The General Assembly in its resolution A/Res/62/178 has called for a high-level meeting (HLM) on 10-11 June 2008, to undertake a comprehensive review of the progress achieved in realizing the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the 2006 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS , as well as to promote the continued engagement of leaders in a comprehensive global response to AIDS.
This comprehensive review comes at the mid-point towards the goal of universal access to comprehensive prevention programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010 and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. The HLM will assess the progress made in the implementation of the two Declarations on HIV/AIDS, share best practices and lessons learned, as well as identify the obstacles and challenges remaining and sustainable ways to overcome them.
The high-level meeting will comprise plenary meetings, five thematic panel discussions and an informal interactive hearing with civil society. The outcome of the high-level meeting will be a Summary of the President of the General Assembly, reflecting the views expressed during the discussions.
The informal interactive hearing with civil society will be chaired by the President of the General Assembly or his representative and organized with the active participation of people living with HIV/AIDS and broader civil society. It will be attended by representatives of Member States, the Observer State and observers, non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, invited civil society organizations and the private sector. The objective of the hearing is to create a space where civil society, NGOs and the private sector can interact with Member States and offer input to the comprehensive review process.
The General Assembly has also requested that a list of relevant civil society representatives, “in particular associations of people living with HIV, non-governmental organizations, including organizations of women and young people, girls and boys and men, faith-based organizations and the private sector, especially pharmaceutical companies and representatives of labour”, including on the basis of the recommendations of the UNAIDS and taking into account the principle of equitable geographical representation, be submitted to Member States for consideration on a no-objection basis for a final decision by the Assembly on participation in the high-level meeting, including panel discussions. (paragraph 8, Resolution 62/178)
To facilitate civil society involvement in the high-level meeting and ensure an open, transparent and participatory process, the President of the General Assembly in partnership with UNAIDS will establish a Civil Society Task Force comprising representatives from civil society, the private sector and relevant UN focal points. The Task Force will, among other things, help identify participants for the civil society hearing and help determine the format, theme and programme.
In addition, UNAIDS is working closely with a coalition of civil society organizations to provide support to civil society and community groups in maximizing the impact of the 2008 UN General Assembly high-level meeting on AIDS.
For further information contact universalaccess2010@icaso.org
