EFTA02713880

BILL&MELINDA PO Box 23350
Seattle. WA 98102. USA
GATES V 206/709.3100
foundation
F 206/709.3180
www.gatesfoundation.org
March 9, 2015
IPI — International Peace Institute
Attn: Dr. Terje Rod-Larsen, President
Freyung 3
1010 Vienna, Austria
Dear Dr. Larsen:
Thank you for the opportunity to review your proposal for a convening of experts to discuss how we can
most effectively address and prevent pandemics. I asked several colleagues to carefully review your
proposal, particularly in light of the work we are doing related to Ebola.
During this process, I learned that many of the groups in IPI's proposal are already in discussions with
Gates Foundation staff about pandemic preparedness and response in the lead-up to the World Health
Assembly and G7, where it will be a key topic. For this reason, as well as the number of high-level
meetings our staff have already committed to, we regret that we cannot provide the requested support.
However, if IPI moves forward with a convening, please let us know if you would like a Gates
Foundation representative to attend. If that is the case, we will do our best — but please understand that
scheduling may be an issue given that our teams involved with Ebola and the larger pandemics issue are
quite stretched during this time.
Again, thank you for thinking of us, and for the opportunity to support your proposed convening. We
deeply appreciate the partnership that the foundation has with IPI overall but specifically in support of our
polio eradication work.
Sincerely,
ektifcit
Amy K. Carter
Deputy Director, Family Interest Grants
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
EFTA R1_02137620
EFTA02713880