THE XIX International AIDS Conference kicks off today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (WCC), a state-of-the-art facility in Washington D.C., where more than 20,000 delegates, including scientists, researchers and others working in the field of HIV, will assemble from July 22 to 27 A statement from the International AIDS Society said the forum, which constitutes a premier gathering of those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals, is committed to ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The forum will present scientific knowledge and offer opportunities for structured dialogue on major issues facing the global response to HIV, the conference overview said, adding: “It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward.”
A variety of session types – from abstract-driven presentations to symposia, bridging and plenary sessions – will meet the needs of various participants. Other related activities, including the Global Village, satellite meetings, exhibitions and affiliated independent events, will contribute to an exceptional opportunity for professional development and networking.
Prominent voices scheduled to address the Conference include leaders from the worlds of science, diplomacy, politics, philanthropy and entertainment, namely:

* President Bill Clinton
* US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
* US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius
* South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe
* Former First Lady, Mrs Laura Bush
* Crown Prince of Norway, HRH Mette-Marit,
* World Bank President Jim Yong Kim
* UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé
* Nobel Laureate Françoise Barré-Sinoussi
* NIAID Director Anthony Fauci
* Philanthropist Bill Gates
* Humanitarian Elton John and
* Actress Whoopi Goldberg

The AIDS 2012 Conference Programme seeks to promote scientific excellence and inquiry, encourage individual and collective action, foster multi-sectoral dialogue and constructive debate, and reinforce accountability amongst all stakeholders.
Sessions will focus on the latest issues in HIV science, policy and practice, and will also seek to share key research findings, lessons learned, best practices, as well as identify gaps in knowledge. The conference will feature abstract-driven sessions, a daily plenary session, a variety of symposia sessions, professional development workshops, and independently-organized satellite meetings.
The conference programme will include a number of activities, such as the Global Village and the Youth Programme, which are an integral aspect of the International AIDS Conference. (Collated by Shirley Thomas)