Every year, 2.5 million people are infected with HIV, and half of them are young people under 25 years old. Today, approximately ¼ of the 33 million people infected with HIV worldwide are young. HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today – and young people remain at the center of the epidemic in terms of vulnerability, impact and potential for change.

The International AIDS Conference is the largest international gathering on a health-related issue, taking place in a different country every two years. In August 2008, over 25,000 delegates will come together in Mexico City to share information on scientific discoveries and effective approaches to prevention and treatment.

The YouthForce is a coalition of youth-led and/or youth-serving HIV/AIDS organizations who are working to empower young delegates and promote youth participation around HIV/AIDS before, during and after International AIDS Conferences.