Thursday, 2 October 2025—President University officially launched the first session of the President University United Nations (PUUN) Series, featuring the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The event took place in the Theater Room, 2nd floor of President University Convention Center (PUCC), Jl. H. Usmar Ismail, Jababeka City, Cikarang. The lecture—titled Beyond Borders: UNAIDS, Global Health Diplomacy, and the Sustainable Development Agenda—would be delivered by Dr. Muhammad Saleem, UNAIDS Country Director for Indonesia. 

In his lecture, Dr. Saleem explained that those afflicted with HIV/AIDS belong to key populations, and if the issue is not promptly addressed, it could pose a global health threat. “This is the reason UNAIDS was created,” he stated. He also emphasized that although there is now medicine that can protect people at risk of HIV, not everyone can afford it.

Dr. Saleem further underlined the importance of equality by stating, “It is not equality if people who need it cannot access it.” He encouraged students to take part in shaping a more inclusive future: “You are the future. You will be the decision makers or those who can influence them. Don’t only read, but look further beyond.”

While this is not the first time a UN organization has given a lecture at President University, UNAIDS is the first to inaugurate the PUUN Series. Through this initiative, President University aims to regularly invite various UN agencies and organizations to deliver lectures, providing students with valuable global insights and exposure to international collaboration efforts.

(Graciella V, PR Team. Photo: Marchell Harist)