Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 11-13 March 2024 - The Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global), has successfully concluded its annual board meeting in Amsterdam. During the meeting, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing its mission to empowering young people to respond to HIV/AIDS and ensuring the sustainability of its programs. The gathering provided a platform for celebrating the accomplishments of 2023, reviewing ongoing projects, and unveiling ambitious plans for 2024.
Reflecting on the previous year's successes, Y+ Global highlighted significant milestones, including increased advocacy efforts and the impact of programs across various regions, including technical support given to youth-led organisations at the country level. During the meeting, board members were updated on current programs like HER Voice Fund, READY, UNITED! Movement, Love Alliance, and 4Youth, as well as introduced to new programs like Y2Y and their work around Youth for CSE.
"In the past year, our programs have reached and impacted more young people living with and affected by HIV, in all their diversity, than ever before. As we look to the future, we are committed to exploring new avenues to address intersectional issues within the HIV response, including critical health concerns such as TB and hepatitis, as well as tackling pervasive challenges like gender-based violence and advocating for the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community. We want to ensure no young person is left behind."Maximina Jokonya
Interim Executive Director, Y+ Global
Throughout the three days, board members meticulously reviewed ongoing projects and programs, emphasising the need for continued innovation and collaboration to address emerging challenges within the HIV response and to scale up Y+ Global’s presence in regions that are often hard to reach, such as Asia, the Carrieban and Latin America. The discussions culminated in the formulation of plans to forge new partnerships, mobilise and secure resources, and identify solutions to ensure the sustainability of Y+ Global operations.
During the meeting, board members carefully reviewed human resource documents, annual financials and budgets. They presented a range of thoughtful solutions around fundraising strategies and ideas to address current gaps in governance. Given the current challenges in the HIV funding landscape, maximising and increasing Y+ Global’s reserves and funding to support core costs remains a top priority.
In a significant announcement, Y+ Global introduced its new board leadership team, comprising a new Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer, which includes Horacio Barreda from Argentina, Kimberly Amanda Springer from Trinidad and Tobago, and Kaweme Chunga, who represents the United Kingdom, respectively. The newly appointed leaders, who are also all under the age of 30, will steer the organisation's vision and strategy, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles. This move reinforces Y+ Global's commitment to empowering young people living with HIV at every level of decision-making.
[From left to right: Horacio Barreda (Argentina), Kimberly Amanda Springer (Trinidad and Tobago), and Kaweme Chunga (United Kingdom)]
In a bittersweet moment, Y+ Global bid farewell to two outgoing board members: Tanaka Chirombo, the previous Board Chair and representative for East and Southern Africa, and Enow Awah Georges, the representative for West and Central Africa, who have completed their terms.
“As I step into this role, I am deeply humbled by the legacy left by our previous Board Chair and the dedication of the entire board. They have set a high standard of excellence and commitment to our mission. I am honoured to have the opportunity to build upon their achievements and lead Y+ Global towards even greater things, and I look incredibly forward to working with new incoming board members and the executive team at Y+ Global”Horacio Barreda
Y+ Global Board Chair
Towards the end of the meeting, Y+ Global launched a call for applications for new board members to represent and serve the following regions: West and Central Africa, East and Southern Africa, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECCA), Oceania, and North America. Youth advocates and leaders from these regions are encouraged to apply before 5 April 2024.
Y+ Global would like to express heartfelt gratitude to its partners, the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and the Robert Carr Fund, for graciously hosting the meeting and for their unwavering support. As Y+ Global embarks on its journey in 2024, the organisation remains committed to its mission of advocating for the rights and well-being of young people living with and affected by HIV in all their diversity.