At Workshop on Fast-Tracking End of AIDS Epidemic, Deputy Secretary-General Hails Global Response to HIV as ‘a Story of Unprecedented Global Solidarity’

Following is UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s remarks at the workshop “Fast-Tracking the End of the Aids Epidemic: Celebrating Success, Strengthening Resolve”, in Washington, D.C., today:

I would like to thank my dear friends, Senator Ed Markey and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Executive Director Michel Sidibé, for the kind invitation to join you here today.  I would also like to thank Senator Corker and Senator Cordin for their participation and engagement on this important issue.

This is a great moment in the history of international development and cooperation.  The recent Sustainable Development Goals Summit in New York has achieved a global consensus for our work ahead during the next 15 years.  It is a bold agenda that addresses the world’s most pressing challenges — from ending extreme poverty, to fostering peaceful and just societies, to fighting climate change and to leaving no one behind.  It also commits to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

In today’s world, there is no peace without development, no development without security, and neither of them without respect for human rights.  I want to thank the United States for its leadership and engagement to shape the agenda — from the halls of Congress, to your vibrant civil society and faith communities.

We know the work will be difficult.  But, with political will, we can do it.  To quote [United States] President [Barack] Obama when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly during the Summit in September:  “We suffer no illusions of the challenges ahead.  But, we understand this is something that we must commit ourselves to.  Because, in doing so, we recognize that our most basic bond — our common humanity — compels us to act.”

We have seen this commitment already in the global response to HIV.  The world did not shy away from the challenge.  It has reached people with help and services in the most remote places, including the most marginalized in society.  The progress is truly impressive.  When the Millennium Development Goals were adopted in 2000, there were a mere 10,000 people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment in sub-Saharan Africa.  At the end of 2014, the number in the region had risen to 10.7 million — people who are living, not dying.

This dramatic transformation would not have been possible without the commitment of the United States Congress, without the generosity of the American people and without the spirit of partnership and compassion that underpins the United States support to the countries and people most heavily affected by the epidemic.

The global response to HIV is a story of unprecedented global solidarity.  The results give tremendous hope, also for progress far beyond health.  Much remains to be done, of course, but together, with hard work and resolve, with passion and compassion, we will make our vision a reality.  Thank you.