Thirty years into the AIDS epidemic, and 10 years since the landmark UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS, the world will come together to review progress and chart the future course of the global AIDS response at the 2011 UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS from 8 –10 June 2011 in New York.
Member States are expected to adopt a new Declaration that will reaffirm current commitments and commit to actions to guide and sustain the global AIDS response.
The meeting will be convened by the President of the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly H.E. Joseph Deiss, who has urged countries to participate in the event. “I call on all nations to unite at the High Level Meeting on AIDS. Together we can chart the future of the AIDS response,” wrote Mr Deiss.
I call on all nations to unite at the High Level Meeting on AIDS. Together we can chart the future of the AIDS response
President of the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly H.E. Joseph Deiss
UNAIDS data shows that steady progress is being made towards the vision of zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths through universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. However, stigma and discrimination continue to be obstacles and services do not reach everyone in need. There are still 10 million people waiting for HIV treatment and for every person starting treatment, two others become infected.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has highlighted the need for global solidarity and partnership at this time. “The 2011 High-Level Meeting on AIDS comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the epidemic. Thirty years into the AIDS response, let us unite for universal access. Let us, once and for all, set the course for zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths,” wrote Mr Ban.
Thirty years into the AIDS response, let us unite for universal access. Let us, once and for all, set the course for zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths
Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon
The event will take place in a global context of fiscal austerity. Both donor and recipient countries face new opportunities and challenges through such issues as innovative financing, technology transfer and the integration of AIDS and health and other services.
Remembering the 33.3 million people living with HIV, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé reminds us: “The decisions made at this High Level Meeting on AIDS will change lives today and for future generations.”
Get more information on the civil society application process to participate in the 2011 United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS and Civil Society Hearing.
More information on the 2011 High-level meeting on AIDS
