cyprus’ tax-to-GDP ratio edged up to 36.3% in 2025, from 36% in 2024, remaining below the European Union and euro area averages, according to Eurostat.

Across the EU, the ratio rose to 40.7% from 40.2%, while the euro area average increased to 41.3% from 40.7%.

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EU Tax Revenues Reach €7.68 Trillion

The tax-to-GDP ratio measures revenue from taxes and net social contributions as a share of gross domestic product. It provides an indication of public revenue relative to the size of an economy, although national tax systems and social contribution rules vary.

EU governments collected €7.68 trillion in taxes and social contributions in 2025, an increase of €401 billion compared with the previous year.

France Records Highest Ratio

France had the EU’s highest tax-to-GDP ratio at 46%, followed by Belgium at 44.7%, Denmark at 44.3% and Austria at 43.9%.

At the other end of the scale, Ireland recorded the lowest ratio at 22.7%. Romania followed at 29.3%, Malta at 30.3% and Bulgaria at 30.6%.

Ratios Increase In 19 Member States

The tax-to-GDP ratio rose in 19 EU countries in 2025. Germany recorded the largest increase, climbing from 40.3% to 41.4%. Malta’s ratio rose from 29.3% to 30.3%, while Spain’s increased from 37.2% to 38.1%.

Eight member states recorded declines. Sweden saw the largest fall, from 41.8% to 41.2%, followed by Latvia, where the ratio dropped from 34.9% to 34.2%.

Cyprus’ 0.3-percentage-point increase was more modest than some of the changes elsewhere in the bloc. Its ratio nevertheless rose alongside the EU and euro area averages, reflecting a broader increase in tax and social contribution revenue relative to economic output.

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