President of the General Assembly,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
I am delighted to deliver these remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General.Â
I thank UNAIDS, Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, and all those involved in the Joint Programme, for their tireless work.Â
I also applaud the commitment of many Member States to driving progress on this vital issue. Â
On HIV and AIDS, we have an inspirational story to tell.Â
Globally, more than three quarters of those living with HIV are receiving live-saving treatment – almost thirty million people.Â
Access to antiretroviral therapy has expanded massively across sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia and the Pacific – which together are home to more than 80% of people living with HIV.
These rank among the greatest public health achievements of recent times.Â
If this progress is maintained, we are on course to reach a key global milestone next year: 34 million people receiving HIV treatment.Â
That puts on track to achieve our global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 – a commitment enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals.Â
This is cause for celebration, for hope and for inspiration, at a time when many of the other SDGs are wildly off track.Â
The progress made in the AIDS response is a demonstration of what we can achieve:Â
When decision-makers collaborate;Â
When we follow the science;Â
When we invest adequately;Â
And when we tackle inequalities, protect human rights, and let communities lead the way.Â
But progress must not be cause for complacency.Â
It must inspire more action:Â
To safeguard the gains we have made;Â
Build on the achievements; and finish the job.Â
Today, AIDS still claims a life every minute.Â
Each one a human being - of unique potential and infinite dignity. Perhaps someone’s love, someone’s parent, someone’s child.  And the progress we have made is under threat:
Resources are declining.Â
The fiscal crisis squeezing social investments.Â
Punitive laws, vigilante violence and hate speech against minorities are exacerbating stigma and alienating people from life-saving services.Â
As a result, today, we stand at a crossroads.Â
We must choose the path of solidarity. The one that leads to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 – a destination which is now in sight. Â
That path is not a mystery; it is a choice. Â
It is a path that has already been agreed.Â
Some countries are making significant progress.Â
But to take it further, low-and middle-income countries need effective solutions to debt distress.Â
They need reforms to the international financial architecture to massively increase affordable finance; and they need to increase domestic revenue collection, allowing for an expansion of national health and HIV investments.Â
I urge all countries to drive progress on these vital issues – including at the Summit of the Future later this year.Â
I urge every government to protect the human rights of all – an important step towards protecting their health. Â
Excellencies, Dear friends, Â
Now is the time for solidarity and courage. Â
The end of AIDS is in sight. Let’s build on the immense progress we have made, and finish the job – together.
Thank you.