Jet Li to meet Gates, Buffett

2010-09-21 16:10

Beijing - Chinese film star Jet Li has said on Tuesday he would meet Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to chat about charity work ahead of a banquet for China's super-rich, hosted by the US philanthropists this month.

Li, a philanthropist himself who was speaking at a press briefing where he was named a Red Cross Goodwill Ambassador, confirmed he had been invited to the dinner on September 29, but initially refused due to his busy schedule.

"Three days ago, I received an email from Gates, hoping I could make time because he and Buffett hoped I could go for a 30-minute chat before the dinner about the future we face as human beings, so I will go," Li said.

Gates and Buffett have convinced 40 wealthy individuals and their families in the United States to hand over more than half of their fortunes to a good cause as part of a project launched in June.

They plan to learn about China's approach to philanthropy at the banquet in Beijing, and have stressed they will not pressure any of the Asian nation's super-rich to give to charity. But the response has reportedly been lukewarm.

Li, who founded his own charity One Foundation in 2006, encouraged people to give money or time for a good cause but said his homeland was a newcomer to the charity business.

"China's real development has only happened in the past 10 years," he said, adding the United States had 100 years of experience in philanthropy.

Li also called on the US film industry to give more to charity.

- AFP