GENEVA, 14 May 2013—The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo of Brazil as the  next Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

“At a critical time in the history of multilateral cooperation, the appointment of Ambassador Azevêdo as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization gives bold new impetus to the future agenda for global trade,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I am confident that Roberto will leverage global trade as an engine of economic growth, global health and social justice.”

UNAIDS has worked with WTO and other partners to promote and safeguard TRIPS flexibilities and promote access to low-cost, high quality medicines in developing countries.

Currently Permanent Representative of Brazil to the WTO, Ambassador Azevêdo has also served as the Vice-Minister for Economic, Financial and Technologic Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil.