Good morning, everyone. I'm going to call to order the 135th meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
We are privileged to be joined this morning by representatives from the Global Fund as they head into their sixth replenishment cycle, which will be happening later on this year in Lyon.
This is our annual update, because I think it's clear to members around this table—and to everybody following this hearing this morning—how important and what a priority the Global Fund is for Canada.
As background, the Global Fund was established as a public-private partnership in 2002. It brings together governments, communities, international development organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector and people affected by the three diseases to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics.
The Global Fund has certainly been a priority for successive Canadian governments. We're looking forward to hearing the update this morning. I want to introduce our three representatives from the Global Fund. We're going to have Françoise Vanni, director of external relations. We're going to have Loyce Maturu, and we're going to have Scott Boule, senior specialist of parliamentary affairs. Ms. Maturu is the network speaker and advocacy officer.
It's my understanding, Ms. Vanni, that you will be presenting opening remarks. Can I ask you to take about 10 minutes? I know there are going to be many questions from members who are very interested in hearing from you directly.