Call to Pray for UN High-Level Meeting on AIDS on Candlelight Memorial Sunday. May 2011
In 2011, world governments are reviewing the progress made in the HIV response over the last ten years, particularly the implementation of commitments made in UN Declarations in 2001 and 2006. Although much has been achieved, many of the goals of previous declarations have not been met.
A key outcome of the review will be a new declaration that is expected to be formally adopted by governments at a High-Level Meeting in New York on 8-10 June.1
Faith communities share the concern that the global economic crisis, the perception that HIV is no longer a major problem and other global challenges might cause a shift of focus away from HIV.
In a recent Letter to Partners 2011: UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé wrote: “World leaders gathering in New York for the General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS carry the responsibility of renewing hope and re-energizing the AIDS movement. The promises they make and words they speak at this meeting will define tomorrow’s agenda. Together, we can make this the defining decade, the decade that signals the beginning of the end of AIDS.....This is a time to scale up, not scale down.”2
On AIDS Candlelight Memorial Sunday, we ask faith communities to pray specifically for this important meeting, for the leaders as they prepare, and for wisdom and insight as they make their decisions.
You can read more about UNGASS 2011, find newsreports and access background documents on the CABSA website at http://www.cabsa.org.za/content/ungass-2011
1. Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance: UN Review on AIDS 2011: Talking Points for National Advocacy by Religious Leaders and Faith-Based Organizations :
2. Letter to Partners 2011: UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé
