Over the past eight years, since the first meeting in Honduras, CONCASIDA has created a unique forum for Central American countries to come together, share knowledge and develop AIDS strategies. CONCASIDA is much more than a meeting: it’s a real driving force. That’s why I’m so pleased to be here today.

Over the years, we have seen how vital leadership is in the fight against AIDS. So I’m particularly pleased that this Coalition brings together two kinds of leaders: women leaders in the AIDS response (including women living with HIV) and women leaders in the political arena. Your Coalition has become a rallying point for women across the region to make their voices heard. In the course of the coming week, we must make sure that women remain at the centre of the proceedings of this International AIDS Conference.

I am honoured and humbled to stand here among so many leaders in the AIDS response. Your dedication and resolve is what will ultimately make universal access to HIV prevention and treatment a reality.

This conference takes place as we enter a new phase in confronting aids. A new phase because we now have results on a large scale. For the first time, fewer people are dying of aids and fewer people are becoming infected with HIV. For the first time we have empirical evidence that our brilliant coalition can move mountains. A unique and diverse coalition present here in this auditorium. This is cause for encouragement. But not cause for complacency, nor for declaring victory.