Cai Mingzhao (R), president of Xinhua News Agency, receives the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award presented by UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- President of Xinhua News Agency Cai Mingzhao on Thursday received the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award in the Chinese national capital.
The award, established in 2012, was presented by UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe.
The award recognizes Cai's personal contributions toward the vision of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 through exemplary leadership or a novel approach, according to a statement.
"The award is a recognition of Xinhua's efforts in helping prevent and control the AIDS epidemic, as well as Xinhua's support to the UN," Cai said in his keynote speech.
"Achieving zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths will be a great success in the history of civilization," he said, adding that Xinhua is proud to be able to contribute to this historic process.
Xinhua, as China's state news agency and an international media organization, has closely watched and provided timely, objective and comprehensive coverage of global efforts and progress in fighting AIDS. It has taken advantage of its resources and a global news gathering network to release hard news, promote exemplary practices and encourage people from all walks of life to join HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
Xinhua has cooperated with UNAIDS in diverse fields. Cai and Sidibe in March signed an MOU in Geneva, Switzerland, to enhance strategic cooperation between Xinhua and UNAIDS in news reporting, social media and themed activities.
For three days in June, Xinhua played a UNAIDS video clip on the Times Square billboard in New York to highlight the importance of a fast-track approach to ending the AIDS epidemic.
Xinhua has signed MOUs on cooperation with UNAIDS and 10 other UN agencies. In March in Nairobi, Kenya, Cai was presented a certificate of Excellence in Advocacy and Leadership on Environment by the UN Environment Programme in recognition of Xinhua's leadership, innovation and inspiration in raising awareness of environmental issues.
Cai said Xinhua will continue to explore new ways to cooperate with UN agencies, support the UN's undertakings and help improve the well-being of the human race.
