Press release

UNAIDS gala sees art and design world come together to raise awareness and support for UNAIDS’ efforts to end AIDS by 2030

Evening hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Ndaba Mandela. Guests paid tribute to the legacy of AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor and enjoyed star performances by Nico & Vinz and live auction by auctioneer Simon de Pury

BASEL/GENEVA, 13 June 2017—Supporters of UNAIDS attended its annual gala on 12 June, hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela. Held at Design Miami/Basel on the eve of the Art Basel art festival, the guests pledged their support to the work of UNAIDS in increasing access to HIV prevention and treatment services worldwide.

“We have come a very long way in responding to HIV and millions of lives have been saved, but AIDS is not over. Every hour 125 people die of AIDS and 240 people are newly infected with HIV,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “As Dame Elizabeth Taylor said, we must “win for all humanity”. Leave this gala with her sense of urgency, her compassion and commitment. Because together we can reach our dream of ending AIDS.”

The hosts welcomed around 270 international guests from the worlds of art, design, architecture, fashion, film and music. The gala was made possible by Cartier and the hotel InterContinental Geneva, with the support of Design Miami/.

The evening honoured the legacy of longstanding AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor, whose grandson Quinn Tivey was present at the gala. A special tribute was held in recognition of Dame Elizabeth’s remarkable contributions to improving the lives of people living with HIV.

The evening began with an exclusive vernissage of Design Miami/Basel, showcasing work from some of the world’s most important collectible designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

After the reception and preview, Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York and Caroline Rupert welcomed the guests. Auctioneer Simon de Pury then opened a live auction, with lots from designers that included Catherine Opie, Cartier, Dustin Yellin, the Haas Brothers and Pierre Jeanneret.

The gala concluded with a special live musical performance by Nico & Vinz, who entertained guests with new releases as well as popular hits, such as Am I Wrong? DJ Bas Ibellini took to the stage for the after-party to close the evening.

Website and social

www.unaids.org

www.designmiami.com

#AIDSisnotover #UNAIDSgala

Instagram: @unaidsglobal

Facebook: facebook.com/UNAIDS

Twitter: twitter.com/unaids

 

Media contacts

UNAIDS | Sophie Barton-Knott | tel. +41 22 791 1697 | bartonknotts@unaids.org

Camron PR | Hannah Perry | Hannah.Perry@camronpr.com 

Camron PR | Max Tobias | Max.Tobias@camronpr.com 

 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.


InterContinental Geneva Hotel

The hotel opened its doors in 1964 and was renovated by world famous designer Tony Chi. Its legendary discretion and security have made it the confidant and caretaker of many events of international importance. The Residence on the top floor is the highest  and most prestigious Suite in Geneva and offers a breathtaking 360° view of the mountains, the lake, the city and its spectacular setting (1'000 sqm). Lying at the heart of the diplomatic district, the hotel turns into a relaxing destination during the summer, featuring the largest outdoor swimming pool in Geneva. In 2013, the hotel and UNAIDS entered into a public–private partnership inviting guests to “make history” and pledge for an AIDS-free generation. www.geneva-intercontinental.com


Design Miami/

Design Miami/ is the global forum for design. Each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. Occurring alongside the Art Basel fairs in Miami, United States of America, each December and Basel, Switzerland, each June, Design Miami/ has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing and creating collectible design.
www.designmiami.com


Cartier

The Cartier Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to catalyse the Maison Cartier’s philanthropic commitment to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable. The foundation focuses on the most excluded and marginalized, in particular women and children living in the world’s least developed regions. Its efforts seek to remove the barriers that prevent people from acting and thriving, enabling them to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in an inclusive, equitable and safe environment. The foundation currently supports 20 partners in 30 developing countries. For additional information, please visit http://www.cartiercharitablefoundation.org/en

Contact

UNAIDS
Sophie Barton-Knott
tel. +41 22 791 1697
bartonknotts@unaids.org

Contact

Camron PR
Hannah Perry
Hannah.Perry@camronpr.com

Contact

Camron PR
Max Tobias
Max.Tobias@camronpr.com

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