In their annual letter, Bill Gates and wife Melinda have outlined their vision for where they see poverty going in the world. While many may see the gap widening and things getting worse, Bill gates sees reason to believe that things will actually get better soon.

“We’re putting our credibility, time, and money behind this bet — and asking others to join us — because we think there has never been a better time to accelerate progress and have a big impact around the world.”

Bill Gates says that it takes attention to the basics — food, water, warmth — to make a huge difference in the lives of the poor.

“The rich world will keep getting exciting new advances too, but the improvements in the lives of the poor will be far more fundamental — the basics of a healthy, productive life. It’s great that more people in rich countries will be able to watch movies on super hi-resolution screens. It’s even better that more parents in poor countries will know their children aren’t going to die.”

Bill Gates is, of course, known for his role in advancing technology in the United States and around the world. It is technology that Bill Gates sees at the heart of improving the lives of the poor.

“It will take innovation in technology and in ways to deliver it to the people who need it most, which is what our foundation works on.”

It is not just about getting smartphones and other devices into the right hands, though. It is about using technology to recruit others to help.

“There’s another crucial factor: informed, passionate individuals working together to form effective movements for change. People who care about helping those in the world’s poorest places improve their lives. We call them global citizens. And with this letter, we’re helping to kick-start an effort to recruit tens of millions more of them.”