Youth Statement to the African Development Forum

In December 2000 the UN Economic Commission for Africa convened the annual African Development Forum (ADF) 2000 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The theme for 2000 was 'AIDS - the greatest leadership challenge'. It aimed to mobilise key politicians, government officials community-based organisations, development workers, youth activists, people with AIDS and academics to talk about AIDS openly and honestly in their countries and to encourage governments to make financial commitments in their national budgets to combat HIV and ensure the care of people living with AIDS. The hoped-for outcome was a more informed and committed cadre of leaders, youth among them. However, despite the fact that the youth delegates were visible and highly organised during the meeting, they could not influence the main proceedings substantively On the other hand, in our own sessions, we forged a sense of purpose and our discussions forced us to acknowledge that AIDS represented a real opportunity to start a movement in Africa. This statement was prepared as an outcome of our discussions.(1).