Bangkok, Thailand, 25-29 March — The Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global) successfully concluded its annual meeting in Thailand’s capital. This year's gathering aimed to share progress, evaluate organisational capabilities, and enhance teamwork through better collaboration.
During the intensive week, Y+ Global’s team engaged in deep reflections on the achievements and challenges of 2023, examining the implementation of various programs and initiatives. The open acknowledgement of obstacles and collaborative identification of improvement areas underscored the team's dedication to achieving strategic objectives. A focus was placed on aligning efforts with the organisation’s three strategic pillars, setting the stage for impactful work in the coming year.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the interactive sessions held between the different departments. During these sessions, the departments shared their annual work plans, identified opportunities for collaboration, and worked towards improving the sense of unity and purpose among team members. There was a strong emphasis on the organisation's three strategic pillars, and teams from different departments committed to working together to achieve shared objectives by creating cohesive action plans.
The event also featured a session on organisational policies and ethics led by the Human Resources department, highlighting Y+ Global's ongoing dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Throughout the meeting, the Y+ Global team also explored strategies to improve resource mobilisation, identifying innovative solutions to sustain and expand the organisation's impactful work.
During the meeting, Tumie Komanyane from Frontline AIDS conducted an online session on how to enhance report writing skills. The main objective of this training was to improve the quality of reporting to donors by providing key tips to members of the Y+ Global team. The session covered the dos and don'ts of report writing and aimed to strengthen reporting mechanisms and align organisational goals.
A significant achievement of the gathering was the successful stakeholder engagement and networking event, which connected Y+ Global with key stakeholders and partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Some partners who attended the meeting were UNAIDS RST (Asa and the Pacific), UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, UNESCO Bangkok, UNESCAP, APN+, APCASO, Youth LEAD, and many more.
This forum played a vital role in promoting discussions on health rights-based approaches and provided opportunities for future collaborations to strengthen the impact of HIV advocacy and interventions on a global and regional level. During the forum, the Y+ Global team met with other experts, networked, and engaged in fruitful conversations. This helped many team members acquire essential skills for building donor relations.
[From left to right: Group photo with key stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region; A portrait of Maximina, the new Executive Director of Y+ Global]
The event concluded with the announcement of Maximina Jokonya as the new Executive Director of Y+ Global. Previously serving as the HER Voice Fund Coordinator and Interim Executive Director, Maxy was appointed by the Board at a meeting held earlier in March in Amsterdam.
“As the first female Executive Director for Y+ Global, Maxy's (as she likes to be called) appointment marks a significant moment for us. Maxy has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in her interim role, guiding our organisation with wisdom and compassion. Her visionary leadership is exactly what Y+ Global needs as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”Horacio Barreda
Chair of Y+ Global
The Y+ Global team concluded their meeting with a team-bonding activity that enhanced their creative, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
[Y+ Global staff take part in various escape rooms]
Y+ Global extends its gratitude to Frontline AIDS for their unwavering support and to all participants who made the meeting a resounding success. As Y+ Global moves forward, it remains committed to its mission, leveraging the insights and strategies developed during this annual meeting to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people living with and affected by HIV across the globe and in all their diversity.