The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) was honored to be represented at two significant United Nations events in New York this June by Dr. Padmini Murthy, highlighting our commitment to global health, women’s leadership, and international collaboration.

Advancing the Global Response to HIV/AIDS

On June 22–23, 2026, the United Nations General Assembly convened its High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS at UN Headquarters in New York, in accordance with General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/256. The meeting reviewed global progress made since the 2021 High-Level Meeting and concluded with a new Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, which will guide the global HIV response over the next five years.

The Political Declaration serves as the principal global accountability framework for United Nations Member States in their efforts to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.

During the meeting, Dr. Murthy had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, and engage with global leaders committed to advancing equitable access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

Celebrating the International Day of Women in Diplomacy

On June 24, Dr. Murthy also participated in the United Nations’ observance of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, established by the UN General Assembly in 2021 through Resolution A/RES/76/269.

As part of the celebration, Dr. Murthy had the honor of moderating the high-level forum:

“Women in Diplomacy: Influence in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding – Implications for Female Peace Ambassadors.”

The event brought together distinguished women leaders from around the world to discuss the critical role of women in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international cooperation.

Panelists included:

  • H.E. Dr. Agnes Mary Chimbiri-Molande, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Malawi to the United Nations
  • H.E. Dr. Vivian Okeke, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
  • H.E. Sarah Wescot-Williams, President/Speaker of Parliament of Sint Maarten (Constituent Country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) and former Prime Minister of Sint Maarten
  • Ambassador Prof. Ada Okika, Senior Advisor, Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA) to the United Nations and Chief Governor, Department of Northeastern Affairs, Word of Life Ministries International

The forum was sponsored by Water and Sanitation for Africa (through its Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations), Word of Life Ministries International, Gender Priority Strategy, and Water Her.

AMWA is honored to contribute to international conversations that advance women’s leadership, global public health, and health equity. Participation in United Nations meetings reflects AMWA’s longstanding commitment to ensuring that the voices of women physicians are represented in discussions shaping global health policy and international cooperation.