Speeches Shim
You know, I often say, as Administrator at USAID, that the purpose of foreign assistance must be to end the need for its existence. And so, our goal, as an Agency, is to work to foster self-reliance and help host countries on their own journey to both self-reliance and prosperity. In this, we have a wonderful strong partner in India. Together, as we have seen here at GES, we are lifting lives. We are creating opportunities. But as you've heard from both Jennifer and Kathy, I think the important thing is doing so, not only here, but jointly, we are doing so in the region and around the world.
Tomorrow, on World AIDS Day, the United States reaffirms our commitment to ending HIV/AIDS. This day also serves as a remembrance of the millions who have lost their lives to this disease. Nevertheless, we remain encouraged by the tremendous progress made by the global health community in controlling HIV/AIDS.
India's drive to conquer and eliminate TB is an inspiration to all of us, and it's a great example of a country and a cause that we hope to lift up. We are excited to see so many across India making the fight against TB their own fight, from those at the top of the government down to the private sector and even into the world of popular culture. Take Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan -- I did my very best -- who, after his own battle with TB, took up the cause and now is a great and powerful champion. He is a champion for the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment. He saw that taking steps early to address the disease saved his life. And today, he is out to show all of us that any person, even the most famous entertainer, but also the most remote villager, is vulnerable to TB, but also with early detection, can stop this global killer dead in its tracks.
This week, the United States and India are hosting the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad, India. Now in its eighth year, GES is a preeminent annual entrepreneurship gathering and will welcome 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters of entrepreneurs from 150 countries to India. This year marks the first time GES has taken place in South Asia, which reflects the region's strong entrepreneurial achievements and future, as well as India's emergence as a strategic U.S. partner.
I believe that the USAID development partnership with India -- again based upon the shared vision of the future -- I think can make the countries even closer in the months and years ahead. Part of that shared vision is how both nations seem to advance development.
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