Geneva, 19 November 2009 – The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé has been awarded one of Monaco’s most prestigious awards, the Order of Saint Charles, for services rendered to the state or the Prince. The award was presented jointly to Mr Sidibé and to the Director-General of UNESCO Koïchiro Matsuura at a high profile event in Monaco which took place during the country’s National Day.
Expressing his appreciation for the award, Mr Sidibé emphasized the importance of Monaco’s efforts in the response to the AIDS epidemic. “I am honoured to receive such an award. UNAIDS has been working very closely with Monaco to respond to the AIDS epidemic and it has been encouraging to see such commitment and dedication from Monaco and the Monegasque people. I look forward to continuing this important collaboration.”
Under Mr Sidibé’s leadership, cooperation between UNAIDS and Monaco in the AIDS response has strengthened since he took on the role of Executive Director of UNAIDS in January this year.
Monaco has increased their commitment to priority countries, in particular Madagascar and Burundi and Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco, who has been working with UNAIDS as a Goodwill Ambassador since 2006, has been actively raising awareness on HIV prevention and on the negative impact of discrimination against people living with HIV both in her role as Goodwill Ambassador and through her Association Fight AIDS Monaco.
Mr Sidibé was awarded the medal in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover and Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco.
