UN General Assembly
2001

cooperation in which our concerns and vulnerabilities will receive the attention they deserve is fundamental. (spoke in English) The twenty-sixth special session of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS, held last June, brought the international community together to collectively affirm the urgent need for critical action on the part of all stakeholders to combat this pandemic. For us in the Caribbean, the Conference was of special importance. Ranked the second highest region in rate of HIV/AIDS infection after sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean States are working with their international partners to combat the spread of this deadly disease. Any progress made during the HIV/AIDS special session must be attributed to the collaborative spirit displayed by all those involved, at both the political and technical levels. The inclusion of civil society, as well as the private sector, contributed to the effectiveness of the conference and remains critical to the success of any programme to eradicate HIV/AIDS. We welcome the decision of the Secretary-General to reach out to the entire world community to assist in the establishment