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.

Nous avons tous des raisons d’être fiers. Il y a un an, les sceptiques disaient que l’objectif Zéro n’était qu’un slogan. Mais des pays, des partenaires, des hommes et des femmes du monde entier se sont appropriés notre vision et travaillent aujourd’hui à en faire une réalité. Notre vision a pris vie et une dynamique s’est enclenchée.

I am honoured to be here today, and I thank you for your warm welcome. I want to begin by expressing my deep gratitude to OAFLA members for your leadership and contributions to the AIDS response in Africa. I congratulate you, because the work of African First Ladies has been increasingly visible and has made a real difference in the lives of our mothers, sisters and children.

To help measure progress on gender equality and HIV, a global indicator on “prevalence of recent intimate partner violence” has been added to the core indicators for country reporting on the progress in the AIDS response, with 52 countries having reported on the indicator. The UNAIDS family would like to reiterate its readiness to work with all partners to eliminate violence against women and girls and work towards the vision of Zero new HIV infections, Zero AIDS-related deaths, and Zero discrimination.

The consultation has provided an opportunity to reflect on the extent to which the UBRAF has enhanced coordination and coherence in planning and implementation and increased accountability.

This campaign, VCT@Work is not just an initiative that will bring VCT to 5 million people by 2015 and make testing tools available so that people know their status. It is about social justice. It is about redistributing opportunity. It is about refusing exclusion. It is about making sure that innovation, science and discovery are able to reach people without a voice.

Cette réunion du Conseil ne pouvait arriver à un moment plus opportun. Il nous reste moins de 1000 jours avant de devoir rendre compte des avancées vers la réalisation des objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement. Il est important que nous prenions le temps aujourd’hui pour réfléchir et pour façonner notre avenir – pour regarder à quoi pourrait ressembler la voie à suivre, non seulement pour la riposte mondiale au sida, mais pour la santé et le développement dans le monde en général.

What we need is a social revolution. First, we must give women and girls the power to protect themselves from HIV by giving them access to the life skills and knowledge of sexuality education. Second, this social revolution calls for a shift in the development agenda. Poverty reduction must be accompanied by an expansion of dignity and freedom for women and girls.

This Commission was formed at a historic moment. A moment when people—especially young people—are demanding equity. They are demanding social justice. They are demanding human rights. And they are demanding accountability. This is a great moment, because it motivates us to reflect, and to not to be scared. It is the moment for us to shape the future of development. I am sure, under your leadership, President Banda, you will help us to be courageous and not to fear the future but to mold it.