Sir Elton John to deliver landmark lecture on HIV in remembrance of Princess Diana
The Diana, Princess of Wales Lecture on HIV will be delivered by Sir Elton John in front of an invited audience of politicians, health workers, journalists, civil society leaders, celebrities and people living with HIV, on 8 June 2018 in London.
The Lecture was launched by NAT (National AIDS Trust) in 1999 as a living tribute to Princess Diana (who was a patron of NAT until her tragic death in 1997). This lecture is being delivered in partnership with EJAF (Elton John AIDS Foundation) and is supported by Gucci. Sir Elton follows in the footsteps of Kofi Annan and Bill Clinton who delivered previous NAT lectures in Diana’s memory in 1999 and 2001, respectively.
During the lecture, Sir Elton will set out a vision for an AIDS-free future. He will call on governments and the private sector to show leadership and accountability in order to reach the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal to end AIDS by 2030. He will also reflect on his close friendship with Princess Diana and their shared commitment to ending HIV.
Sir Elton said:
“I am delighted to be able to deliver this lecture and to remember the enormous contribution Diana, Princess of Wales made to this cause. In the quarter century since the Elton John AIDS Foundation was established, the global AIDS fight has changed beyond recognition. Yet tolerance and courage has never been more important in the fight to create an AIDS-free generation and make the world a more accepting place for those living with HIV.”
Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT said:
“It’s an honour to have Sir Elton John deliver our Diana, Princess of Wales Lecture on HIV. In our 30th year, it is particularly timely to focus on the challenges ahead in the fight against HIV, as well as paying tribute to the lasting impact of Princess Diana’s work.
“2018 is a critical time in the global HIV epidemic. We have all the tools we need to beat HIV, yet we lack the level of investment or political priority necessary to use them fully. We are delighted that Sir Elton John, who has enormous credibility in this battle, will be speaking on this subject.”
Anne Aslett, Executive Director of EJAF said:
“The Elton John AIDS Foundation has been a supporter of the National AIDS Trust from its inception. We share a commitment to ending AIDS in the UK and around the world. Today, we are at a critical inflection point where we can commit to consigning this disease to history, or we will blight another generation with death and loss.”
Notes to editor
- The event is called The Diana, Princess of Wales Lecture on HIV. It will take place at 3pm, in London on 8 June 2018.
- Photographs, with selected quotes from the speech will be available on the evening of 8 June 2018. There may be opportunities for access to filmed excerpts. Please contact NAT for more details.
- For interviews or further comment, please email Senior Communications Officer Charlie Alderwick on charlie.alderwick@nat.org.uk or call 020 7814 6727 (for out of hours press enquiries call 07580 09401
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About NAT
NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources. We champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change.
Shaping attitudes. Challenging injustice. Changing lives.
About the EJAF
The Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the world's leading international not-for-profit organisations working year-round to support those affected by HIV. We believe AIDS can be beaten and work alongside a range of local projects, national and international organisations, government officials, celebrity patrons and brand partners to make this a reality. In the last 25 years, via a range of fundraising initiatives and support from national and global institutions, we have raised more than £298m. For every £1 we raise, we have secured an additional £1 from other donors and partners. We use these funds to fund frontline programmes in 23 countries that help to alleviate the pain of those living with, affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS. We measure our success by our ability to prevent HIV infection, provide treatment, end discrimination and drive social and political change. For more information on how you can get involved, please visit www.ejaf.org