Youth of faith claim their space at AIDS 2008
Young people delivered a strong message at the end of the Ecumenical Pre-Conference AIDS 2008, leaving no doubt that youth AIDS advocates want to be involved in ending the pandemic.
Their powerful words were greeted warmly by the audience who attended the Ecumenical Pre-Conference in advance of the XVII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2008). The youth caucus had two meetings during the pre conference and will also prepare youth of faith messages for the main conference and write a letter to the youth of faith who will attend AIDS 2010 in Vienna.
Andrea Koza, National General Secretary of the YWCA of Brazil was chosen by youth delegates to be the youth representative at the Leadership Strategy Forum meeting on August 1, co-convened by GNP+ and World AIDS Campaign, to provide an opportunity for leaders from all the pre-conferences to gather and strategise on the leadership opportunities, challenges and commitments made in the pre-conferences.
Youth delegations attended the Ecumenical Pre-Conference from a range of different faith backgrounds including including Lutheran, Presbyterian and YWCA groups. Members of all three groups participated in a Thursday workshop that focused on engaging youth in HIV and AIDS work.
