Birgit Poniatowski
Executive Director, International AIDS Society
Birgit Poniatowski

For the goal of equality of opportunity for all gender identities to become a reality, we must promote such equality externally through the work our organizations do; internally through our organizational cultures, structures and processes; and personally by modeling appreciation of diversity in our day-to-day behaviour and decisions.

I support the IGC Panel Parity Pledge.

I support the IGC gender-based violence pledge.

Personal Commitments

Following the assessment of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the IAS in 2024, conducted with the help of external consultants, an implementation plan with various actions related to DEI was developed. Some actions were completed in 2025, whereas some will continue or begin implementation in 2026. A DEI-checklist will be used when planning and designing new programmes / reviewing existing programmes.
Open elections for positions on the thought leadership body of the IAS, the Governing Council, are organized every two years. In the election procedures, materials and communications, the IAS will particularly encourage People living openly with HIV, women, Indigenous people, young people and non-clinical scientists who fulfil the candidate criteria to stand for election.