International Development Grant

Support to the 23rd International AIDS Conference and the 11th Scientific Conference

Project Number: CA-3-P008855001

Status: Closed

Country/Region: Unknown

Regional Focus:

Africa 20%
America 20%
Asia 20%
Oceania 20%
Europe 20%

Maximum Contribution: $300,000.00

Start Date: March 24, 2021

End Date: March 31, 2022

Duration: 1.0 years

Project Description

This project supports the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020) and the 11th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2021). The International AIDS Conference is the largest conference on any global health or development issue and brings together approximately 20 000 delegates every four years. The IAS Conference on HIV Science is the world’s most influential meeting on HIV research and brings together approximately 6 000 delegates every other year. The conference presents advances in basic clinical and operational research to translate science into policy. AIDS 2020 was to occur in Oakland and San Francisco USA from July 6-10 2020. However they switched to a virtual format due to COVID-19 health measures and travel restrictions. IAS 2021 was to take place on 18-21 July 2021 in Berlin Germany; however due to COVID-19 health measures and travel restrictions this event also switched to virtual in collaboration with a local partner hub in Berlin. As key platforms for engaging various stakeholders and beneficiaries at the intersection of science advocacy and human rights these conferences play an important convening role in enabling stakeholders to review progress and scientific evidence and to identify course corrections in science policy and advocacy to promote a human rights-based and gender-informed HIV response.

Expected Results

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased collaboration and partnership in HIV programming including global scientific and community collaborations in synergy with other health and development sectors; (2) enhanced political commitment and accountability among governments donors private sector and civil society for an inclusive sustainable multi-sectoral and adequately financed response; (3) HIV prevention treatment and care policies and programmes that are informed by latest scientific evidence; and (4) HIV and AIDS research agendas and policies that reflect identified knowledge gaps across scientific medical and implementation disciplines and in the context of programme implementation needs. The ultimate outcome of this initiative is to contribute to a reinvigorated evidence-based response to HIV and AIDS

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved by the IAS through the support of the Government of Canada and other international donors during the 23rd Annual International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020) included: (1) improved information sharing and coordination between stakeholders to accelerate progress in the HIV response through science research and policy; (2) increased visibility of the needs of key populations and other vulnerable populations; and (3) increased political commitment and resolve from governments donors and the private sector for a more comprehensive HIV response. More than 13 000 participants from 176 countries tuned into the AIDS 2020 virtual conference and more than 2 000 scholarships were awarded to attend the conference. Results achieved through the support of the Government of Canada and other international donors to the 11th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2021) included: (1) improved information sharing and coordination between stakeholders and accelerated basic science and clinical innovation for the development and application of person-centred precision medicine for HIV co-infections and co-morbidities and progress towards a vaccine and cure; (2) advancement of interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical research to improve integrated and holistic care across all life stages for HIV co-infections and co-morbidities including non-communicable diseases; and (3) increased knowledge of how HIV science interlinks with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and how both contributes to innovations in response to emerging pandemics and established infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and viral hepatitis. Over 6 000 participants from 135 countries tuned in to the conference from around the world and 644 scholarships were awarded to attend IAS 2021.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
International AIDS Society

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
YFMInternaAssistPartnershp&Programing Br

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Medical research 40%
STD control including HIV/AIDS 40%
Social mitigation of HIV/AIDS 20%

Aid Type: Other technical assistance

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Department-Initiated

Policy Markers
Level 1 Gender equality
Level 1 Children's issues
Level 1 Youth Issues
Level 1 Indigenous Issues
Budget Breakdown
2020-04-01 to 2021-03-31 $300,000 CAD
Geographic Information
000""
Project Number: CA-3-P008855001