As Sonal Giani steps down as an NGO Delegate to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB), we recognize her significant contributions and acknowledge the unfortunate reality that her departure is happening amid an increasingly difficult political climate. Her tenure was marked by firm advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and inclusive global health policies—work that remains urgent as challenges to these issues grow.
Sonal became an NGO Delegate with a clear purpose: to ensure that the voices of communities most impacted by HIV were not just included but had real influence over policy and funding decisions. “For over 15 years, I have seen firsthand how communities most impacted by HIV are often the least heard in decision-making spaces,” she reflected. “I wanted to change that.”
Among her key achievements, Sonal played an instrumental role in ensuring that the Anti-Gender and Anti-Rights Movement was explicitly acknowledged as a threat to the global HIV response. “In drafting rooms, I fought to name and challenge this movement, resisting attempts to downplay its impact,” she said. She also stood firm in protecting the inclusion of transgender people and sex worker communities, countering attempts to weaken their rights within UNAIDS policy discussions.
Beyond shaping policy debates, Sonal prioritized pushing for sustainable funding for community-led responses. “Grassroots organizations—especially those led by key populations—are at the forefront of this fight yet remain chronically underfunded,” she noted. “I consistently pushed for long-term, flexible funding models to allow these groups to operate without the constant uncertainty of donor cycles.” Despite this work, the funding landscape for community-led initiatives remains fragile, with continued advocacy needed to translate commitments into sustained financial support.
Her tenure was not without challenges. Navigating the political and bureaucratic nature of UNAIDS governance while ensuring that community needs remained central was an ongoing battle. Advocacy for intersectional issues—such as gender, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and HIV—often met resistance from those seeking to frame HIV policy in more traditional, limited terms. In addition, the growing global pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts affected funding and staffing decisions across civil society organizations, placing increasing strain on activists and advocates in governance spaces like the UNAIDS PCB.
Sonal’s departure, coinciding with major funding cuts from the US Government through USAID and PEPFAR, raises serious concerns about the sustainability of NGO Delegates in UNAIDS governance spaces. “If this trend continues, it will not only weaken the voices of those most affected by HIV but also undermine the fundamental purpose of the NGO Delegation itself,” she warned. “We urgently need to find ways to protect future delegates, ensuring that their ability to represent communities at the highest levels is not compromised by funding crises or political pressures.”
With Sonal stepping down, the NGO Delegation is now seeking a new representative from Asia and the Pacific to fill the vacant seat. This is a critical opportunity for organizations in the region to ensure that community voices continue to shape UNAIDS policies and decisions. We encourage interested civil society organizations to apply and carry forward the advocacy work that remains essential in this space. Details on the application process can be found on the NGO Delegation website.
While Sonal’s time as an NGO Delegate has come to an end, she is clear that her advocacy continues. “Advocacy is not just what I do—it’s who I am,” she said. “I am now focusing on expanding my impact through independent consultancy, public speaking, and capacity-building initiatives, working alongside organizations that are ready to push boundaries and create truly inclusive spaces.”
To UNAIDS, the NGO Delegation, and the communities she has represented, her message is straightforward: “To the UNAIDS PCB: Do not let political shifts and funding cuts weaken your commitment to communities. The fight against HIV cannot be won without centering the voices of those most affected. To the NGO Delegation: Your role is critical—keep pushing, keep advocating, and never compromise on the principles of equity and justice. To the communities I’ve represented: Your voices matter. Your resilience and activism are the backbone of this movement. Hold decision-makers accountable, and never stop demanding the rights and dignity you deserve.”
Sonal’s time on the NGO Delegation was shaped by persistence, direct advocacy, and a willingness to challenge harmful policies. While we acknowledge her contributions, we also recognize that many of the issues she fought for remain unresolved. The work must continue, and future delegates will need to carry forward the critical fights for funding, inclusion, and accountability within UNAIDS. Her departure serves as a reminder of the structural and financial challenges facing NGO representatives—and of the urgent need to ensure that those most affected by HIV are not only at the table but have real power in decision-making processes.