SEATTLE (AP) — British billionaire and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson and his wife Joan are among the newest philanthropists who have pledged to give away half their wealth to charity.

The Bransons have joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett to encourage wealthy people to publically declare their intention to give their money away. This year the group has added its first international members, including 12 wealthy individuals and couples from Russia, South Africa, Australia, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.