Report

As Chair of the IPU Advisory Group on HIV/AIDS and Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Ms. Libby Davies, M.P., was invited by Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU, to represent the IPU at the Parliamentary meeting of the XX International Conference in Melbourne, Australia. The following is an extract of the report Ms. Davies provided to the Canadian Group of the IPU upon her return.

Report on the Parliamentary Meeting at the XX AIDS Conference, Melbourne, July 21, 2014, and AIDS Conference, July 19-24 

I very much appreciate that the IPU Geneva and IPU Canada gave me the opportunity to participate in the AIDS Conference, and the Parliamentary Session that was held. 

The AIDS conference involved about 14,000 ‎delegates in a very impressive venue at the Melbourne Convention Centre. 

I was fortunate to attend the opening ceremony on July 19, at which Minister Ambrose was also present, along with Canadian officials. Sadly, the tragic events of the Malaysian Airlines crash, which included 6 delegates including a former president of the IAS, meant that many people experienced grief and loss. It was reflected in the speeches and comments at the opening ceremony.

I attended the conference each day and attended workshops, and participated in the "Global Village" events. It was inspiring to see many Canadians participate as panelists and delegates. I made sure to connect with as many as I could. Of particular note was one workshop that showcased the researches of the special edition of the Lancet Journal, on sex work and HIV. Three of the 6 researches were Canadian. 

It was also a highlight to hear Bill Clinton and the work of his foundation to eradicate HIV/AIDS. He inspired us all. 

The IPU Advisory Group on HIV/AIDS - MNCH Health met on Tuesday morning, July 21. As chair ‎of this group I was able to assist the members of the group develop a work plan for the coming year. We have an ambitious plan that includes field visits; research; information sharing; and preparing for the UN meeting in 2016 on HIV/AIDS; and the next IAS in Durban, South Africa. Representatives from WHO, Global Fund, UNAIDS, UNDP, also attended our Advisory Group meeting. 

In the afternoon IPU with UNAIDS and UNDP hosted its Parliamentary Meeting at the State Parliament of Victoria. The attendance was excellent (approximately 40-50 MPs). The keynote presenters were well received, including, Deputy ED UNAIDS; the head of UNDP; and ED of UNAIDS; and Senior Government Relations of the Global Fund. The presentations focused on the direction of the global ‎AIDS response; the state of the epidemic; the role of Parliamentarians; and follow up work needed. A summary of the session is enclosed (Annex A). I was fortunate to be a panel respondent in this session and also gave the concluding summary for follow up. 

The session was very inter-active and the discussion focused on the key role that Parliamentarians can play to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, particularly concerning key populations that are at risk. ‎It is critical for Parliamentarians to be in a leadership role in their country/community to help combat stigma, discrimination, and harmful policies and legislation. The IPU plays a critical role in this regard, by supporting Parliamentarians to better understand the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the political leadership that is required to attain the vision of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.

At the conclusion of the special Parliamentary Session, the Global Fund hosted a reception for Parliamentarians in the State Parliament. ‎Unfortunately, this was the same night as the Canadian reception across town, hosted by the Minister, who was aware why I couldn't attend the Canadian event. 

Respectfully submitted,