An extensive publication for UNAIDS on inclusive engagement with civil society, as part of the Getting to Zero strategy and in the context of the UN’s 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS.

The final document – UNAIDS guidance for partnerships with civil society, including people living with HIV and key populations – provides detailed advice on how UNAIDS, its Cosponsors and Secretariat, working at national, regional and global levels, should strengthen meaningful and respectful partnership work with civil society.

As Michel Sidibe, the UNAIDS Executive Director acknowledges in his introduction, Over the decades, civil society has induced even the most reluctant leaders to act and be accountable for their commitments on HIV.

Client

UNAIDS

Process

The document was the result of complex and wide-ranging global consultation.

ASAP solicited input from the UNAIDS Secretariat, as well as from personnel at all levels and representatives of all 10 UNAIDS Cosponsors. There were consultations with civil society leaders worldwide, at international, regional and national level.

ASAP analysed concerns from a range of perspectives, and then focused attention on the critical issues that face civil society and UNAIDS Cosponsors and Secretariat, in particular at country level.

ASAP’s Director, Robin Gorna, worked under the close guidance of a joint steering committee of representatives of civil society and of UNAIDS. This committee played an active role in shaping, and re-shaping, the project, and set up a sub-group to agree indicators to track progress in implementing the guidance.

ASAP staff reviewed detailed responses and feedback from more than 100 contributors and worked with UNAIDS staff to craft a guidance that synthesizes their input and aims to highlight diverse needs and priorities.

The result is a document that is now an important part of UNAIDS strategy for the future.