Hon. Ricardo Baptista Leite, Hon. Andrew Ullmann, Hon. Esteban Paulón, and Hon. Ruth Labode represented UNITE at AIDS2024 – the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS24) — the largest gathering on HIV and AIDS in the world. They participated in several events, including one focused on political leadership, where the Global Parliamentary Platform on HIV and AIDS was launched.

This new platform, hosted by a Secretariat formed by the UNITE Network, the Global TB Caucus, and the Global Equality Caucus, is supported by UNAIDS, STOPAIDS, the International AIDS Society (IAS), and WACI Health. The platform aims to unite, strengthen, and amplify parliamentary leadership towards ending AIDS/HIV.

Besides this important moment, our member from Argentina, Hon. Esteban Paulón, participated as a speaker or invitee in several key events during the pre-conference, AIDS2024, and side-events.

These included a session on increasing political commitment for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) towards 2030, a high-level dialogue between young people and political and diplomatic leaders, as well as an informal conversation with civil society representatives about the recently launched platform’s goals.

The greatest involvement of parliamentarians in the global response to HIV is crucial to having an impact and success in our efforts. Parliaments define budgets, shape public policy, and can contribute to shape state policies that go beyond one administration. UNITE’s participation in this global conference marked this commitment and demonstrated the power of what can be achieved when we work together.

 

– Hon. Esteban Paulón,
UNITE Member from Argentina