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Deputy Secretary-General to lead UN contingent in AIDS walk fundraiser

Deputy Secretary-General to lead UN contingent in AIDS walk fundraiser

Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro will walk with a contingent of United Nations staff members and about 50,000 other people in the annual fundraiser called AIDS Walk New York on Sunday, a UN spokesman said today.

The UN Cares team has participated for many years in the massive event, raising more than $35,000 in 2006.

In announcing her intention to participate, Ms. Migiro said AIDS remains one of the most serious challenges of our time.

“Our collective efforts are needed if we are to stop the spread of the disease and ensure that everyone has access to the prevention, treatment, care and support services they need,” she said in her message to staff, encouraging them to join her.

Last night, the Deputy Secretary-General spoke at the UN Association (UNA) of New York, to lend encouragement to New Yorkers who actively support the Organization’s agenda.

Sharing with them the priorities of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s new administration, she divided the UN’s challenges into pressing geo-political and development issues and mid to long-term issues such as climate change, human rights and cultural understanding.

She also outlined progress in UN reform, saying she expects to work closely in the months ahead with Mr. Ban and with Member States to advance the issue.

For advancing the entire agenda, however, the UN’s partnership with the United States is particularly crucial, she said, calling UNA members in the country “guardians of that bond.”