Welcome to Geneva
BY BERNARD HIRSCHEL AND ROBIN GORNA

11 May, 1998

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND -- The 1996 Conference announced 'One World, One Hope' - the hope of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART). The optimism of Vancouver, which so affected the world's media, was, however, always tinged by scepticism and sadness - many commented that in fact there were 'Many Worlds, but only One with Hope'. For the 12th World AIDS Conference, we chose the slogan 'Bridging the Gap'.

As we planned this Conference, we were always conscious of the need to reflect the gritty realities of living with AIDS, especially in communities struggling with seriously limited resources. We explicitly address North- South concerns throughout the programme, as well as presenting the results of excellent clinical trials and bench science. In addition, we have established 'The Geneva Principle', which attempts to bridge the gap between Science and Community by involving both in all aspects of Conference planning. Leading scientists have, of course, had pre-eminent responsibility for planning the scientific aspects of the programme, and they have worked with people living with HIV and AIDS and other members of the community, many of whom are also scientifically trained. In turn, those planning the community aspects have been supported by scientists, and recognise how many scientists are themselves deeply affected by the pandemic at a personal level.

This is the first World AIDS Conference where researchers have been permitted to submit two abstracts as lead author, and we have received a record 7,100 abstracts. Along with the abstract sessions, we have developed other components of the programme. Non-abstract driven sessions involve a series of invited speakers or bring together a panel of experts to debate, discuss and reflect on cutting-edge questions, often addressing the theme of 'Bridging the Gap' and building links between science, policy and community. We have also asked some of the plenary presenters to develop their talks in an innovative way, sharing the talk with a colleague from another region of the world, thus bridging the gap before they even arrive here. In addition, Community Symposia will bring a lively, experiential perspective to questions that may also be treated in an academic context elsewhere at the Conference.

There are four pathways cutting across the programme: Gender, Policy, Youth and Children, and Human Rights. We believe these topics incorporate many current concerns. We gladly dropped 'North-South' issues from consideration as a pathway. When the programme was finalised, we realised that so many sessions addressed concerns in both resource-rich and -poor areas of the world that this would have been a highway, embracing most of the Conference. The pathway on youth and children includes several sessions addressing the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. The prevention of transmission to babies can be achieved with several relatively low-cost interventions. It is particularly appropriate that it should figure prominently in a conference with the slogan of 'Bridging the Gap'. The pathway on policy is a consequence of a change in Tracks C and D. At previous Conferences, policy was one of the areas covered by Track D. For this meeting, we have sought to sharpen the distinction between Tracks C and D, and to acknowledge the important policy considerations in basic and clinical science, as well as those more usually addressed by social scientists.

Both scientists and community representatives have been encouraged to apply for scholarships, and we received an overwhelming 3,600 applications - nearly double the number applying to the last conference. We have further developed Vancouver's rigorous selection procedure, and have dedicated 2 million Swiss Francs to this initiative. Approximately 10% of delegates will be attending the Conference as part of the Scholarship Programme. We hope that they, alongside regular delegates, will enjoy the extensive Skills Building Programme provided in English, French and Spanish.

With so much on offer, please do take the opportunity to enjoy our extensive Cultural Programme: spend some peaceful time in the quiet room, visit the quilt display, the art exhibits and concerts or simply take a walk by the lake. We hope you have an enjoyable and productive week, and that what you learn here will help to bridge the gap between your work to date and the future directions you will take.

Bernard Hirschel Conference Chair	Robin Gorna Community Planning Committee Chair

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