The 16th International Aids Conference Opens in Toronto
By Khairoon Abbas
August 13th 2006
 Every two years, people from different corners of the universe converge in one of the cities in the world for a common cause, HIV/AIDS. Activists, scientists, politicians, researchers, social workers, youth and people living with HIV/AIDS meet to compare notes and take stock of global progress in stopping the spread of HIV. This year marks the 16th International AIDS Conference, held in Toronto, Canada, from August 13th – 18th. There are over 24,000 delegates attending this year’s conference, whose theme is “Time to Deliver.” This year, was my first time to attend such a global conference; it was my first time to have a much broader picture of HIV/AIDS, a disease that transcends cultures, gender, ethnicity and geographical location.
When I arrived in Toronto on August 13th, the day of the official opening ceremony, I made my way to the Metro Toronto Conference Centre (MTTC) to pick up my registration package and name badge. It was a friendly atmosphere as people of varying nationalities stood in long queues to get themselves well oriented with the necessary conference documentation. Dressed in colourful attire signifying the different nations of the world, the delegates were seemingly eager to get to the opening session. Various languages echoed in the registration hall as delegates exchanged greetings in the conference centre in downtown Toronto. Everywhere I turned, people were talking about the official Opening Ceremony. This was specifically because of the key speakers, Mr. Bill and his wife, Melinda Gates, famous actor, Richard Gere and one of my favourite singers, Alicia Keys, were all going to grace this occasion. I followed the huge crowd to the Rogers Centre, close to the conference centre. I sat down in the very much crowded hall, paying close attention to the stage, which had a larger than life red ribbon, symbolizing HIV/AIDS.
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