Stephen Lewis

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Stephen Lewis (born November 11, 1937) is a prominent Canadian politician, public speaker, broadcaster, and diplomat. He is best known for his dedication to humanitarian causes, particularly his work in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. Lewis has held several significant positions throughout his career, including serving as the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Lewis was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is the son of David Lewis, a leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), and Sophie Lewis. Growing up in a politically active family, Lewis was exposed to politics and social issues from an early age. He attended University of Toronto, where he became involved in student politics and developed a passion for social justice.

Political Career

Lewis began his political career in the early 1960s when he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a member of the New Democratic Party. He quickly made a name for himself as a passionate advocate for social issues. In 1970, he became the leader of the Ontario NDP, a position he held until 1978. Under his leadership, the party made significant gains, although they did not manage to form the government.

International Work

After leaving provincial politics, Lewis shifted his focus to international issues. In 1984, he was appointed as Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, where he worked on a variety of global issues, including economic development and human rights. His tenure at the UN deepened his commitment to international development and humanitarian work.

In 1995, Lewis was appointed Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, where he was responsible for the organization's global programs. He played a key role in focusing UNICEF's efforts on children's rights and welfare.

Perhaps his most significant role came in 2001 when he was appointed as the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. In this position, Lewis worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and to mobilize international support for prevention, treatment, and care. He was a vocal critic of the global community's response to the pandemic, calling for increased funding and more effective use of resources.

Later Work and Advocacy

After stepping down as the UN Special Envoy in 2006, Lewis continued his advocacy work through the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which supports community-based organizations in Africa that are fighting HIV/AIDS. He has also been involved in various other humanitarian and social justice initiatives, including the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of education and healthcare in developing countries.

Lewis is also a well-known public speaker and commentator, often speaking out on issues of social justice, human rights, and international development.

Legacy

Stephen Lewis's work has had a profound impact on global health and development, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS in Africa. He is widely respected for his dedication, compassion, and ability to mobilize action on complex issues. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors.

See Also

• HIV/AIDS in Africa
• New Democratic Party
• United Nations
• UNICEF