(Followed by) General Assembly: High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS (resumed) - 92nd plenary meeting, 80th session

Distinguished colleagues, the 92nd Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly is resumed. The Assembly will resume its high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS to hear the remaining speakers in the debate. Delegations are reminded that statements are limited to 3 minutes for individual delegations and 5 minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of states. When a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the President shall call the speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of automatic microphone cutoff. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. Having said this, I would like to appeal to all speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to facilitate interpretation into the 6 official languages. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Monaco.

International solidarity and multilateral— sustained multilateral commitment have helped us to achieve, over the past 2 decades, to achieve significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thousands of lives have been saved. Access to treatment has significantly been broadened. And new cases of infection have diminished. These results reflect the fact that when the stakeholders and of the international community act together, major progress is possible. Today, however, this progress is under threat. Conflicts, multiple crises, proliferating crises, specifically the reduction in international financing, is compromising the hard-won gains. In a number of countries, consequences are already visible, including interruption of healthcare services, supply chain disruptions, reduction of tracking and prevention operations, with a particular impact being felt by those who are most vulnerable. In the light of this situation, we cannot reduce our efforts. For nearly 20 years, Monaco has been supporting UNAIDS, a historic partner in international cooperation. We firmly believe that health is a basic right and an investment in the future. And the Principality has also determined to— on the 8th to address AIDS and other diseases and to increase our voluntary contribution to the fund. We also are continuing to support community-based efforts and expertise, providing local services to people and awareness-raising. These are of critical importance in order to deliver appropriate responses to reflect realities on the ground. Beyond the question of financing to provide for health-related sovereignty, we also must see to it that our responses are firmly rooted in human rights. discrimination, gender-based violence, stigma targeting persons residing with HIV and those who are most exposed represent obstacles to access to healthcare and therefore obstacles to eradication of the epidemic. Ending AIDS as a threat to public health by 2030 is an objective which is within our reach, but the only way to achieve this is if we demonstrate a renewed political commitment, greater solidarity, as well as a collective responsibility which we shoulder. We reaffirm our full support for the recommendations set out in the Secretary-General's report, and we will continue alongside our partners to pursue our commitment to sustainable, inclusive results rooted in the law in order to ensure that nobody is left behind.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Monaco. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Kazakhstan warmly welcomes the adoption of the 2026 political declaration on HIV/AIDS and fully aligns itself with the global commitment to end AIDS by 2030. In line with 2021 political declaration, the government of Kazakhstan is implementing the comprehensive roadmap to eliminate barriers, reduce stigma, and accelerate progress towards the 95-95-95 target. Kazakhstan shows the true national leadership by funding 96% of its HIV program internally. HIV prevalence among the 15-49 age group has decreased to 0.35%. Last year, the number of new cases dropped by 10%. We are steadily advancing towards the global milestones. With our current national indicators standing strong: 86, 92, 94. HIV treatment is completely free for all citizens. We utilize the most advanced and effective medications, which have led to a dramatic 6-fold reduction in AIDS-related mortality since 2011.

Thank you.

Our success is anchored in our global leadership in primary healthcare, driven by the landmark international initiative launched by the President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish the Global Coalition on Primary Healthcare, backed by the WHO. The coalition unites nations to build resilient health systems. In line with the global agenda, throughout our new standard of care approved in October 2025, Kazakhstan has officially decentralized HIV services, transferring medication distribution and patient monitoring from specialized centers directly to local family physicians and clinics. This structural integration amplifies our biomedical and digital innovations. By expanding self-testing, index testing, and digital solutions like online ordering with anonymous home delivery, we have achieved record-high diagnostic research. To ensure comprehensive care, we are currently amending our national health code to fully cover all HIV-associated at the out-planet level. Finally, our sustainability relies deeply in civil society. Kazakhstan operates—

I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Armenia.

Mr. President, Armenia welcomes convening of the High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS and reaffirms its commitment to the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Over the past decade, Armenia has achieved significant progress in HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care. HIV prevalence among key populations has remained below 5%, while among pregnant women below 1%. These results have been achieved through implementation of treat-all approach, expansion of prevention and testing services, strengthening of community-based interventions, and the gradual decentralization of HIV services. At the same time, we recognize that important challenges still remain. This demonstrates that sustained efforts are required to strengthen prevention, further broaden access to relevant services, and address emerging vulnerabilities, including those associated with population mobility and migration. Armenia considers sustainability of the HIV response as a strategic priority. The implemented reforms facilitated a successful transition from donor-supported procurement to full domestic financing. Since 2024, the government of Armenia has financed 100% of antiretroviral and anti-tuberculosis medicines from public resources. Armenia firmly believes that ending AIDS requires more than biomedical interventions. It requires addressing stigma and discrimination, removing barriers to services, promoting meaningful engagement of communities, civil society, and ensuring equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care for all populations in need. As Armenia advances its health sector reforms, including the introduction of health— universal health insurance, we view the HIV response as an integral component of broader efforts to achieve universal health coverage and build resilient health systems. We would also like to address words of gratitude to co-facilitators of political declaration on HIV/AIDS, AIDS, Georgia, and Botswana for their energetic efforts. Armenia supports a pragmatic, evidence-based approach that prioritizes protection of human rights, sustainable financing, equitable access to health services, community engagement, and integration of HIV services within stronger health systems. In conclusion, we would like to express Armenia's steadfast commitment to working with all international partners to accelerate progress towards ending AIDS by 2030 and achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Armenia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.

Mr. President, the Sultanate of Oman wishes to express its appreciation for the convening of this high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS, which represents an important opportunity to renew international commitment to ending this epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. Oman also reiterates that investment in maternal and child health constitutes a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of societies. Oman is proud of its achievement in eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in 2022. Oman received the World Health Organization's validation certificate, becoming the first country in MENA region to achieve this milestone based on an integrated health system and effective primary care programs. This achievement was built on a comprehensive health system that attained high performance indicators, including Antenatal care coverage exceeding 99% nationwide. HIV testing coverage among pregnant women reaching approximately 96%, and syphilis testing coverage approximately 99.9%. Maintaining an extremely low rate of congenital syphilis within the internationally recognized thresholds, a high-quality national laboratory network, and fully integrated electronic health information system covering both public and private health institutions. To consolidate this success, in May, in May 2026, Oman received the World Health Organization recognition of sustained elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, reflecting its continued commitment to relevant international standards and indicators. Oman will continue implementing WHO recommendations, strengthening prevention and treatment programs, enhancing monitoring and follow-up systems, and raising community awareness, thereby helping to preserve this national achievement and support international efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ending AIDS as a public health threat. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Oman. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea.

Mr. President, my appreciation goes to the President of the General Assembly for convening this meaningful high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS as we work to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Despite longstanding common efforts by the international community, the recent slowing of the trend in the decline of new HIV infections globally indicates that we must redouble our efforts now more than ever. Under the vision zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination, the Republic of Korea is sparing no efforts to reach the global target of reducing new HIV infections by 50% by 2030. Against this backdrop, we have established the 2nd National HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Plan from 2024 to 2028, implementing a package of comprehensive whole-of-government measures. As a result, in 2024, we saw a modest decline of new— in new infections, while the treatment rate reached 97.7% and the viral suppression rate 96.5%, thus surpassing the second and third 95-95-95 targets. This achievement was realized through integrated cooperation among medical institutions, organizations of people living with HIV, and communities leading prevention services. These results demonstrate that our rapid diagnosis and HIV care continuum are on a stable footing. In addition, starting from this year, we are striving to enhance access to early diagnosis through testing tailored to key populations and subsidies for HIV testing costs. Furthermore, we aim to expand access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, which we have supported through government-led programs since 2024, and to construct a healthcare environment that better eliminates stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV by expanding public awareness campaigns. Mr. President, the goal humanity shares to end AIDS by 2030 simply cannot be achieved by any single country alone. Instead, it requires close coordination that transcends national borders. As a responsible member of the international community and champion of public health, the Republic of Korea is committed to sharing its policy experience and continuing its steadfast cooperation until we succeed in truly ending AIDS in an inclusive manner that leaves no one behind. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative.

And would like to make the following remarks in its national capacity. Mongolia welcomes the adoption of the 2026 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and reaffirms its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Despite significant progress in the global HIV response, the world is off track. In 2025, 1.2 million people acquired HIV and 570,000 people died of AIDS-related causes, underscoring the urgent need for renewed commitment, sustained investment, and accelerated action. Persistent inequalities, stigma and discrimination, financing constraints, and gaps in access to prevention and treatment services continue to impede the progress. Mongolia is a country with a low-level HIV epidemic concentrated among key populations. We have strengthened community-led prevention and testing services, expanded outreach efforts, introduced self-testing, enhanced case-based surveillance, and improved strategic information systems to support targeted interventions. Through close collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, civil organizations and international partners, we have strengthened linkage to care mechanisms and improved treatment outcomes. High antenatal screening coverage has further advanced our efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. At the same time, challenges persist. Ensuring timely diagnosis and reaching all individuals at risk continues to require focused attention. Strengthening early detection, expanding access to testing services, and increasing awareness and uptake of prevention measures are key priorities going forward. Mongolia's experience demonstrates that sustained investment in prevention, strategic information systems, and community engagement is essential, regardless of the scale of the epidemic. As the international community works to gain momentum towards the 2030 target. Mongolia is convinced that resilient health systems, targeted prevention efforts, and sustainable financing must remain at the center of the global HIV response. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mongolia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.

Mr. President, the world stands at a critical juncture in its response to HIV. Despite decades of progress, we still face persistent inequalities, stigma and discrimination, reduced financing, and overlapping crises. Today, we reaffirm Lebanon's unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda, to universal health coverage, and to the right of every individual to its highest attained standard of physical and mental health, despite the multidimensional challenges faced by our country, including the current Israeli aggression and occupation impacting our health system. Lebanon has long recognized HIV as a public health priority. Through its National AIDS Program, it continues to provide anti-retroviral treatment free of charge, strengthening prevention and voluntary counseling and testing very often in partnership with civil society organizations and community representatives. Lebanon remains committed to integrating HIV services within primary healthcare universal health coverage, including linkages with sexual and reproductive health systems and services, maternal and child health, tuberculosis, and with hepatitis, among others. Madam Pres— Mr. President, ending AIDS requires addressing sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination, and all structural barriers that prevent people from accessing services with dignity. We underscore the importance of resilient and integrated health information systems with high-quality data that is essential to improve linkage to care, prevent loss to follow-up, and ensure continuity of treatment through international support and enhanced cross-border cooperation. Scientific progress must benefit all. We call for equitable and affordable access to medicines, diagnostics, and health technologies. For developing countries, technology transfer, voluntary licensing, and local production capacities are indispensable means to our joint struggle. Commitments cannot be achieved without adequate and sustainable financing. Low- and middle-income countries would need around $22 billion annually through 2030 to stay on track to end AIDS. International solidarity, development cooperation, and innovative financing mechanisms remain central to our efforts. Mr. President, Lebanon stands ready to work with all partners to accelerate action. We should remain united in solidarity to end AIDS by 2030. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Lebanon. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda.

Mr. President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Malawi on behalf of the African Group. Uganda welcomes the high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS that was convened under the theme United to End AIDS to review progress on the 2025 targets and other commitments made in the 2021 political declaration and to chart a renewed path towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. We wish to thank the President of the General Assembly and the co-facilitators, the Permanent Representatives of Botswana and Georgia, for dedicated leadership in guiding this process. We also thank UNAIDS for their continued global partnership and continued partnership with member states and their steadfast advocacy for the global AIDS response. We welcome the adoption of the political declaration that supports national efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 while respecting national policies and priorities and taking into account different national realities, capacities, and levels of development. Uganda continues to be guided by the 4th National Development Plan 2025 to 2030, the Uganda Vision 2040. HIV prevalence among adults now stands at 4.9%, down from 18% in 1990, while new infections have declined by 69% and AIDS-related deaths by 64% since 2010 to about 20,000 in 2024. Uganda is approaching the UNAIDS 95-95 targets That demonstrated its high efficacy. We commend the manufacturer's commitment to provide the product at cost and license its technology to generic producers, and we call for accelerated technology transfer, local manufacturing capacity, and equitable, affordable access to new HIV prevention and treatment tools for all countries, particularly in Africa. Despite this progress, we continue to record an estimated 100 new HIV infections daily, with adolescent girls and young women bearing a disproportionate disproportionate share. We must do more to strengthen prevention and violence against women and girls, reduce stigma, and ensure equitable access to treatment for all. We thank all our partners, including PEPFAR, the Global Fund, civil society, and cultural leaders. In conclusion, Uganda reaffirms its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through sustained investment in prevention, treatment, health systems, and domestic resource mobilization. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uganda.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Your Excellencies, over the past 2 decades, the global HIV response has demonstrated what can be achieved through solidarity, sustained political commitment, scientific progress, and predictable investment at the national, international, and regional levels. Namibia is proud of the progress it has made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including a nearly 50% reduction in the new infections since 2010 and the steady progress towards 95-95-95 targets. Notably, Namibia has become the first country in Africa to nearly eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, with 96% of the babies born HIV-free. These gains reflect strong national leadership and targeted interventions, including the integration of HIV services into primary healthcare and antenatal care. Mr. President, We support efforts aimed at strengthening technological transfer, expanding local and regional manufacturing capacity, building resilient supply chains, and making full use of international legal frameworks that facilitate access to affordable health products. Strengthening Africa's pharmaceutical production capacity is not only a matter of health security but also of equity, resilience, and sustainable development. Namibia is, however, concerned by the decline in global financing for HIV programs. At a time when millions of lives continue to depend on uninterrupted HIV services, production in funding risks reversing decades of hard-won progress. We call upon the international community to honor existing commitments and to secure predictable, sustainable, and long-term financing for global HIV response. We take note of the outcome document of the high-level meeting in the form of political declaration, as well as the UNAIDS Global HIV Strategy of 2026-2031, and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to ending HIV as a public health by 2030. Let us all renew our collective resolve to close the financing gap uphold equity and human dignity, and ensure that no one is left behind. Finally, Namibia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Switzerland welcomes the adoption of the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS. Following intensive negotiations marked by profound disagreements, it renews our collective commitment and sets a common course for accelerating the response. We nevertheless regret that it could not be adopted by consensus. Switzerland thanks all of the stakeholders for their engagement. Considerable progress has been made in the fight against HIV over the past decades, changing the course of countless lives. This was possible thanks to a response grounded in fundamental principles, the sustained commitment of the international community and scientific progress, as well as strong partnerships. In this context, we commend the leading role of UNAIDS, its multisectoral approach, and particularly its collaboration with civil society and communities remains essential. Today, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The gains that have been achieved are threatened by persistent inequalities, discrimination, declining funding and global crises. In accordance with the 2030 Agenda, the Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031 and the recently adopted Political Declaration, Switzerland wishes to recall several key principles that should continue to guide the global HIV/AIDS response. First, a human rights-based and people-centered HIV response remains a fundamental pillar of international action. No lasting progress can be achieved without addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations and key population groups. Second, we reaffirm universal access to health, based on the principle of equity, as a central pillar of the fight against HIV/AIDS. This requires resilient and inclusive health systems. In this regard, we also underline the importance of a coherent and integrated response, including through stronger links with drug policies. Finally, Switzerland recalls the need to strengthen community leadership and to ensure the full and effective participation of communities in decision-making processes at all levels of the HIV response. These principles remain more relevant than ever. Nearly 40 million people are living with HIV worldwide, and yet Only 77% of them have access to antiretroviral treatment, well below the global target of 95%. This reality highlights the scale of the efforts still required to ensure equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care. Excellencies, the adoption of the political declaration reaffirms our collective determination to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Achieving this goal is our shared responsibility. And it will depend on our ability to translate political commitments into concrete action. Switzerland remains fully committed to supporting an HIV/AIDS response that is grounded in human rights, equity, gender equality, and inclusion so that no one is left behind.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

President, Excellencies, around the world, human rights are being weakened. Conflicts, crises, and climate disasters make— is making it harder for those most in need to access even basic services. This strikes directly at the global HIV response. Yet the past decades have shown us what is possible when we get it right, when science, solidarity, and political will come together. Advances in prevention, testing, treatment, and care, combined with strong community leadership, have saved millions of lives. The HIV response has also taught us that progress depends on trust. On working across sectors and truly engaging those most affected. HIV thrives where inequality, stigma, and discrimination persist, and where political commitment is weak. Key populations continue to carry a disproportionate burden and yet are excluded from national responses. Our actions, therefore, must be guided by evidence, not ideology. And they must be grounded in human rights. Prevention must remain at the center of our efforts. That means scaling up proven evidence-based measures, including harm reduction. It means ensuring access to comprehensive sexuality education and protecting and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Because without rights, there is no effective HIV response. Going forward, country-led integrated systems must be at the core. We strongly support integrating HIV services into primary healthcare to strengthen sustainability, resilience, and universal health coverage. As we move ahead with UNAIDS and broader reforms on the globe— of the global health architecture, we must appreciate the impactful work of the UN system under the joint UN Programme, UNAIDS. And commit to sustain this vital capacity and expertise in the relevant entities of the UN development system. We must ensure the sustainability of a strong and effective global HIV response and see the gradual phase-out of UNAIDS suggested by the Secretary-General as a part of this. President, as we heard yesterday, we have come far, but we are not across the finish, finish line. This is the moment to recommit to to human rights, to equity, and to dignity for all, because that is what it takes to end AIDS as a public health threat.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brunei Darussalam.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Brunei Darussalam welcomes the convening of the high-level meeting and aligns itself with the global commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through sustainable, equitable, and nationally owned responses. Although Brunei Darussalam has a small HIV epidemic, we recognize that every diagnosis matters and requires a timely, compassionate, and people-centered health response. Access to healthcare remains a fundamental priority within our national system. Our response rests on a commitment to comprehensive treatment and care for people living with HIV. Antiretroviral therapy and clinical care are delivered through the Ministry of Health, and financed entirely from our own national resources. We regard this as sustained domestic investment as the foundation of a durable HIV response, and it places us in step with the new emphasis on national ownership and sustainable financing in the 2026 to 2031 Global AIDS Strategy. As we treat every diagnosis as significant, we have strengthened clinical care through our Infectious Diseases Unit, integrated the management of TB and HIV, and maintained routine antenatal screening for hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV as part of standard maternal care. This supports our ambition towards the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, a milestone we are working towards in this strategy period. We are equally clear about the work ahead. We are strengthening the coordination of our national HIV response response, and improving the data systems that track progress against the global treatment targets. We are committed to reducing late diagnosis so that more people begin treatment early, when outcomes are best. As a small state, we recognize the importance of continued international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Brunei Darussalam values its partnership with UNAIDS, the World Health Organization, and the broader international community. We reaffirm our commitment to a health response that is grounded in compassion, dignity, and care for every patient, and to working collectively with all Member States to ensure that no one is left behind in our shared efforts to end AIDS in 2030. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brunei Darussalam. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative— observer of the Observer State of Holy See.

Mr. President, the Holy See acknowledges the progress that has been accomplished in preventing and treating HIV and AIDS in the past 5 years, and in the great strides made overall since the first high-level meeting on this subject in 2001. The number of new HIV infections has declined in the most regions since 2010, with the greatest decreases in sub-Saharan Africa. Having access and adherence to antiretroviral treatment, people with HIV can live longer and lead healthier lives. Multisectoral partnerships have been key to reducing costs and expanding availability to treatments and should be further strengthened. Indeed, many still are excluded from such treatment, mostly in the developing world. As Pope Leo XIV has said, we cannot conceive a society that races ahead at full speed, clinging to the false myth of well-being, while at the same time ignoring so many situations of poverty and vulnerability. Strengthening health systems and building capacity for medical research, development, innovation, and production in developing countries are essential to ensuring consistent care and treatment for all, which ultimately contributes to the promotion and protection of God-given human dignity. My delegation would like to draw special attention to children, who remain particularly vulnerable to HIV. Gaps in both diagnosis and treatment mean that the 3% of HIV patients that are children account for 12% of deaths due to HIV. These disparities begin with their mothers who are at risk and HIV-positive who are— do not receive adequate testing and consistent treatment. Quality antenatal as well as perinatal and postpartum care protects both mothers and their children. It is vital to ensure early testing and consistent access to treatment for children with HIV in child-friendly formulations. Mr. President, the Catholic healthcare institutions, which provide approximately a quarter of all HIV-related care worldwide, will continue to do their part in their efforts to ensure that all people living with HIV receive treatment and care in line with their inherent human dignity. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished observer of the Observer State of the Holy See. Distinguished colleagues, we have heard the last May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of Agenda Item 10? It is so decided. The meeting is adjourned.