This PCB could not be more timely. We have less than 1000 days to report on our progress to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Today it is important for us to take the time to reflect and shape our future — to look at what could be the way forward, not just for the global AIDS response, but more generally for global health and development.

Ending AIDS will be a global achievement of historic dimensions. Not only will millions of lives be saved, but ending AIDS will drive better health, poverty and equity outcomes for the entire human family. Nobody has embodied this passion better than my friend and brother Ambassador Eric Goosby. Even if he is not with us today, I want to recognize his leadership of PEPFAR and the many contributions he made to the global AIDS response with distinction and heart. This is also the last PCB for Mabel Bianco from the NGO Delegation. Mabel, you have always been a great source of support and encouragement, and we will miss you. Finally, thanks to your support, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has extended me into a second term as Executive Director of UNAIDS. I look forward to continuing our collaboration, and I remain at your service.

Dear friends, we are seeing sustained progress. We are quickening the pace of action. But we must make no mistake—this epidemic is not over.