Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis: A Life of Dedication to Human Rights and Public Service
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Stephen Lewis is a Canadian diplomat, physician, and human rights advocate. His full name is Stephen George Michael Lewis, and he is often referred to by his initials, SGL.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 11, 1936, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Stephen Lewis passed away on June 22, 2020, at the age of 83.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Stephen Lewis is a Canadian national with multiple professions:
Diplomat: He served as Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations from 1979 to 1984.
Physician: Dr. Lewis earned his medical degree from the University of Toronto and worked in various capacities within the healthcare sector.
Human Rights Advocate: Throughout his life, he has been a prominent voice for human rights, particularly in Africa.Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued social justice and community service, Stephen Lewis was instilled with a strong sense of purpose from an early age. His father, Joe Lewis, was a socialist activist who ran for public office several times, while his mother, Muriel Lewis, worked tirelessly to promote women's rights. This upbringing had a profound impact on young Stephen, shaping his future career choices and commitment to creating positive change.
Major Accomplishments
Stephen Lewis has made significant contributions in various fields:
United Nations Work: As Canada's Ambassador to the UN, he played a key role in negotiating several important agreements, including the Convention Against Torture.
AIDS Advocacy: In the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Lewis was a vocal advocate for increased funding and awareness about AIDS in Africa, which led to significant improvements in treatment and prevention efforts.
Human Rights Leadership: He has served as Chair of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and Co-Chair of the International Crisis Group.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions by Stephen Lewis include:
"Meadowlands: A Memoir" (2006): His autobiography, which details his early life, medical career, and diplomatic experiences.
Testimony to the UN Security Council: In 2010, he delivered a powerful address on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Impact and Legacy
Stephen Lewis's tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on human rights, international diplomacy, and healthcare:
Increased Awareness about HIV/AIDS: His advocacy work helped raise awareness and mobilize resources to combat the epidemic in Africa.
Improved International Cooperation: Through his diplomatic career, he facilitated collaboration between nations and institutions to address global challenges.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stephen Lewis is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Passion for Human Rights: His unwavering commitment to social justice has made him a respected voice on the international stage.
Diplomatic Skill: As a seasoned diplomat, he has demonstrated an ability to navigate complex negotiations and build coalitions around key issues.
* Intellectual Curiosity: Throughout his career, he has remained engaged with emerging challenges and trends, ensuring that his work remains relevant and impactful.
Stephen Lewis's remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and intellectual curiosity. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to work towards creating a more just and equitable world.
Quotes by Stephen Lewis
the first dramatic signal from the U.S. administration that it is now ready to confront the pandemic and to save or prolong millions of lives.
Gordon Brown's proudest boast is that, during his stewardship, the U.K. economy has consistently grown from one quarter to the next. The Bank Governor seems to be saying that this achievement was primarily a 'nice' decade phenomenon, and not the hard-won and well-merited result of outstandingly successful policies.
I don't think the world yet realizes the carnage that is to come. I don't think the world yet realizes the full, incomparable horror of AIDS, and its inexorable spread around the planet.
In some ways, I think people who have been in the career service have an advantage.
I learned later, just as a footnote, that the World Assembly of Youth was a CIA front.
I'm not big on titles, but I think any title that is associated directly with the Secretary General will gain access.
The large German banks now seem to be more interested in competing with Anglo-Saxon banks in international markets than in nurturing their long-standing domestic lending business.