UK Parliamentarians attend XX International AIDS Conference
Pamela Nash MP and Lord Fowler, in their capacities as Chair and Vice Chair of the APPG on HIV and AIDS, attended the XX International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia. They also participated in the IPU’s Parliamentary Meeting on the occaision of this conference held in cooperations with UNAIDS and UNDP.
The 2014 Conference provided an excellent opportunity to meet with activists and HIV/AIDS specialists throughout the world. Given the lack of representation from the UK Government, the APPG’s presence was particularly important in demonstrating parliamentary commitment to the issues.
While the conference itself was somewhat overshadowed by the tragic loss of life on MH17, including a number of conference delegates, the atmosphere was inspiring with a keynote speech from former US President Bill Clinton and a special session with Sir Bob Geldof.
Importantly, UK parliamentary delegates also had the opportunity to meet with other parliamentarians from across the globe to share their experiences of tackling HIV/AIDS, including discussing the political barriers faced in many countries. Lord Fowler and Pamela Nash also chaired and spoke at a number of events and informal meetings associated with the Conference.
Participation of Ms Nash and Lord Fowler on behalf of the APPG on HIV and AIDS in the XX International AIDS Conference was facilitated by BGIPU in conjunction with IPU events being held at the Conference.
Pamela Nash MP participates in a panel session at the XX International AIDS Conference
APPG Chair Pamela Nash MP and UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe in Melbourne
Lord Fowler meets with Dyfan Jones of UNDP in Melbourne
