ABSTRACT
In 1996 UNAIDS became the first UN agency, and GHI, to formally include civil society in its governance body – the Program Coordinating Board (PCB). The CSO movements described in the previous chapter used their expertise and access to decision-makers to demand a space within the unique joint programme. Within a context of calls for UN reform, civil society participation was justified on grounds of AIDS exceptionalism, and with arguments that CSO presence would make decision-making more responsive to affected communities, strengthen institutional legitimacy and improve downward accountability. Great expectations were set for the first global HIV/ AIDS institution and its CSO allies. UNAIDS has continued to expand its participatory governance structures,
reiterating that civil society participation improves processes. Its Guidance for Partnerships with Civil Society states that:
Among multiple other benefits, partnership with people living with HIV, key populations and broader civil society enables UNAIDS to be more grounded and stay alert to the real needs, issues and resources of individuals, communities and countries affected by HIV. Informed by that knowledge and understanding, UNAIDS is better able to support countries and communities to develop more effective responses to the epidemic, guided by lived realities and successful outcomes, responding to epidemiology and evidence, not to ideology.
