The UN Special Envoys for HIV/AIDS are individuals selected by the United Nations Secretary-General to help advance the AIDS agenda in the regions they cover.
Their selection is guided by their special competencies, technical expertise, visibility in the international arena, and their knowledge of certain countries and regions. Not least is their commitment to advancing the AIDS agenda on a global level and ensuring that AIDS is kept high as a political priority within their respective regions of responsibility and operation.
Special and Personal Representatives and Envoys of the Secretary-General
View full list of the Special and Personal Representatives and Envoys of the Secretary-General
Dr Nafis Sadik, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Pacific
Dr Nafis Sadik, a national of Pakistan, was appointed Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for AIDS in Asia in 2002. She has consistently called attention to the importance of addressing the needs of women, and of involving women directly in making and carrying out development policy. Dr Sadik served as Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the rank of Under-Secretary-General, from 1987 through 2000.