I think everyone here at the Youth Pre-Conference can agree that the first two days have been hectic - a lot going on, a lot to take in, and all of it taking place in one of the busiest cities in the world. Day 1 included visits from the president of the IAS, and director of UNICEF for Latin America - both of which drew attention to the advocacy messages for this year's YouthForce - Rights, Responsibility, Respect and Resources, and at the end of Day Two a short talk by the Executive Director of UNFPA.

What's more noticeable to me then the official visitors - is how many youth delegates here have cellphones, cameras, computers, etc, and are constantly creating media. Each session flashes are going off and people are capturing video on their cellphones. Judging by the amount of media being produced by the youth delegates just in the last two days it seems that throughout the conference the Youth AIDS site will be a huge resource and platform for youth experiences at the IAC 2008. I'm looking forward to seeing how the youth delegates will use media once they are turned loose in the official conference on Monday.

So, I have finally arrived in Mexico City and have been busy with various Mexico YouthForce activities- namely the youth pre-conference. This has been my first time attending the youth pre-conference and although I haven't gotten a chance to attend many sessions I have gotten to meet many of the participants. Many of them are individuals that I have been corresponding with via e-mail for the past few months. Is nice to finally see people in person. One of the highlights for me has been meeting the members of the media and communications sub-committee as we have spent many months conversing together- planning various activities! I have also been impressed by the level of conversation and dedication at the youth pre-conference. It is very inspiring--am now looking forward to the youth reception tomorrow night!

And before I forget I just want to give a shout out to Aleza and Rodrigo and the rest of the pre-conference committee--they have done a fantastic job with organizing this event!

For the past 6 months or so, I have spent a good portion of my work week on helping to organize Mexico YouthForce activities. I can't believe that it is only a few days before we will be in Mexico City! In total, TakingITGlobal will have 5 staff members at the conference and I know that we are all looking forward to helping out with the various activities. This is my first experience with being a part of the YouthForce and it will also be the first time I have attended an International AIDS Conference. On one hand I'm excited to see all the work that we have all put in come to life, but on the other hand I'm sad that it will all be over soon (that is until the next conference).