UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé meets with members of the China Red Ribbon Foundation

Speaking at the event, Mr Sidibé praised the growing commitment of Chinese business leaders, particularly in the area of HIV. The private sector is playing an increasingly important role in China’s efforts to expand HIV prevention, treatment and care services and address discrimination. Much of this work is channelled through the China Red Ribbon Foundation, founded in 2005 by 20 of China’s leading private sector firms.

Huang Mengfu, Honorary Chair of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce thanked Mr Sidibé for his remarks and said that, “For the last 30 years, China has led on economic growth. In the coming years, China’s private sector will help China to lead on social responsibility, global health, and human development.”

Several Chinese CEOs reflected on their positive experiences in supporting the prevention and control of HIV in China and expressed their support for the UNAIDS vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Michel Sidibé and Huang Mengfu present an award to Li Hejun, Chairman of China’s Hanergy Holdings Group

Mr Sidibé also stressed the huge potential for China’s growing private sector to help bring an end to the AIDS epidemic globally. Particularly in Africa, where many Chinese companies now have extensive operations, Chinese businesses are in a unique position to encourage breakthrough progress in the HIV response and throughout the health sector. Reiterating UNAIDS’ commitment to working closely with private business, Mr Sidibé emphasized that a successful response to HIV requires strong and meaningful participation from all sectors of society.