A/75/PV.77 General Assembly

The Assembly will continue the general debate of the high-level meeting, to be followed by the statements from the Chairs of the panel discussions, presenting summaries of the discussions at approximately 5 p.m. The speakers that will remain on the list for the general debate, if any, will be heard at a later date to be announced. Before we continue with the list of speakers for the general debate, I would like to address important organizational matters pertaining to the conduct of the plenary meetings. The introduction of the pre-recorded statements will be made by representatives from their national seats. Due to time constraints, it is expected that introductory remarks will be kept concise. Statements delivered by the high-level representatives who are physically present in the Assembly Hall can be made from their national seats or from the rostrum. As set out in resolution 75/260, statements in the general debate will be limited to three minutes for individual delegations and five minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of States. In the case of pre-recorded statements, introductory remarks and the length of the video itself shall be counted in the allocated time limit. In accordance with decision 75/563, in addition to the verbatim records of the high-level meeting, the President of the General Assembly will circulate as a document of the Assembly a compilation document of the statements delivered by means of pre-recorded statements during the high-level meeting and submitted to the President no later than the day on which the pre-recorded statement is played in the Assembly Hall, and that such pre-recorded statements will be attached to the verbatim record of the meeting. Submissions in that regard should be made to estatements@un.org. I now give the floor to the representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded video statement by His Excellency St. Clair Jimmy Prince, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

I now give the floor to the representative of Bhutan to introduce a pre-recorded statement by the Minister for Health of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement of Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo, Honourable Minister for Health of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister for Health of the Kingdom of Bhutan. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Slovenia to introduce a statement by the Minister Counsellor of the Republic of Slovenia.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement by His Excellency Janez Poklukar, Minister of Health of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Slovenia. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea to introduce a statement by the Commissioner of Disease Control and Prevention Agency of the Republic of Korea.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement of Ms. Jeong Eun Kyeong, Commissioner of Disease Control and Prevention Agency of the Republic of Korea.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Commissioner of Disease Control and Prevention Agency of the Republic of Korea. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Fiji to introduce a statement by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation of the Republic of Fiji.

It is my honour to introduce Her Excellency Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, to deliver her pre-recorded remarks on HIV/AIDS to the General Assembly.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation of the Republic of Fiji. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Ukraine to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Ukraine.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of Ukraine. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Nauru to introduce a statement by the Minister for Health and Medical Services of the Republic of Nauru.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of Her Excellency Ms. Isabella Dageago, Minister for Health and Medical Services of the Republic of Nauru.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister for Health and Medical Services of the Republic of Nauru. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Mauritius to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health and Wellness of the Republic of Mauritius.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness of the Republic of Mauritius.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health and Wellness of the Republic of Mauritius. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Germany to introduce a statement by the Federal Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Germany.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Jens Spahn, Federal Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Federal Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Germany. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of France to introduce a statement by the Minister of Solidarity and Health of the French Republic.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Olivier Veran, Minister of Solidarity and Health of the French Republic.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Solidarity and Health of the French Republic. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Bounfeng Phoumamalaysith, Minister of Health of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of El Salvador to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of El Salvador.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Francisco Alabi, Minister of Health of the Republic of El Salvador.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of El Salvador. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of Chile to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Chile.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Enrique Paris, Minister of Health of Chile.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of Chile. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of Bahrain to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Bahrain.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of Her Excellency Ms. Faeqa vint Saeed Al-Saleh, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of Bahrain. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of Sri Lanka to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Sri Lanka.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of Her Excellency Ms. Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, Minister of Health of Sri Lanka.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of Sri Lanka. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Bolivia to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health and Sports of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by Mr. Jeyson Auza, Minister of Health and Sports of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, at today’s high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health and Sports of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of India to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by His Excellency Mr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India, at today’s high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Kyrgyzstan to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic.

It is my pleasure to introduce the pre-recorded statement by His Excellency Mr. Alymkadyr Beishenaliev, Minister of Health and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of the United States of America to introduce a statement by the Secretary of State of the United States of America.

It is my honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by the Secretary of State of the United States of America, the Honourable Antony J. Blinken.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Secretary of State of the United States of America. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Angola to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Angola.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by Ms. Sílvia Lutucuta, Minister of Health of the Republic of Angola.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Angola. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Azerbaijan to introduce a statement by the Acting Minister of Health of Azerbaijan.

I have the great honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by His Excellency Dr. Teymur Musayev, Acting Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Acting Minister of Health of Azerbaijan. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Chad to introduce a statement by the Minister of Public Health and National Solidarity of Chad.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement of Dr. Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, Minister of Public Health and National Solidarity of the Republic of Chad, at this high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Public Health and National Solidarity of the Republic of Chad. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Gabon to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Gabon.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by Mr. Guy Patrick Obiang Ndong, Minister of the Health of Gabon, at this high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of Gabon. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Djibouti to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Gabon.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh, Minister of Health of the Republic of Djibouti, at this high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of Djibouti. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Mexico.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by Dr. Jorge Alcocer Varela, Minister of Health of Mexico, at this high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of Mexico. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of the Marshall Islands to introduce a statement by the Minister for Health and Human Services of the Marshall Islands.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by the Honourable Bruce Billimon, Minister for Health and Human Services of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister for Health and Human Services of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Ethiopia to introduce a statement by the Minister for Health of Ethiopia.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by Her Excellency Ms. Lia Tadesse, Minister for Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, at this High-level Meeting on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister for Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of Algeria to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health, Population and Hospital Reform of Algeria.

On the occasion of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS, I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by His Excellency Mr. Abderrahmane Benbouzid, Minister of Health, Population and Hospital Reform of Algeria.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health, Population and Hospital Reform of Algeria. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded video statement by Honourable Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh, Mr. Zahid Maleque, on the occasion of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/ AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Maldives to introduce a statement by the Minister of State for Health of Maldives.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by His Excellency Mr. Shah Abdullah Mahir, Minister of State for Health of the Republic of Maldives.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of State for Health of the Republic of Maldives. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

We have heard the last speaker in the general debate for this meeting. The Assembly will hear the remaining speakers tomorrow, Friday, 11 June, after the conclusion of the debate on agenda item 30, entitled “Report of the Security Council”. In accordance with resolution 75/260, of 23 February 2021, we will now hear presentations of summaries by the Chairs of the five thematic panels. I now give the floor to the representative of Sweden to present the summary of thematic panel 1 on behalf of His Excellency Per Ohlsson Fridh, Minister of International Development Cooperation of Sweden and Chair of thematic panel 1.

Minister Ohlsson Fridh regrets not being able to be here today. I would like to forward the following key conclusions on the discussions on his behalf. The following is required to be able to end AIDS and prevent the further transmission of HIV. First, there is a need for political commitment and leadership, with sector-wide policies that guarantee universal human rights and eliminate discrimination. Outspoken, brave and progressive leaders undermine the roots of stigma and change people’s mindsets. Secondly, an integrated and preventive approach addressing the intersecting social, economic and gender inequalities is needed. Integrated support where sexual and reproductive health and HIV services are part of the essential social and health system is also necessary, as well as comprehensive, gender-sensitive sexuality education. Thirdly, a participatory and inclusive response in which those infected, affected and all of us concerned in all our diversity may contribute to policy-making, advocacy, awareness and service delivery. The empowerment of the individual and the community will allow for healthy decisions to be made and reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. Fourthly, investing in health and strengthening health systems is key to a successful HIV response. More financing is needed to achieve the goals set. Financing needs to be flexible, predictable and sustainable. Funding needs to be better linked to goals, plans and programmes and be time-bound.

I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana to present the summary of thematic panel 2 on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Chair of thematic panel 2.

I deliver this summary on behalf of Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who chaired panel 2. Thematic panel 2, “Putting people and communities at the centre of the response to AIDS”, reaffirmed the centrality of community leadership, in particular the leadership of people living with HIV and key populations for driving progress in the global HIV response and highlighted the value of community- led approaches and infrastructure for resilient and equitable health systems for the future. Panellists emphasized that community-led responses not only deliver better health outcomes but also strengthen human rights and tackle inequalities. Community-led responses can fill gaps left by State-led services, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic and other health emergencies. The leadership of people living with HIV and key populations — people who use drugs, sex workers, gay men and other men who have sex with men  — must therefore remain at the heart of the response. That is the only way we can reach the global AIDS target and realize political commitments as we move towards 2030. However, persistent inequalities, criminalization, closing civic space, and funding gaps threaten the vital work of community-led organizations. Panellists therefore made several recommendations to ensure the sustainability of community-led responses. Governments are urged to remove legal and policy barriers that criminalize people living with HIV and key populations, increase stigma and discrimination against them and make it unsafe for them to organize and work. Financing mechanisms and technical support for community-led responses are urgently needed to ensure their sustainability. Communities should be recognized and funded for their important contributions to health and society. Political will is needed to ensure that multisectoral partnerships built on trust and meaningful inclusion of communities can be forged among community-led organizations, Governments and other stakeholders. The Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS (resolution 75/284, annex), adopted during this high-level meeting, commits us to an ambitious set of goals, which will not be achieved without the expansion of opportunities and support for the leadership of the people living with HIV and key populations. Political will is needed now more than ever to make good on the promise of putting people at the centre. We cannot end AIDS without investing in community-led responses and human rights. We must fight against inequality, not against people.

I now give the floor to the representative of Canada to present the summary of thematic panel 4 on behalf of Her Excellency Ms. Karina Gould, Minister of International Development of Canada and Chair of thematic panel 4.

On behalf of Canada’s Minister of International Development, it is my great honour to present the Chair’s summary for panel 4 of this high-level meeting, entitled “Advancing Gender Equality and Empowering Women and Girls in the AIDS Response”. As the panel made clear, if we are serious about ending AIDS, then we must also be serious about ending gender inequalities. As today’s speakers highlighted, there has been significant progress in increasing women’s and girls’ access to HIV testing, treatment and care, as well as in biomedical breakthroughs that expand women’s options and choices for HIV prevention. However, panellists also emphasized that much more needs to be done to address the gender inequalities, gender-based violence and harmful gender norms that continue to fuel the HIV pandemic and leave women and girls at disproportionate and heightened risk of HIV. All speakers reaffirmed the need for the global AIDS response to focus on advancing women’s rights and agency, particularly guaranteeing sexual and reproductive health and rights; HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care; comprehensive sexuality education; and the economic rights of adolescent girls and young women. Today’s discussion emphasized how deeply rooted gender discrimination and other intersecting social and economic inequalities are in women’s and girls’ lives, limiting their access to services and decision-making about their health and bodies. Certain women and girls face major obstacles to reaching their full potential. In particular, the world must protect and champion the rights of women and girls who are currently living with HIV, those in sex work, those who use drugs or are in correctional facilities, child brides and pregnant adolescent girls, women and girls living with disabilities, those subjected to gender-based and sexual violence, those who are migrants or refugees, girls and women living in conflict and humanitarian settings or in rural or poor urban areas. Effective strategies for HIV prevention, services and care therefore require detailed attention to the needs of women in all their diversity, their meaningful participation and women- and community- led responses. The panel also stressed the importance of leveraging education, particularly quality secondary education for girls, as a powerful entry point for accelerating HIV prevention. The new flagship Education Plus initiative was showcased as a pathway for achieving that vision. Speakers concluded that to address the critical gaps remaining in the HIV response, we need to allocate clear budgets and scale up investments. Today’s panel recommended several areas for joint global action. First, every young woman must know from an early age that she has the right to live free from harassment and discrimination and that she has full autonomy over her own body. Second, we must ensure legal protections and enforcement to guarantee gender equality and put an end to punitive laws based on gender and HIV related status, including reforming parental consent laws. Third, we must promote and protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all women and adolescent girls, including better integrated services that are holistic, tailored and ensure dignity. Fourth, we must engage men and boys in transforming harmful gender norms, promoting positive masculinities and supporting their uptake of HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. Fifth, we must invest in multisectoral interventions, including leveraging education for HIV prevention and gender equality by enabling all girls to complete at least secondary school. Sixth, we must meaningfully engage women and girls in all their diversity in decision-making and investing, and must support the leadership roles of women’s organizations and feminist movements in the HIV response. Seventh, we must address the interlinkages of gender-based violence and HIV at policy, service-delivery and community levels. Finally, panellists welcomed the overwhelming support for the adoption of the strong, action-oriented 2021 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS (resolution 75/284, annex). For the first time ever, the Declaration pledges to end all inequalities faced by communities affected by HIV through transformative and measurable targets, such as the 10-10-10 targets on societal enablers. One such critical target calls on Member States to reduce to less than 10 per cent the proportion of women, girls and people living with and at risk of HIV who experience gender-based inequalities and violence. I would be remiss, of course, if I did not thank our civil society representatives on this panel — Ms. Olga Belyaeva from the Eurasian Network of People who Use Drugs, and Ms. Irene Ogeta, from the ATHENA Network, for their participation. In this year, when the virtual nature of our proceedings has limited our meaningful interactions with civil society, we were deeply grateful for their participation and contributions. As we look forward to the 2022 International AIDS Conference in Montreal, Canada, we commit to continuing to provide meaningful opportunities for members of civil society to have their voices heard on the international stage. With less a decade to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, we are at a critical juncture. If we are to end AIDS by 2030, we must accelerate access to HIV prevention and treatment, with gender justice at the heart of the HIV response.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation to present a summary of thematic discussion 5 on behalf of Mr. Alexei Mazus, Chief External Expert on HIV Infection at the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and Chair of thematic panel 5.

I am very pleased to provide a summary on behalf of the Chief External Expert on HIV Infection of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Mr. Alexei Mazus. The last thematic panel was dedicated to considering the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the AIDS response and building back better for pandemic preparedness. The spread of COVID-19 slowed countries down in their progress towards Sustainable Development target 3.3  — putting an end to AIDS by 2030. We need to accelerate efforts, ensure global solidarity and expand multilateral cooperation in order to respond to HIV and COVID-19. Speakers pointed out that COVID-19 response measures in countries considered to have stable health- care systems were not ideal, while countries that had previously experienced outbreaks of infectious diseases were much better prepared. During the discussion, the importance of strengthening health systems was underscored in order to increase countries’ preparedness for future crises. The participants of the panel noted the fundamental importance of restoring HIV testing rates and ensuring continuity of care for persons living with HIV, paying particular attention to those most in need, including migrants, as well as access to HIV services in rural areas. Delegations underscored the need to strengthen primary care and include HIV services in that care, which is the basis for achieving comprehensive health- care coverage. Providing equal access must be carried out, inter alia, by actively involving representatives of civil society, local communities, persons living with HIV and those at higher risk of HIV infection, as well as women and young people. Effective laws that would guarantee the absence of discrimination and stigmatization are required. This will also increase access to HIV services. In order to ensure accessibility, a particular role is played by non-governmental organizations, including volunteers who in many countries were crucial to the response during the quarantine triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular by supplying and delivering antiretroviral therapy. Delegations underscored the need to strengthen comprehensive cooperation between the public and private sector, which creates additional opportunities for countries to achieve the goal of universal health care. Another important area is increasing investment in health systems both domestically and through international aid, particularly to countries most in need. Given the achievements in developing a COVID-19 vaccine, the need was expressed to focus the efforts of the scientific community on creating an HIV vaccine, which could fundamentally change prevention efforts aimed at eradicating AIDS. The increasing role of regional public health bodies was noted, including with the example of the African Centre for Disease Control. Delegations emphasized that priority attention should be given to strengthening international cooperation, particularly in the areas of science, the provision of drugs, developing and producing vaccines and making them available in order to eradicate AIDS by 2030 and stop the COVID-19 pandemic.