Michel Sidibé is a highly experienced advocate for a people-centered approach to health and development, with over 40 years of experience in this field. He strongly believes in the power of African-led solutions and served as Mali’s Minister of Health and Social Affairs from 2019 to 2020. In April 2021, Sidibé was appointed African Union Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency and has also been a Steering Committee member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy.

As the Executive Director of UNAIDS from 2009 to 2019, Sidibé played a pivotal role in providing crucial HIV treatment to over 25 million individuals. He held the rank of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and led the charge in implementing life-saving interventions for those affected by HIV. He worked for UNICEF and Terre des Hommes, where he developed a passion for advancing global health and social justice.

Sidibé is a vocal proponent of local pharmaceutical production and has received numerous awards, including honorary doctorates from leading universities around the world. He has been recognized with prestigious honors from Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad, Uganda, France, and Monaco. His tireless dedication to improving global health and promoting social justice has made a significant impact on countless individuals and communities worldwide.

He joined the Global Commission on Drug Policy in 2021 and is also a member of the (regional) West Africa Commission on Drugs.