We are convinced that fresh political commitments around this new resolution will enable the UN to effectively contribute to the efforts of Member States to address the impact of AIDS on peace and security. In so doing, Member States will also be encouraged strengthen their response AIDS in National Strategic Plans, and put into place appropriate strategies, policies, capacities and resources.

Over the past 30 years, AIDS has forged a new social compact between the global North and South. We have mobilized unprecedented resources with your leadership, and we managed to produce life-saving results for people.

Since we last met in December, together we have: Launched a new investment approach for an effective response to HIV; Renewed the global commitment to universal access; Mobilized the contributions of key partners for their engagement in the High Level Meeting and beyond; Supported a highly successful 2011 UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS and a groundbreaking new Political Declaration; Continued progress on implementing internal reforms at UNAIDS; Finalized a visionary budget that will enable UNAIDS to deliver bold results.

Through this transition, the five BRICS countries are bringing a new voice, a new perspective and new solutions to today’s global challenges. It is a voice with incredible economic, technological and innovative strength behind it, and at the same time, a voice intimately connected to the needs and interests of the developing world.

It is morally wrong to make a mother choose between treatment for herself and treatment for her newborn. It is morally wrong that people should be dying of AIDS when treatment is available. It is morally wrong that babies are still being born with HIV when we know how to prevent it. It is morally wrong that children are still growing up as AIDS orphans.

Let us remember, eight years ago, strategists were predicting a devastating “second wave” of the HIV pandemic would sweep across Asia. By 2010, they said, India would have the highest number of infections in the world. Fifteen million would be infected in China. HIV would spread rapidly through the general population and millions would die. But there was no wave.

It is time for the AIDS response to bridge the gap with the movement for the fight against women's cancer. The alliance between HIV and women’s heath has unlimited potential and will resonate across the world. This Pink Ribbon-Red Ribbon coalition will prevent much suffering and many deaths.

The lessons we have learned from 30 years of responding to AIDS can be readily applied to pushing the NCD agenda forward. If the women leaders assembled here today can mobilize the same energy, commitment and perseverance that you have demonstrated in the AIDS response, then we will deliver life-changing results for women, girls and the future of NCDs.

The partnerships being built between Africa and the Diaspora can make a big difference in two key dimensions: forging closer ties between America and Africa, and promoting sustainable human development. The AIDS movement is looking to American leaders forging partnerships with Africa to help us build momentum. As university presidents, elected officials and leaders in the arts, culture and civil society, we need you to play key roles in helping us reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and ultimately, UNAIDS’ vision of the "three zeroes."

This region is experiencing a level of economic growth that no one could have predicted even 12 to 15 years ago. This change is calling for a new kind of global governance, which must be undertaken with a spirit that will help us to share responsibility; to build on our shared values. This means protecting people—making sure that the rights of those who need services will not be marginalized or neglected.