Here is the final Declaration of Review from the UN on HIV/AIDS following a week long Special Session of the General Assembly reviewing the historic 2001 Declaration of Commitment. It is important to note that Secretary Kofi Anan was instrumental in convening the global community in 2001 in to discuss AIDS, the first time the UN met specifically to consider a health issue. That was 20 years into the pandemic, and without his leadership it might never have happened. This review happens at a time when many question the UN and the funding commitments required to keep the body functioning.

The process at the UN is clearly frustrating to all, at times, no matter your political perspective. But can anyone really make an argument that the world would be better off with AIDS going unchecked and the UN either not doing its job, or not existing? If so, please comment below, we'd love to here the argument.

This Declaration is a small step in the right direction. This blog has documented many ways in which it could have been improved, and will continue to demand that more be done to turn the tide against AIDS — it is the most significant challenge humanity faces today, and how we respond will be a significant indicator of how history defines our stewardship of the planet, and our level of compassion for our fellow humans.