GSF2006 (London, England)
The second Global Student Forum conference in London, England welcomed Gareth Thomas (the Under-Secretary of State for International Development) and many other speakers who answered students' questions about HIV and AIDS.
The students politely asked very searching questions - helpfully informed by the information they had been given in advance and at the conference.
In fact, the forum was characterised by very vigorous and passionate debate carried out in an open and respectful manner. Many students experienced, for the first time, the opportunity to question and debate with experts in the field - some because of their academic knowledge, others because of their personal experience. And through it all they had the real sense that they were able to put their views across - particularly to the politicians who attended the conference or welcomed them to the Houses of Parliament afterwards.
The title of GSF that year was stopAIDS and the event was run in partnership with that campaign. For more details download this copy of the conference advertising brochure.
Through the day the students explored three themes:
Unite to fight AIDS: Why is this such an important issue for Global Citizenship?
Breaking the Taboos: How can we deal in realities rather than myths?
The World is Watching: How can we influence political leaders and decision makers?
After the conference the students returned to their schools inspired and equipped to be peer educators - running lessons and assemblies, as well as broadcasting their message through various media.
