LetsStopAIDS and Y+ Global are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Munich Youth Force, a powerful strategic partnership aimed at spearheading an inclusive and impactful youth program at AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference. The hybrid biennial conference in Munich, Germany, will run from 22 - 26 July 2024.
AIDS 2024 will see the Munich Youth Force as a driving influence behind a youth-centric initiative that aims to represent young people in all their diversity. This partnership brings together two leading organisations, LetsStopAIDS, Canada’s largest youth-HIV charity focused on implementing youth-led awareness initiatives, research, community engagement, and skills development programmes, and Y+ Global, the leading global network of young people living with HIV, where its programs have impacted more than over 850,000 lives globally.
The Munich Youth Force is committed to shaping a program that addresses the unique challenges faced by young people and amplifies their voices on the global stage. This initiative was born out of the recognition of the critical role young people play in the HIV response and how their inclusion is paramount to achieving sustainable progress.
"We are excited to join forces with LetsStopAIDS to create the Munich Youth Force, a platform that will empower young people living with HIV to lead, advocate, and innovate in the global fight against AIDS."Maximina Jokonya
Executive Director at Y+ Global
In addition to having an organising role at the conference, the Munich Youth Force creates a unique space – the Youth Pavilion – for young people from different communities and regions across the world to establish connections with each other. Establishing these connections among young people in the field early in their careers strengthens the relations within the global HIV community and enables future collaborations.
Diversity and inclusion are among the top priorities of the Munich Youth Force at AIDS 2024. New initiatives will be launched to ensure that young people are meaningfully engaged and have a voice that is heard. These include safe protesting zones, hosting networking and social events, showcasing cultural and educational performances, and skills-building workshops.
Key Objectives of the Munich Youth Force:
- Inclusivity: Ensure representation of young people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to foster an inclusive dialogue and program.
- Advocacy: Empower youth advocates to actively engage with policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to shape discussions and decisions at AIDS 2024.
- Innovation: Encourage the development of innovative solutions and approaches to address the evolving challenges in HIV prevention and care among young people.
- Networking: Facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations among youth leaders, organisations, and stakeholders to create a supportive network for sustained impact.
- Education: Promote awareness and education about HIV/AIDS, focusing on youth-friendly resources and information.
LetsStopAIDS and Y+ Global are excited about the potential impact of the Munich Youth Force and are committed to working collaboratively to ensure the youth have a prominent and meaningful presence at AIDS 2024. We look forward to delivering the best Youth Force yet and welcoming you to Munich.