Bill and Melinda Gates have helped set new standards in philanthropy and partnerships. Time and again, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has demonstrated its visionary approach to the use of wealth for the greatest public good, in areas from education to public health, in this country and in the developing world. Moved by the unconscionable disparities they saw between rich and poor nations, they have developed an approach that epitomizes the best of partnerships, bringing together Governments, the United Nations and corporate leaders.

Nowhere has this approach been more important than in the global fight against HIV/AIDS -- an issue which I have made my personal priority. Bill and Melinda have understood that just as AIDS is a global crisis unique in its social, demographic and economic devastation, so do we need truly global partnerships to defeat it. The leadership contributed by Bill and Melinda to that fight not only serves as a powerful example to other donors and to Governments; in its own right, it is also helping to save millions of lives.

I know that Africare, which is honouring Bill and Melinda tonight, applies that same concept of partnerships to its commendable work for Africa -- where AIDS has taken its worst toll by far.

Congratulations, Bill and Melinda, on receiving this year's Bishop Walker Humanitarian Award. To all those honouring you at the 2003 Africare Bishop Walker Dinner, I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes for a memorable evening.