Jakarta (6 July 2009) – The Asia Pacific Village is an important breakthrough
for the 9th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) in
Bali, Indonesia. This event will be held to facilitate various aspects of civil
society as well as to develop joint activities between AIDS campaigns and art
performances.

Located on the ground floor of the Bali International Convention Center (BICC),
the  Asia-Pacific  Village will be held from 10-12 August from 09.00-18.00
Central Indonesian Time. The Asia Pacific Village is open to the public in order
to evoke thought and to draw public  attention through interactive discussions,
media campaign, and art and cultural performances.
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There are 15 countries who will partake in the Asia Pacific Village, namely
Australia, Bangladesh, China, Fiji, India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan,
Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. They will
perform various traditional and contemporary dances, plays, and traditional
interactive activities.
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Through the Asia Pacific  Village, community awareness and understanding
towards cultural diversity in the  Asia and Pacific region is expected to
increase. We would also like to show the public that cultural diversity can
create unity,” explained Prof. Dr. D.N. Wirawan, MPH, the 9th ICAAP Co-Chair
II who also oversees  the Asia-Pacific Village.
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Carrying the concept of  a Balinese village, the Asia-Pacific Village will
interpret the main theme of the 9th ICAAP IX, Empowering People, Strengthening
Networks into a more fun ambiance. “Its function is to be a place where we can
celebrate diversity. It is a place where we can interact, get personally
involved, share and exchange experiences, knowledge, and skills with each other,
build coalitions, and promote interactive learning amongst people living with
HIV (PLHIV) and affected communities, as well as with policy makers and
researchers” added Prof. Wirawan.
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More information please visit:
http://www.icaap9.org/news.php?id_news=20