The AIDS pandemic is impacting the next generation of leaders, doctors and activists in a devastating way. Half of all new HIV infections occur in people under the age 25. Everyday, more than 6.000 young people, ages 14 to 24, become infected with HIV. But instead of feeling defeated, young people today are determined to make a difference and stop the pandemic. They are uniting together like never before to create a global youth movement to fight AIDS.
This week Toronto is hosting the XVI International AIDS Conference where 25,000 people from around the world are gathering together to discuss the state of this pandemic. From the towering walls of the Youth Pavilion, a youth space in the conference, to the Youth Programme and youth led workshops, young people are seen in every area of the massive conference center. The new global youth movement, represented by the Toronto YouthForce, can be seen, heard, and felt. There are over 1,000 youth delegates in Toronto and 250 of them attended a three day Pre-conference organized by the Toronto Youth Force.
The Pre-conference prepared young people for the AIDS 2006 Conference. It opened with a performance by Aboriginal women, inspiring youth to remember why they do this work in the first place. Chants and songs about power and freedom filled the main sessions.
In preparation for the conference, the Toronto YouthForce developed advocacy messages - Access, Truth, Listen, Sex, and Money, all centering on the right of young people to get honest and comprehensive information. The messages all focus on having youth participation and leadership in structuring youth friendly, comprehensive education, treatment and prevention services that are fully funded. This includes honest information about and access to condoms.
The Pre-conference ended with a reception on Saturday night that provided the final chance for the youth Pre-conference delegates to bond before the rest of the conference attendees filed into the city of Toronto. Key adult allies and other supporters joined the YouthForce members, including Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS, and performer and philanthropist Alicia Keys. The party lasted all night.
Youth have been presented with a challenge. HIV/AIDS will continue to have devastating effects on our communities around the world unless major changes are made in preventing and treating it. Young people are joining together and making the commitment to each other that they will fight and make a difference in this battle.
