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Words of Welcome
The Community Program Committee is delighted to welcome you to the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
Today, the voices of communities affected by AIDS are stronger than ever, and we continue to play a critical role in progressing HIV/AIDS advocacy, prevention and care. AIDS is about PEOPLE! If we don’t understand this fundamental point, we will never be able to beat this global epidemic.
With that in mind, the Community Program is a key part of the unified program at this year’s International AIDS Conference. Alongside the Scientific and Leadership programs, we have developed a program, which we hope will bring together communities living with AIDS to informally learn, teach and share their experiences so that all delegates may bring back home with them renewed energy, commitment and enlightenment.
The Community Program is the fruit of many months of consultations worldwide to identify critical issues of concern. A tremendous amount of work has gone into this process by untold heroes from the frontlines in liaison with the CPC secretariat staff. We would like to recognize and thank each individual for his or her contribution.
The Community Program highlights innovative community-based participation in prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS. It provides a platform for dialogue, for looking at new directions and strategies, and hopefully for promoting true Access for All in the broadest sense of the term. The Community Program is also about being part of the decisions and the implementation of strategies that affect us all.
A unique feature of this year’s Community Program has been the development of seven Community Projects by the local Thai community and networks. The projects each have their own independent characteristics but weave together to form a creative and interactive mosaic that promotes Access for All. The projects include: AIDS 2547 Community Impact Project; Global Village; Community Spaces Project; Cultural Program; Youth Activities; Community Scholarship Fund; and Community Volunteer Support.
In our Global Village (the first of its kind in the history of these conferences!), the aim is to demonstrate that community can mean more than only geography, an idea that we must build on if we are to succeed. This highly interactive and user-friendly space allows non-delegates of the Conference to join together with attendees, to share their opinions, hopes and experiences.
The Skills-Building Program, under the responsibility of the Community Secretariat is fully integrated into the Conference program and has become a key component of the Conference. It promises to be exciting and innovative. Its format provides for innovative ways of deepening understanding and knowledge by sharing new approaches and methodologies.
In addition, we will have an informal lounge area for delegates to meet outside of the scheduled program. Our lounge areas will also provide the opportunity for those delegates living with HIV to escape the bustle of the Conference for some rest.
For the first time, youth will drive their own agenda for the conference. The issue is not what do we need for youth but what does youth need from us! Working together, youth from all over the world, regardless of status, will focus on what challenges they face, how they will surmount these challenges and plan for their own way forward.
Our vibrant Cultural Program is completely integrated into the conference and features an array of activities organized under the concept Living A.R.T.: AIDS, Revealing, Transforming. The goal of Living A.R.T. is to unite, across our cultural boundaries, by reminding us of the human experience that AIDS reveals and transforms in us all. This remarkable kaleidoscope of artists, musicians and filmmakers will surely be one of the most memorable experiences for delegates and the general public during AIDS 2004.
As we say in Thailand, Sawadee krap which means welcome! Our wish is that each and every one of you finds in our program something that will leave an everlasting memory of your experience at Bangkok 2004.
Senator Mechai Viravaidya - Community Co-chair
Mr. Donald de Gagne - Community Co-chair
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