Global Village at AIDS 2024: How does it work?
The 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) will take place in Munich from July 22 to 26. This biennial global meeting brings together leading scientists, NGOs, representatives of communities affected by HIV, international organizations and many others to discuss pressing issues in the fight against HIV.
A key component of the conference is the Global Village. This is a diverse and vibrant space where participants from around the world can meet, network, demonstrate the application of science, and share best practices in leading projects and programs addressing different aspects of the AIDS response. This space will showcase how science is translated into effective action through meaningful community participation and input. The Global Village is a hub for expanding networks of organizations and communities, making new connections, meeting representatives from NGOs and international organizations, and sharing experiences on new challenges, innovative approaches, and successful practices in the HIV response.
The Global Village format combines speakers, discussions, master classes, direct actions, performances, flash mobs, exhibitions and film screenings. As Virus OFF has written before, the Global Village is a cornerstone of the International AIDS Conferences and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The Global Village concept was first introduced at the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok in 2004.
How Does the Global Village Work?
Activities in this space can be categorized into two types:
1. Main Sessions: These activities take place at a specific time in the program. They take place in a specific location and have a limited time for the event itself. The first type includes all events on the main stage of the Global Village: science and research workshops, film screenings, and some actions, flash mobs, and master classes. These events can be found in the “Global Village” tab under “Sessions” on the official AIDS 2024 website. – https://programme.aids2024.org/Village/Index.
2. Exhibition: This type includes activities in the large exhibition space, where you can find:
- Tents of local, regional, and international NGOs
- Tents of networking organizations and initiatives (networking zone)
- Market stalls
- Art exhibitions
- Locations with presentations from pharmaceutical companies, research, scientific, and educational centers related to the main topics of the conference
The exhibition space is usually open throughout the conference, allowing participants to plan and attend the most interesting locations and events. These events can be found under the “Global Village” tab under the heading “Exhibition” on the Official Web Page of AIDS 2024 – https://programme.aids2024.org/Village/Index.
Main Program of Global Village will include the number of:
- Sessions: Panel discussions, debates, and Q&A presentations focusing on current HIV topics. These will be streamed live on a virtual platform and available for on-demand viewing.
- Workshops: Showcasing community programs demonstrating best practices in HIV treatment, prevention, and support, emphasizing partnerships and strengthening networks between civil society, policymakers, and healthcare providers.
- Art Exhibitions: HIV-themed sculptures, installations, photographs, and paintings from both professional and amateur artists will be displayed throughout the Global Village.
- Film Screenings: Thematic films covering sexual and reproductive health, HIV and co-infections, stigma and discrimination, and human rights will be screened at the Global Village cinema.
- Live Performances: Music, dance, and theater reflecting on HIV, STIs, sexual and reproductive health, stigma, and human rights. Main performances will take place on the main stage.
- Marketplace: NGOs and HIV-related projects will have the opportunity to sell their products to generate profits reinvested in HIV programs.
- NGO Stands: Highlighting the work of international and regional civil society-led HIV programs.
We advise planning in advance which locations you would like to visit in the Global Village.Learn more about Eastern Europe and Central Asia at AIDS 2024 by visiting aids2024.virusoff.info – the special webpage of the online regional platform Virus OFF, dedicated to EECA and AIDS 2024.
