Excellencies, Friends and colleagues,

I am pleased to convey my warmest greetings to the global AIDS community. 

When I joined you in Mexico in 2008, I was inspired by your commitment and energy.

You have made a real difference in the lives of millions affected by HIV/AIDS.

One year ago, guided by UNAIDS and your wisdom, the UN General Assembly set ambitious targets for 2015.

To cut new infections by half.

To expand treatment to 15 million people.

To ensure that no child is born with HIV.

We can achieve these targets if we refocus, re-energize our mission and invest more resources.

Let us share experiences and take the next steps together.

I will support you.

I will continue to advocate for universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support.

I will continue to press the drug industry for access to affordable life-saving medicine.

I will continue to ask nations to respect and protect the rights of all those living with or vulnerable to HIV – and to work with me to fulfil the promise of an AIDS-free generation by 2015.

UNAIDS, led by Michel Sidibe, will continue to mobilize political action.

We have a vision.

No new HIV infections.

No AIDS-related deaths.

No stigma and discrimination.

This week you can help to turn the tide.

Let us start the end of AIDS -- now.

Thank you.