This year, the Penta Young Reporters attended the 18th International Workshop on Pediatrics & HIV and the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was fantastic to see them bringing young people’s perspectives to such important international events. Their energy, curiosity and commitment stood out throughout the event, making it a rewarding and memorable experience for all.
Through interviews, conference reporting, presentations and conversations with researchers, advocates and community leaders from around the world, the Young Reporters showed why youth involvement matters in the HIV response. Their reflections highlight what they learned, the connections they made, and the importance of creating spaces where young people’s voices can be heard and included in global discussions.
Learning, growing and finding a voice
For Prashant, being a Young Reporter in Rio was a completely new experience:
“Being a Young Reporter in Rio was a completely new experience for me, especially as it was my first AIDS Conference. I arrived curious about what I would see and learn, but I left with a much stronger understanding of what it means to have a young person’s voice in an international space.”
His experience highlights the importance of creating opportunities for young people to participate directly in global conversations about HIV, health and equity.
A spark for change
For Arlene, attending AIDS 2026 marked the beginning of a new journey:
“I am only at the beginning of my journey, but going to the IAS conference has completely changed my life. Seeing just a fragment of the lived experiences of people from all around the world, with such a fire and passion to drive change, was something I will forever be grateful to have experienced and learn from.”
Reflecting on the conference, she recognised how AIDS 2026 represented both new beginnings and the continuation of a long-standing movement:
“To me AIDS2026 was the start of something new, but to many it was the continuation of hope, a continuation of holding people accountable, and a continuation of the fight for equity.”
Arlene spoke powerfully about the responsibility carried by younger generations.
“I believe that this ever-burning flame is something we all carry, the voices of the youth, the stories of the generations before us, and the lived experience tying it all together. A flame we all should not let go out. Right outside your doorstep is a world that needs to be changed. IAS and Penta are proof that changemakers and communities are the way forward, to ensure no one is left behind.”
Confidence and connection
For Shanurah, one of the most memorable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious international event and present her own work:
“I think my biggest reflection was how excited I was to join such a big conference as a young person, with people like Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, and so many researchers from different places.”
A particular highlight was presenting her poster and feeling supported by the Penta Young Reporters team throughout the experience. Her reflection emphasises the value of creating supportive environments where young people can build confidence, share their work and connect with peers and experts alike.
Looking towards the future
For Ivan, the conference provided an opportunity to reflect on both progress and ongoing challenges in the global HIV response:
“The 2026 International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro has placed Latin America at the centre of the discussion regarding the latest innovations in treating and preventing HIV.”
At the same time, he highlighted concerns around the sustainability of the HIV response, particularly regarding investment in young people:
“Young people continue to be encouraged to participate in these spaces, but at the same time, there is a lack of funding for them. Young people continue to be encouraged into unpaid activities, when in a global context the employment crisis affects young people the most.”
Ivan’s reflections raise important questions about how the next generation can be meaningfully supported to contribute to the HIV response:
“Young people shouldn’t have to think about a future dealing with HIV; young people should think about a future where HIV is not a threat to them or their sexual and reproductive health.”
The power of youth engagement
The experiences shared by the Young Reporters demonstrate why youth engagement remains essential in shaping the future of HIV research, policy and advocacy. Throughout the workshops and conference sessions in Rio, they brought curiosity, passion, critical thinking and authenticity to every conversation.
Most importantly, they reminded us that young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow. They are partners, advocates and changemakers today. We are incredibly proud of everything they achieved in Rio and grateful for the perspectives they brought back to the Penta Community.
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