IN VIDEO MESSAGE FOR GLOBAL AIDS INITIATIVE, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS ‘YOU

CAN SAVE LIVES BY ATTACKING IGNORANCE IN EVERY CORNER OF THE PLANET’

Following is the text of the video message by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the Global Media AIDS Initiative in Cannes today:

Dear friends,

I’m sorry I could not be with you in person today.  But I am very glad that so many of you have gathered to show your commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS, and to use the power of the media in the fight against it.

As you know, this terrible epidemic shows no signs of abating.  And the web of silence that surrounds it can be just as potent a killer.

That is where all of you come in.  As media leaders, you have the chance to do something few of us can -- you can save lives by attacking ignorance in every corner of the planet.

Today, I thank the founding members of the Global Media AIDS Initiative, and applaud the fine work you have done since we first met at the United Nations in January last year.

I welcome the many new members who are helping the seed we planted then to flourish into a global movement.

The United Nations now looks to you, the leaders of the world’s media, to take the initiative forward.  To set its direction and priorities. To find and develop yet more ways of using your unique, creative talents and tools to combat the worst scourge of the 21^st century.

I wish you every success.  It’s wonderful to have you as partners.

Thank you very much.

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