Wednesday, August 06, 2008

UNIVERSAL ACTION NOW: RIP HIV

By Tamsin Smith of (PRODUCT) RED

Over the next five days Mexico City will welcome over 20,000 visitors and 3,000 members of the media to convene AIDS 2008, the world’s largest HIV forum. “Universal Action Now” is the theme, but what does that really mean?


Mexico City welcomes over 20,000 visitors and 3,000 members of the media today to convene AIDS 2008, the world’s largest HIV forum. Over the next five days we’ll hear new scientific research and intense dialogue on the major challenges facing the global response to AIDS. “Universal Action Now” is the theme, but what does that really mean?

“Universal” connotes individual acts as well as collective response, and it implies relevance to all people rather than simply those directly affected. “Action” means do something. And “now” -- now means get on it.

The Mexico City agenda shows the breadth and depth of Universal Action Now. One exciting new aspect in this panorama is the presence of private sector actors. Certainly the medical and pharmaceutical industries have worked on HIV and AIDS for decades, but new leadership from other sectors is helping raise the funds needed to fight the pandemic and deliver life-saving medicine to the 7 million people globally who still lack access to care.

I joined a panel jointly hosted by the Global Fund and the Global Business Coalition, which profiled several new private sector interventions that are successfully scaling-up treatment. My role was to explain the (RED) business model and how (RED) brand partners and (RED) shoppers have together driven $110 million to the Global Fund for programs in Ghana, Rwanda, Swaziland and Lesotho. I noted that 100 % of this money is spent directly on programs in Africa, and emphasized how important it is for a consumer-facing effort like (RED) to connect with and continue inspiring and empowering customers by profiling the women, children and families in Africa whose lives are reclaimed when medicine becomes available. A single act – one individual selecting a (RED) item while shopping – is very much Universal Action Now in motion.

Senior representatives from Nike Foundation, Mac AIDS Fund, Chevron, Standard Chartered Bank, and Levi-Strauss presented other modes of action. Our discussion covered the gambit from cause-related marketing and advocacy initiatives; private sector engagement in the development and governance of national programs; the role played by the business sector in addressing stigma and gender issues; the provision of livelihood opportunities for affected individuals and communities; and the possibilities for sustainable scale–up of treatment through public-private partnership models such as co-investment.

Amazing things are happening and progress is real, but the need remains great. It clear that neither governments nor scientists nor activists alone can turn the tide of AIDS, but collectively – and with the added creativity and market muscle of the private sector – an end to AIDS is achievable. Individually and together, we all have an interest in stopping AIDS around the world. Take action now, in whatever way you can – lobby, donate, shop…even encourage your employer to get engaged. But know that it matters and it’s needed and keep it up. RIP HIV.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Our Students On Ice’s Youth Contributors share their expectations on their Arctic expedition!

Arctic Expedition 2008
By Students On Ice's Youth Contributors

Our Students On Ice's Youth Contributors share their expectations on the 15 day Arctic journey they are about to live!


By Alexandra LaPat Polasko

To a writer, publishing a book on his passions is his greatest dream. To a sailor, it’s of owning a boat. However, to me, it is learning and creating moments to help our earth’s ever growing climate crisis.

When I first found out about the Arctic on Ice Expedition, I knew that this was my chance to change not only myself, but to change the world. As in the words of Charles Dickens, I have many “Great Expectations” for this trip. However, a few that I hold high on my list consist of not only meeting life long friends to help, and guide me through my journey to saving our planet, but also, I plan to discover a new part of myself. I expect to strengthen my passion for adventure, and in our planet’s need for action.

The longer I keep thinking about this trip, the more I realize that I don’t just have “Great Expectations;” I have extraordinary expectations!


Thank you Arctic on Ice, you are my guiding light to a bright and moving future!




By Graham May

Two days ago, at the beginning of my first Students on Ice voyage, I left my hometown, not knowing what to expect. So far, I have learned many amazing truths about my country and myself, and I have met many amazing people from around the world.

As we continue northwards on our journey, I hope to learn much more about the polar world- a world that only a privileged few have ever experienced! I have every expectation that this will be a unique and life changing voyage!

In the coming weeks, I hope to saturate myself in the culture and beauty of the Northern life. I hope to spend time with the incredible scientists and youth that are sharing this experience with me. I hope to learn about the native Inuit we will encounter. And I hope to make some lifelong friends.

My ultimate hope for this program is that it will give me a different way to look at the world and my impact on it. And, most importantly, I hope that this program will help me to make a difference in the world!



By Rohit Mehta

In the coming weeks, I am expecting a multitude of experiences. I know we will board our ship with a diverse group of people, but I expect this to be much more than a ride on a ship.
There will be exchanges of stories and experiences. Lasting friendships are expected. There will be emotional moments, when the North will take our breath away.
I expect us to be enlightened by a deeper understanding of the Arctic, and how our lives are connected to it.
I expect laughs, tears, and moments of frustration, inspiration, and overwhelming motivation.
I expect the last flight back to Ottawa to be one full of reflection.
Finally, I expect this trip to change the way we look at our lives, and how we live them!






Image credits (from top): 1) A group photo at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.; 2)Students getting in shape on the grounds of Rideau Hall before departing for the Arctic Expedition