UNAIDS hold annual gala in New York

Supporters of UNAIDS attended its annual gala on 12 June, hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela.

Held at Design Miami/Basel on the eve of the Art Basel art festival, the guests pledged their support to the work of UNAIDS in increasing access to HIV prevention and treatment services worldwide.

“We have come a very long way in responding to HIV and millions of lives have been saved, but AIDS is not over. Every hour 125 people die of AIDS and 240 people are newly infected with HIV,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “As Dame Elizabeth Taylor said, we must “win for all humanity”. Leave this gala with her sense of urgency, her compassion and commitment. Because together we can reach our dream of ending AIDS.”

The hosts welcomed around 270 international guests from the worlds of art, design, architecture, fashion, film and music. The gala was made possible by Cartier and the hotel InterContinental Geneva, with the support of Design Miami/.

The evening honoured the legacy of longstanding AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor, whose grandson Quinn Tivey was present at the gala. A special tribute was held in recognition of Dame Elizabeth’s remarkable contributions to improving the lives of people living with HIV.

The evening began with an exclusive vernissage of Design Miami/Basel, showcasing work from some of the world’s most important collectible designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

After the reception and preview, Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York and Caroline Rupert welcomed the guests. Auctioneer Simon de Pury then opened a live auction, with lots from designers that included Catherine Opie, Cartier, Dustin Yellin, the Haas Brothers and Pierre Jeanneret.

The gala concluded with a special live musical performance by Nico & Vinz, who entertained guests with new releases as well as popular hits, such as Am I Wrong? DJ Bas Ibellini took to the stage for the after-party to close the evening.

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