19 November 2003

Bonn, Germany: In the global fight against HIV/AIDS, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) Jean-Marie Guéhenno, along with Peter Piot, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) addressing the UN Security Council, said, that volunteers are essential in the fight against the pandemic.

During his report to the Security Council on the implementation of Resolution 1308 (adopted in 2000), to provide training to peacekeeping personnel, Mr. Guéhenno recognized the valuable contribution that UN Volunteers have made in the battle, to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. He acknowledged “ the very personal role played by many UN volunteers working in our missions, (who) reach out to the local populations affected by HIV and AIDS.” He went on to give examples including how UN Volunteers have made a difference in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where events have raised funds to cover school fees of children orphaned by AIDS.

Mr. Guéhenno also stressed the importance of education awareness and expanded partnerships. “ If we are ever to turn the tide on this devastating pandemic, statements of good intention must translate into concrete and sustained action on the ground,” he said.