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AIDS Conference Begins in Toronto With an Estimated 24,000 Delegates

Posted on: Sunday, 13 August 2006, 18:00 CDT

TORONTO (CP) - The 16th International AIDS Conference has brought an estimated 24,000 delegates and 3,000 journalists from around the world to Toronto for the biggest gathering in the now-biennial meeting's 21-year history.

The opening ceremonies kick off at 7 p.m. ET Sunday at the Rogers Centre, with welcoming remarks by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean, actor Richard Gere and UNAIDS executive director Peter Piot, followed by the keynote address by Bill and Melinda Gates.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he will not attend the six-day conference because of other commitments, a decision that has rankled and baffled organizers, researchers and AIDS activists - not just in Canada but elsewhere in th world. Instead, Canada will be represented by federal Health Minister Tony Clement and Minister of International Co-operation Josee Verner.

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton, the Crown prince and princess of Norway, UN AIDS for Africa envoy Stephen Lewis, and actors Sandra Oh and Olympia Dukakis are scheduled to attend.

The two-hour opening was to be followed by a concert featuring Alicia Keys, Barenaked Ladies, the Blue Man Group, Our Lady Peace, Amanda Marshall and Chantal Kreviazuk.

Besides seating for delegates, organizers offered 20,000 tickets to the general public for the festivities, with proceeds going towards several AIDS-related groups.

Conference workshops and plenary sessions officially begin Monday, and will deal with a wide range of issues - from scientific research to caring for those with HIV/AIDS to preventing the spread of the virus, which has killed 25 million people in the last 25 years and infected about 40 million worldwide.

Source: Canadian Press

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