New Delhi: The richest man in the world, Bill Gates, his wife Melinda and Irish rock star Bono have been named Time magazine's Persons of the Year for 2005.
"The trio was chosen for their work in trying to find ways to eradicate diseases like malaria, HIV and AIDS. Their work to eradicate poverty, that plagues 8 million people a year was also hailed," Time managing editor James Kelly said.
This unlikely alliance emerged from Bono and the Gates' interest in aiding the poorest of the poor, after the three met for dinner in 2002, Time reported.
"For these three, it's more about 'there is injustice here, let us settle the score and help these people help themselves'," says Deputy Managing Editor Time, Steve Koepp.
The Gates couple were named for their work in the Gates Foundation - the world's biggest charity with a $29 billion endowment - and praised by the magazine for giving away more money faster than anyone ever has in 2005.
Bill Gates, the founder of computer software giant Microsoft Corporation, told Time that he was not sure at first that it would be worth his while to meet with Bono.
"World health is immensely complicated. It doesn't really boil down to a 'Let's be nice' analysis. So I thought a meeting wouldn't be all that valuable," Gates said.
However, he changed his mind about Bono soon enough. "He really understands this stuff and cares about the complexity."
The magazine called Bono the "rocker who's made debt reduction sexy, simultaneously charming and bullying leaders of some of the world's richest countries".
It said Bono had scored a victory by persuading wealthy countries to give $40 billion worth of debt relief to poor countries.
Time magazine said they expected their choice to surprise some people, but the unlikely alliance of the richest man in the world and a rock legend like Bono is an inspiring example of how different approaches could be effective.
The magazine's issue, that hails this unexpected trio came out on Monday.
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