A/HRC/29/35 the exercise and enjoyment of human rights by peoples and individuals within and outside their respective territories upon the actual implementation of the commitments and decisions made between and among them at the regional and international levels. International solidarity permeates the vision and purposes of the various United Nations specialized agencies, and is reflected in their programmes and activities. More importantly, the outcomes of such programmes and activities substantiate their impact on the ground. 22. International solidarity is just as evident on the part of peoples, groups, and civil society and their organizations, which establish forums and platforms domestically and transnationally at which actors in different situations and geographical locations can peacefully share, discuss and disseminate information, interact with each other, negotiate— formally or informally—and advance their social, cultural and political interests in order to foster respect for, and protection and fulfilment of, all human rights on the basis of equality and non-discrimination. The work of non-State actors becomes even more significant and productive when they complement the efforts of States through their own activities. The initiatives around the Millennium Development Goals are a notable example. Since the Goals were adopted in 2000, governments, international agencies and civil society organizations worldwide have worked together and contributed to remarkable achievements. Although much more needs to be done, there are now half a billion fewer people living in extreme poverty; the lives of about 3 million children have been saved each year; four out of five children are now vaccinated for a range of diseases; maternal mortality is now receiving the focused attention it deserves; deaths from malaria have fallen by one quarter; contracting HIV no longer constitutes a death sentence; and, in 2011, a record 590 million children in developing countries attended primary school. 9 23. The Global Forum for Migration and Development is arguably the world’s foremost dialogue opportunity for civil society organizations and governments to discuss international migration and development at the international level. The Forum was established in Brussels in 2007 and is a State-led voluntary process outside the United Nations system at which policymakers and stakeholders from countries all over the world participate in meetings, notably the annual meetings, to discuss the relationship between migration and development, share experiences and forge practical cooperation. Although State-led, civil society has been directly engaged in the Forum from the beginning. At its annual meeting, the Forum produces a number of recommendations for governments to pursue, including those put forward by civil society during the Civil Society Days, prior to the government meeting.10 The Platform for Partnership, a feature of the Forum, is an online initiative that highlights government policies and practices that have been inspired by recommendations from civil society. The online platform facilitates the dissemination of information, communication and exchanges between stakeholders, who share their experiences and the outcomes of migration and development projects that have emerged from the recommendations and that they have adapted to their own situations. 24. International solidarity has enduring significance in the conduct of international affairs and is critical in ensuring that global challenges such as epidemics and public health crises are approached and managed in such a way that the burdens and the financial responsibilities are distributed fairly, in accordance with the principles of equity and social justice. The alarming spread of HIV/AIDS has challenged the development, progress and stability of societies, calling for a exceptional and comprehensive global response.11 The crisis has united the international community in an unprecedented manner: few other 9 10 11 United Nations, A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development (2013). See http://gfmdcivilsociety.org. See Security Council resolution 1983 (2011). 9