The Pre-Conference

Unfortunately the Pre-Conference is now full and cannot accept further youth delegates.

In order to promote and strengthen young delegates' meaningful participation within AIDS 2008, the Mexico YouthForce* is coordinating a three day Pre-Conference, from July 31st through August 2nd, for approximately 250 young HIV/AIDS activists who are registered for AIDS 2008.

The pre-conference will consist of informative and skills-building workshops around HIV/AIDS issues, ranging from scientific knowledge to effective political advocacy. Participants will also gain skills in research methodology, monitoring and evaluation, media and communications, as well as updated information on prevention strategies, harm reduction, and details on treatment. Participants will learn how to advocate to policymakers on issues relevant to young people and how to deliver the YouthForce's advocacy messages at the conference and beyond.

The pre-conference has two main objectives:

• To provide technical information and capacity building on the political, scientific, economic and social context of HIV/AIDS to young people (ages 16 to 26) so they can effectively participate in the five tracks of the XVII International AIDS Conference.
• To empower young people through information, advocacy, and relationship-building to be advocates for youth and for an end to HIV and AIDS at the main conference, in their home countries and internationally.

Young participants at previous Pre-Conferences remarked that the Pre-Conference was one of the most useful and informative aspects of the entire Conference experience. Youth participants gained skills that were useful not only during the main conference, but also when they returned to their homes to carry on their HIV/AIDS work.

* The Mexico YouthForce, a continuation of previous YouthForces at the International AIDS Conferences in Toronto, Bangkok and Barcelona, is a coalition of youth-led and/or youth-serving HIV/AIDS organizations who are working to empower young delegates and promote youth participation around HIV/AIDS before, during and after the XVII Mexico City International AIDS Conference.