 Good afternoon, good evening, happy Friday, thanks for being with us on this World AIDS Day. My name is Dr. Ashwin Vasan, I'm the New York City Health Commissioner. This day is personal for me because almost everything that I've learned about public health was learned at the knee of leaders in the HIV movement. I began my career more than 20 years ago working on HIV prevention, treatment and support in the global south. Just to give you a sense, this was a time when AIDS was killing more than 3 million people a year, where more than 5 million people were newly diagnosed each year, and at a time when only about 5% of the people who needed treatment across the world were getting it. A time when in New York City, HIV was a leading cause of death, taking about 3,000 of our loved ones from us each year too soon. It was a time of great need, but also one of ambition and hope and commitment and resolve, especially with new medicines on the horizon. It was a time of partnership and solidarity to combat the last great pandemic before COVID-19 and to save millions of lives in the process. So much so that 20 years on from that time and today on this 35th World AIDS Day, we are actually in a place as a city and a nation and a globe where we can talk rationally about ending the HIV epidemic once and for all in our lifetimes. Something that I personally, 20 years ago, never imagined would happen. Here in New York City, new HIV infections are down 72% from 20 years ago. This is a leading cause of death no more. We've cut mortality by more than half. And this momentum is shared around the world. HIV is no longer a death sentence for most with five African nations declaring the end of the epidemic and 16 more approaching its end. This is real progress, but with the end in sight, we cannot take our eye off the ball. We have more work to do and we need help to do it from other levels of government. That starts with fully funding PEPFAR, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, perhaps the greatest public health and foreign policy success in U.S. history, which has saved over 25 million lives. Nothing could be more pro-life than continuing the ironclad bipartisan support that PEPFAR has enjoyed for the last two decades. And it's time to get it done in Washington. It also means increasing, not cutting, funding for the CDC, for HIV and sexual health services, especially those that fund front-line disease detectives and outreach workers here in New York City. And for our administration, it means renewing our commitment to our NYC plan to end the epidemic, which focuses on reaching the last mile and addressing the inequities we see in HIV infections, which disproportionately impact black and brown New Yorkers. We owe it to the memory of those we've lost to do just this. Thirty-five years of loved ones lost, over 120,000 people lost in this city alone. They would want us to keep fighting to finish the job. Many of them are the names we will read out later today. This history is worth emulating because it was successful. And the heroes who took the pen on this story changed history. All of us in government have an obligation to carry it forward. That's my commitment. I know it's this administration's commitment, this mayor's commitment. And so it is my pleasure to introduce the mayor of the city of New York, Eric Adams. Thanks so much, Dr. Fassan, for that powerful reflection on your not only personal but professional journey of dealing with a crisis that impacted all of us. And I think Commissioner Fassan's work in this area and seeing it on the front line is matched only by those who are with us here today. I want to thank all of you for the relationships that have been put together to combat a common enemy in that age. 35 years in this commemoration of Royal AIDS Day, we stand in support of every person, every New Yorker living with HIV and AIDS. And today, we honor the almost 200,000, as Dr. Fassan stated. New Yorkers, we have lost to the illness with the first ever reading of names of vigil to be held here in City Hall. Like so many epidemics and crises, New York City has been on the front lines of the fight against HIV and AIDS. We have lost more loved ones to AIDS than any other city in the nation. For decades, our city has been and we have witnessed too much heartbreak, too much heartache, too much uncertainty, too much discrimination, too much stigma that contribute to the failure to address HIV and AIDS. But we have also seen the strength and resiliency of this community and many of the community leaders who are here today are part of the rich struggle to get equity for all those who were impacted. The city is the birthplace of a national movement to help those living with HIV and AIDS and make treatment accessible. We pay tribute to the countless activists, advocates, educators, leaders, providers, and researchers. The artists and people of HIV who fought for equitable access to HIV prevention, care, treatment, and services they need and for justice for all. The hard-won progress we see today is because of them. Here in the city, we believe that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. We believe that everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity and nationality deserves access to healthcare. I am proud to say that New York City continues to drive down new HIV diagnosis and make progress toward ending the epidemic and the five boroughs. According to our 2022 HIV surveillance annual report released earlier this week, and I am proud that New York City reached the UNH 90, 90, 90 goals. Meaning that 90% of all people with HIV know their status. 90% of all people diagnosed with HIV are on treatment, and 90% of all people diagnosed with HIV who are on treatment are virtually virally suppressed. But we know that inequities continue to persist across many communities including our African-American and Latino. These inequities have made roasts because of COVID-19. Too many communities and populations are being left behind. I want you all to know that I am true to this fight and not new to this fight. I fought for those living with HIV when I was state senator, Brooklyn Borough President, and will continue now as the mayor of the city of New York. That is why I am proud to announce that my administration will host the first ever New York City fast-track cities ending the HIV epidemic workshop at Gracie Mansion next month. The workshop will bring together provider, community partners, and the health department. They will share updates on our progress and brainstorms, strategies, and key activities for the next phase of ending the epidemic efforts. I said this last year, at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, to Berkelosis and Malaria. And today, we are having a realistic discussion about the roadmap to end HIV forever. Let me say this again, in just one generation, we are talking about ending HIV forever. This is incredible progress. It is what we do when we come together at one. Let us not forget and ever forget those who we have lost, but let's recommit ourselves to prevent those lost in the future. Thank you very much, Dr. Fassan, and all of our partners who are here. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It's now my pleasure to welcome up to speak UNH director Cesar Nunez. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, excellent seats. I'm delighted to be here with my colleagues from the New York Office of UNHs. Now, I'd like to extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Ashwin Bazan, for their commendable leadership and commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. I also recognize the important role of civil society groups that are also present here this evening, co-sponsoring this event. Your vision for a better and more inclusive New York is inspiring. And I believe that your leadership will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of all New Yorkers. We are proud of the city that is hosting us. New York has been and continues to be a torch bearer in the response to AIDS, as Mayor just indicated. New York City's continued progress towards ending the HIV epidemic is particularly meaningful, ensuring our work is more deeply rooted in social and structural determinants of health. And the statement from the city earlier today, it was quoted that this is the birthplace of the national movements to make more accessible and reduction to disparities of prevention and care that has been highlighted already by the Mayor and the Commissioner. We're excited to see the progress with the Fast Track Cities Initiative where New York City is aligned with the global targets. I would even say, Mr. Mayor, that New York has surpassed the 1990 already, actually getting closer to the 95, 95, 95. It is inspiring to see the city hall and several municipal buildings lit red tonight in recognition of the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day. As we commemorate World AIDS Day, let me reflect briefly on the theme of World AIDS Day 2023. Let communities lead. Every minute, a life is lost to AIDS around the world, still. Many gains, but still some road to walk. Every week, 4,000 girls and young women become infected with HIV and out of the 39 million people living with HIV, 9.2 million do not have access to life-saving treatment. I'm speaking around the world. There is a path that end AIDS by 2030 and it needs the communities to lead. And in New York we have seen the example of how communities lead so well. This new report launched by UN AIDS earlier this week, let communities lead, shows that AIDS can be ended as a public health threat by 2030. But only if communities on the front lines get the full support they need from governments and donors. It highlights the need for governments and donors to fully empower and fully fund community leadership in the response to HIV. Over the years, significant advances in medical research, community engagement, access to antiretroviral therapy, and increased awareness have undoubtedly saved countless lives. However, we must not forget that the fight is far from over. There are still communities and individuals facing stigma, discrimination and limited access to essential healthcare services. This World AIDS Day is a global call to action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles. Everyone's voice reminds us that in our collective fight against HIV AIDS, every person's story, experience, and perspective matter. Let us use this World AIDS Day as a catalyst of change. Together we can build a future where HIV AIDS is no longer a threat to any community and where every person has access to the care they need and where our shared humanity prevails our adversity. UN AIDS stands ready to support the work of New York City to deliver on the promise of ending AIDS, fostering a future where health, equality and compassion prevail for us. Let me conclude by quoting the Secretary-General's words from this morning. And I quote, AIDS is beatable, weakened, and most end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Let's finish the job by supporting communities to end this harsh in their neighborhoods, their countries, and around the world. Thank you very much. Thank you, sir. I'll now welcome to speak Gay Men's Health Crisis Director, Krishna Stone. Hello, my name is Krishna Stone and I'm the Director of Community Relations at GMHC, which was founded in 1982 as Gay Men's Health Crisis, the world's first HIV and AIDS service organization. I want to thank Mayor Adams. Oh, he just, okay. And especially Patrick Kwan in the Mayor's Office, Commissioner Vasa, as well as Speaker Adams and our friends in the New York City Council. It's an honor to be with you all today. GMHC's mission is to fight to end the epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected. So for each of us, oh, so for us each day is World AIDS Day. We serve New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV and AIDS with comprehensive, client-centered, psychosocial programs that address the structural drivers of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Including HIV and STI testing, referrals for PrEP and PEP, meals and nutrition, housing, legal and immigration support, workforce development, health benefits advocacy, and mental health and substance use treatment among other life-saving services. GMHC also advocates for stronger public policies at the local, state, and federal levels. During these recent challenging years, GMHC has experienced significant increases in the needs for services for our clients. Such as access to housing, food, immigration, legal support, mental health and substance use counseling, and more. This increased need has been exacerbated by COVID-19, the inbox outbreak, inflation, and the socio-political responses to social justice movements focused on racism, homophobia, transphobia, violence, hatred and war. In combination with ceaseless HIV-related stigma, barriers to HIV and AIDS care and prevention programs have grown stronger. On Wednesday, we hosted a community fair mixer for staff persons who work at the Ali Fernay Center, GMHC, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Organizations now co-located in our midtown facility, which provided an inspiring opportunity to talk with each other and to stand united in service to our respective clients. At the end of the mixer, we took our colleagues on brief tours of each floor where services are housed, and I was one of the tour guides for GMHC. One of the points I mentioned is that we cannot do this work in isolation. We must partner with all who can be of help, including the city's diverse leadership in government, social services, medical providers, various corporate industries, schools, the media, donors and friends. And I also included our allies and family members, especially for those like me, who have children that may become our next activists. My daughter, Parade, is 28 years old, and she understands the importance of being a service. This year marks my 30th as an GMHC employee, and I know that partnerships provide hope and allow us to thrive and continue our life-sustaining help. Together, we will continue to keep listening, fighting, and expanding our services and programs. That's what GMHC has done since the beginning of the HIV and AIDS epidemic over 41 years ago, and we stand united now more than ever. Thank you. Thank you, Krishna. I'll now welcome to speak long-term HIV survivor, Lili Beth Gonzalez. Hello. My name is Lili Beth Gonzalez. I'm a 69-year-old woman living with an AIDS diagnosis half my life, 31 years. I also work at GMHC's HIV and aging program. I have already lived past my so-called expiration date, and I have faced many physical and mental challenges. We in the HIV and aging population just want to be able to live long, healthy lives, but more support is needed to ensure that we can do so. As it is World AIDS Day, I want to share a couple of starting statistics around the world, 4.2 million people over the age of 50, which is 13% of all people living with HIV are living with the virus, according to U.N. AIDS estimates. In the United States, more than half of those living with HIV who know their diagnosis are at least 50 years old and above. By the year 2030, over 70% of the HIV positive population in the U.S. will be over the age of 50. So older people of color are disproportionately affected by HIV as are older men who have sex with men. We in New York City, through the U.S. and around the world, must do a better job at meeting the needs of older people living with HIV and AIDS by expanding access to vital services like affordable healthcare, food security, accessible housing and long-term care facilities, mental health and substance use counseling. Two of the most pressing needs are housing and food security. Without them, it's impossible to care for ourselves. Access, healthcare services and maintain treatment, it's impossible. So support groups and connection to other community members as well as technology such as laptops, iPads, smartphones are also necessary to combat the social isolation and depression we all face, as well as to participate in virtual programs and telemedicine. Seeing this need, I created and facilitate a support group at GMHC called Thriving at 50 and Beyond, which is for people over the age of 50 living with HIV. We need more funding for programs like this across the city in safe spaces that we can call home. Another major issue that I and other long-term survivors have experienced is that society does not often think about older people with HIV. We must consistently be part of the conversation to inform community leaders and elected officials about developing more solutions. And these solutions include increasing HIV testing for older adults, required training on the topic of HIV and aging for medical and social service providers and advocating with us to ensure we can access the medical treatments we need to thrive. Thank you for the opportunity to share with you all. All good, all good. Okay, now thank you a little bit, that was lovely. And thank you to everyone who spoke today. I think what you see here is what it looks like when the global community in New York City come together to fight a common enemy. And at this time of polarization and divisiveness and really extreme need, we need more of this. We need more examples like the HIV movement. So now we will start the reading of names and handing out of LED candles by Mayor's Office staff and Health Department staff. John Reno. Jos Van Ark. Johnny Rescoe. Zone Aderman. Nazi Richani. Howard Ashman. Jess Richards. Tucker Ainsworth. Mike Richards. Darrell Bagnato. Ed Ryder. Dan Bailey. Nick Rock. Russell Bain. Rob Rod. Bradley Ball. Jimmy Roddy. Mike Ball. Jose Rodriguez. Danny Banks. Craig Rodwell. Mark Bard. Mel Rosen. Keith Barrow. Mark Rosenfeld. Chuck Berry. Jean Anthony Ray. Herbert Barton. Tom Records. John Basil. Tom Rubble. Rudin Becerra. Vito Russo. Jimmy Bettingfield. Richard Sabala. Tandy Balu. Jorge Samaniego. Michael Bennett. Jim Simone. Jerry Bamiir. Tom Sands. Tiri Padex. Al Schaaf. Jim Beverage. Jonathan Scherer. Wayne Billiot. Gene Schroeder. Bob Chetche. Tim Scott. Christopher Chadman. Bill Scott. Jay Chagon. Elliot Seagal. Richard Channel. Ken Shapiro. Mel Sharon. Cutter Sharp. Tina Chow. Michael Sean. Robert Christian. Sunny Sherman. Ron Christopher. Michael Devereaux. Richard Christopher. Harry Diaz. Albert Centrone. Frank DiGenerro. Charlie Coco. Rick Dixon. Terry Cohen. David Doring. Stuart Colling. Richard Dunn. Ricardo Collins. Arthur Duvall. Frederick Combs. Klaus Eberling. Glenn Cooper. Jeff Edholm. Ro Corbea. Harry Ellis. Peter Corralo. Steven Michael Endress. Stefan Creff. Phil Entwistle. Wes Crank. James Evans. Cal Culver. Richard Faya. Tom Cunningham. Nathan Fane. Bruce Cyril. David Feinberg. Tony Daly. Mark Feldman. Devereaux Dana. Dennis Ferdin. Nick Dante. Joe Dostock. Tom Davis. Larry Downs. Dick Dufour. Ken Dawson. Randy Deutz. Richard DeFrabres. Edward Dunn. We will now pass it to Bishop Latimer to lead us in a closing prayer. Bishop Latimer. Grace and peace be unto each of you, my fathers, children. Let us pray. Spirit of absolute good. Creator of the heavens and the earth. Love of our souls. We are beloved offspring humble ourselves in this divine moment to thank you. We thank you for life. We thank you for your provision. We thank you for your healing. For your ways out of no ways. For love that covers a multitude of faults. Thank you for this moment where your people have gathered to hold in consciousness the mothers, the fathers, the sisters. The brothers that are directly and indirectly impacted that have gone on before us due to HIV and AIDS. Thank you for those with the courage to live abundant lives in spite of their diagnosis. Thank you for your love made abroad in our hearts that those in need of our help and encouragement already have abundant support, already have their needs met. Thank you for the advancements in HIV and AIDS treatment and research. Thank you for that love that overcomes all things. Thank you that we have more than enough love in each one of our hearts to end AIDS. Enough love in our hearts to comfort and heal the wounded. Enough love in our hearts to set the captives free. Thank you. Because of your love living in us and flowing through us, we have no room for hate. Thank you creator for divine love that inclusive of all races and ethnicities, transgenders, bisexuals, heterosexuals, gay, lesbian, people still questioning everyone. May the love that you have given us continue creating safe healing and healthy environments in our homes, now governments, schools, houses of worship and communities. Daily may we continue to grow a consciousness of love that brings forth much fruit that remains. This is our way to healing. This is our way to ending AIDS. This is the way that we take care of each other. This is the way we please you. This is our prayer. In the name of love, we pray. Let us all say amen. Thank you everyone. Thank you so much for being here today. Bye bye.