Partnership launched to further HIV/AIDS programme & commitment
PRESS STATEMENT
28 February 2007
Partnership launched to further HIV/AIDS programme & commitment
A regional affiliation was announced yesterday to develop a programme on HIV/AIDS for the Pacific sports community.
The partnership between the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, UNAIDS Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV/AIDS and Development (APLF), Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC), Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation (PIAF) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) also sealed these organisations’ commitment to overcoming stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the launch in Suva, Fiji, Forum Secretary General, Greg Urwin, remarked that sports is an effective way of giving young people purpose and structure in their lives.
“Sport and physical education are about participation, inclusion and a sense of belonging,” said Mr Urwin. “They provide a means for the development of qualities such as discipline, confidence and leadership.”
He noted that with so many languages and cultures, existing sports networks provide mechanisms that can be utilised to educate, inform and importantly, hear the views of people on their needs and aspirations.
“This is keeping with the spirit of the Pacific Plan, in which Forum Leaders have directed us to ‘develop a strategy to support participatory democracy and consultative decision-making’.”
Mr Urwin remarked the aim of the Pacific Plan is to achieve the vision of our Leaders - that all of our people should be able to live free and worthwhile lives.
“We must all help overcome stigmas and discriminations, to make the vision of our Leaders become a reality.”
Also speaking at the launch, UNICEF representative for the Pacific, Dr Isiye Ndombi, said the complexity of HIV/AIDS requires the forging of strategic partnerships such as these.
“This partnership provides us all an opportunity to reflect on how we all can work together in scaling up HIV prevention work in order to promote primary prevention and address the issue of stigma and discrimination for those living with the virus,” said Dr Ndombi.
“I wish this partnership all the best, and may we win the match for our people.”
28 February 2007
Partnership launched to further HIV/AIDS programme & commitment
A regional affiliation was announced yesterday to develop a programme on HIV/AIDS for the Pacific sports community.
The partnership between the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, UNAIDS Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV/AIDS and Development (APLF), Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC), Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation (PIAF) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) also sealed these organisations’ commitment to overcoming stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the launch in Suva, Fiji, Forum Secretary General, Greg Urwin, remarked that sports is an effective way of giving young people purpose and structure in their lives.
“Sport and physical education are about participation, inclusion and a sense of belonging,” said Mr Urwin. “They provide a means for the development of qualities such as discipline, confidence and leadership.”
He noted that with so many languages and cultures, existing sports networks provide mechanisms that can be utilised to educate, inform and importantly, hear the views of people on their needs and aspirations.
“This is keeping with the spirit of the Pacific Plan, in which Forum Leaders have directed us to ‘develop a strategy to support participatory democracy and consultative decision-making’.”
Mr Urwin remarked the aim of the Pacific Plan is to achieve the vision of our Leaders - that all of our people should be able to live free and worthwhile lives.
“We must all help overcome stigmas and discriminations, to make the vision of our Leaders become a reality.”
Also speaking at the launch, UNICEF representative for the Pacific, Dr Isiye Ndombi, said the complexity of HIV/AIDS requires the forging of strategic partnerships such as these.
“This partnership provides us all an opportunity to reflect on how we all can work together in scaling up HIV prevention work in order to promote primary prevention and address the issue of stigma and discrimination for those living with the virus,” said Dr Ndombi.
“I wish this partnership all the best, and may we win the match for our people.”
(Ends)
