UNITED NATIONS, June 4: A congregation of musicians, actors and other performers joined senior diplomats, activists and business leaders gathered at the United Nations on Thursday under the theme ‘Uniting the World Against Aids’ pledged to continue fighting the pandemic together.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the gathering in the packed General Assembly Hall that leadership comes not only from those who hold positions of power, but also from “all of you.” He credited doctors, nurses, counsellors with an important role, adding that leadership comes also from “fathers, husbands, sons and brothers who support and affirm the rights of women.”

The African Children’s Choir from Uganda and Kenya spread out through the Assembly Hall during their dance performance. Speaking in unison, two performers ended their presentation by introducing Secretary-General Kofi Annan, saying, “with his big heart he has made the world a better place for children.”

The majority of audience members raised their hands when Actor Richard Gere asked whether they knew someone who has died of Aids or is infected with HIV.