Issued by: National Youth Commission
28 February 2000
Youth participation in the forthcoming XIII International Aids Conference organised by AIDS2000 is very crucial as it will assist in shaping the output of the gathering to speak to the real problems young people face with regard to the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Conference will be held in Durban on 09-14 July 2000.
The NYC in partnership with XIII International Aids Conference will convene an HIV/AIDS National Youth Summit in June 2000 to ensure an integrated and co-ordinated youth sector input is made at the Conference. Key to this Summit are discussions regarding the role of the youth sector in activities during and post the Conference.
The NYC wishes to reiterate its position that it will do everything within its mandate to mobilise youth to participate in all activities which are aimed at making sure the XIII International Aids Conference is a success.
"It is partnerships of this magnitude which will ensure that the world succeeds in closing ranks against life threatening pandemics such as HIV/AIDS. Youth as present and future leaders of our society are supposed to take a leading role in processes aimed at bringing about a solution to the situation. The NYC will be doing all in its power ahead of the Conference to ensure this is the case", said Yoliswa Makhasi, National Youth Commissioner responsible for the HIV/AIDS programme.
For comments, please contact Monde Mkalipi on 082 575 3976.
Issued by the GCIS for the National Youth Commission.