Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and CEO who is currently the second richest man on earth, told CNN in an exclusive interview that he will give away most of his $124 billion wealth to charity.

The 58-year-old businessman claimed that he will devote most of his wealth to fighting climate change and supporting people who can lead in uniting humanity amidst deep social and political tensions. Bezos notably did not sign the Giving Pledge, which hundreds of rich people signed pledging their wealth to charity.

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Bezos was speaking to CNN’s Chloe Melas on Saturday at his home in Washington DC. When asked by Melas about whether he plans to donate most of his wealth to charity, he replied saying: “Yes, I do.” He, however, did not specify the logistics of how he plans to carry out the donations to charity. 

Bezos was being interviewed jointly along with his partner, former journalist and philanthropist Lauren Sanchez. He said that he and Sanchez are now “building the capacity to be able to give away the money.”

The American billionaire was speaking after the 2022 Courage and Civility Awards. Founded by Bezos and Sanchez, it recognises the “leaders who aim high, find solutions, and who always do it with civility,” in Sanchez’s words. 

This year, country music star Dolly Parton won the Courage and Civility Award. She will be given a sum of $100 million to donate to charities of her choice. In 2021, the award was given to chef José Andrés and political commentator Van Jone. 

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“When people are in a position to help, you should help,” the singer said after receiving the award. “I know that I’ve always said I try to put my money where my heart is and I think you do the same thing. I will do my best to do good things with this money. Thank you Jeff,” she added.