Vienna's Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, in partnership with the International Aids Society and UNAIDS, hosted AIDS 2010, the XVIII International AIDS Conference, July 18-23, 2010.
More than 19,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries met over five days to discuss challenges facing the fight against HIV/AIDS, share best practices and develop solutions.
The conference theme, "Rights Here, Right Now", reflected organizers' commitment to advocating for universal access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support. AIDS 2010's 248 sessions covered all aspects of the global response to the AIDS crisis, from science and community issues to funding and leadership.
"The International AIDS Conference is a very important event," said Christian Mutschlechner, Managing Director of the Vienna Convention Bureau at the Vienna Tourist Board.
"The conference is not only attended by scientists, but also by diverse interest groups and patient advocates, who use the congress as a platform for exchange. There has not been any comparable congress such as this one in Vienna."
Leaders at the world's largest forum on HIV/AIDS presented The Vienna Declaration, signed by 12,725 people. The declaration asserts a need for a more scientifically sound approach to drug policy that affects HIV prevention among drug users.
Speakers, including Bill Clinton and Bill Gates, called on governments to continue funding the fight against HIV/AIDS, in order to avoid a major health crisis. At the same time, the conference saw the debut of the "Treatment 2.0," aimed at improving the efficiency of organizations engaged in addressing the world's AIDS crisis, in the face of stagnating funding.
In the event's Global Village, 185 NGOs showcased their programs and accomplishments. Activists, politicians, scientists, as well as development and civil society leaders were supported throughout the conference by a corps of 770 volunteers.
The conference closed with a video address by South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and remarks by leaders of groups representing the interests of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Vienna was the 18th city to host the International AIDS Conference. Its central European location and great airlift make the Austrian capital a convenient host city - Vienna International Airport offers connections to 250 countries.
