Bill Gates to skip AI Impact Summit amid Epstein row, confirms Gates Foundation

Gates Foundation founder Bill Gates

Billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will not attend the ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, the Gates Foundation confirmed on February 19, amid renewed scrutiny over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement posted on X, the health and development-focused foundation said Gates would not deliver his scheduled keynote address and that Ankur Vora, President of the Foundation’s Africa and India offices, would represent the organisation instead.

“After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address. The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India offices, who will speak later today at the Summit,” the statement said.

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“The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals,” it added.

Gates Foundation issued a statement on X

The development marks a reversal from February 17, when the foundation had stated that Gates would attend and deliver his keynote as scheduled. “Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled,” the foundation had posted at the time.

Gates’ decision not to attend comes as his name has resurfaced in documents related to Epstein. In an earlier interview with 9News Australia, Gates said he deeply regretted his association with Epstein. “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize,” he said.

He also rejected claims linked to a draft email, stating, “That email was never sent. The email is false.” Gates further questioned the intent behind it, adding, “I don't know what his thinking was there. Was he trying to attack me in some way?”

Separately, the summit has faced criticism over event management issues, with some attendees raising complaints. The government has also drawn backlash following controversy surrounding claims made by Galgotias University regarding a robot demonstration.