2008 International AIDS Conference: Saddleback Satellite
Faith, Government and Business: Building Effective Multi-sector Partnerships

This satellite session will present a fresh perspective on the scope for building effective collaborations across faith groups, government and business, in responding to HIV. The session will present learning from such collaborations at the local, national and international levels. A case study from Rwanda will be shared, highlighting progress, strengths and challenges experienced to date. An overview of the historical struggles in fostering multi-sectorial relationships will be discussed. Additionally, the potential impact of such partnerships will be highlighted. Specifically, the satellite is aimed at people involved in governments, faith and business, in order to stimulate discussion and create a momentum to develop partnerships for the future. The satellite aims at the following outcomes:

1. To demonstrate the essential value of faith, business, and government in strategic HIV alliances.

2. To recognize the potential for a stronger, collaborative response to HIV, maximizing unique partnerships.

3. To encourage mutual respect and understanding between the various players.

4. To challenge current understanding and perceptions of the roles and responsibility of faith groups, business, and government with practical, transferable tools for effective multi-sectorial partnerships across settings and cultures.

Satellite topics:

• Building Medical Partnerships with the Indigenous Church Taking the Lead
• HIV and the Church: Building Effective Partnerships
• How the Government Empowers Grass-Roots Decentralized Networks
• Mobilizing the Interfaith Community
• Unleashing Entrepreneurial and Financial Expertise
• Why the Government Needs the Interfaith Community