(from left) Associate Director of UNICEF’s Programme Partnerships, Pascal Villeneuve, Executive Director of the Global Fund, Michel Kazatchkine, Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Michel Sidibé. Credit: élysée Palace

Mrs Carla Bruni-Sarkozy today took up her appointment as Ambassador for the Protection of Mothers and Children against HIV/AIDS of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) at an event in Paris.

Mrs Carla Bruni-Sarkozy began her new mission on this the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, signing a letter of agreement with Executive Director of the Global Fund, Michel Kazatchkine. UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Michel Sidibé and the Associate Director of UNICEF’s Programme Partnerships, Pascal Villeneuve were also present and signed a statement offering their full support for this new partnership.

Mr Sidibé spoke of the significance of Mrs Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s appointment, “I know that Madam Ambassador will help raise the voices of mothers and their families around the world who are affected by AIDS.”

Mr Sidibé spoke of the significance of Mrs Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s appointment, “I know that Madam Ambassador will help raise the voices of mothers and their families around the world who are affected by AIDS.” Credit: élysée Palace

“Madame Ambassador, thank you for your commitment. Your leadership will help build bridges across communities in France and abroad,” said Sidibé.

This evening Mr Sidibé will attend a World AIDS Day event at Musée de l'Homme hosted by the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy which includes a book launch and multimedia exhibition organized by Magnum Photos and the Global Fund. Tribute will be paid to Nobel Prize winner Françoise Barré-Sinoussi.

Earlier today the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Mr Sidibé as the next Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).