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.

We have to remember, we have been talking about HIV prevention in Germany for a very long time. You have been at the forefront, and have helped to change completely the nature of the response. I want to thank you for helping us to shape our strategies against this epidemic. So it is fitting that we are in Germany today to launch this 2011 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report—30 years after the first days of AIDS.

Today, 10 years after DOHA, it is time to take stock of what TRIPS has brought to the global public health debate, and how it has helped us to transform, or not. This is also a key opportunity to think about what should come next. AIDS is a good entry point for this discussion. It shows us the possibilities of TRIPS, but also the limitations.

Never before in the history of AIDS have we reached a moment where we are able to stand up and say with conviction the end of AIDS is in sight. It has been a year of achievements, of collective action, of resilience and of courage. In spite of the economic downturn that has stretched the AIDS response to its limits, millions of lives have been saved, as HIV treatment and prevention efforts continue to show results.

Heading into the fourth decade of AIDS, we are finally in a position to end the epidemic. The progress we have made so far is proof that we can realize our vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

We work with communities at all levels: country, regional and global. UNAIDS is the only UN organization that has civil society as part of its governance with civil society seats for each region on our Board.

The AIDS movement in Africa is a powerful story of people breaking the conspiracy of silence surrounding this epidemic and demanding equity and dignity. We have seen unprecedented progress that must be sustained and enhanced. But we are at a "make or break" point. If we accept the status quo, we will forsake the 9 million people in low- and middle-income countries still waiting for HIV treatment. Our collective failure to meet this challenge will mean more deaths, more orphans and more new infections.

Let us all be proud. A year ago, skeptics said that getting to zero was just a slogan. But countries, partners and people around the world have embraced the vision and are now working to translate it into reality. Our vision of zero has truly come to life and grown legs.