BANGKOK, July 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The 15th International AIDS Conference will be opened Sunday in Bangkok, Thailand, to promote "Access for All."

    The conference is organized by the International AIDS Society (IAS), the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS and some other international organizations and the Thai Coalition on AIDS.

    With an estimated 20,000 delegates from 160 countries to attend,the conference is the largest ever AIDS meeting, and the first of its kind held in Southeast Asia.

    The theme of the conference "Access for All" means access to essential HIV-related science, prevention, treatment and resourcesfor all the people who need it. It is access for all infected and affected groups to education, information and dedication. It also means access to the people who write policies, give support and offer care.

    There will be three major programs in the conference. The Scientific Program will feature over 400 presentations including scientific evaluations of High Active Antiretroviral Treatment Programs in developing countries. Strategies for overcoming remaining barriers to implement effective programs will be created.

    The Community Program reflects the increasing importance of community-based participation in prevention, care and treatment. The concept of science and community working together to create a unified program will form the pillar of the conference.

    For the first time, the conference will feature a full program focusing on leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The leadership program will bring global attention to the role and concrete contribution of leaders and seek to generate stronger, sustained and more passionate leadership.

    There are a wide range of art and cultural programs throughout the conference venue and the city of Bangkok, including music, dance, and exhibitions, to expand public awareness about AIDS.

    It is the first time the International AIDS conference is held in Southeast Asia. Asia has more than one-third of the world's population and one of every four new HIV infections is in the region. Asia also offers valuable lessons about effective interventions in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

    Thailand has made great progress in HIV prevention, treatment and education, and plays a leadership role in the fight against AIDS in Southeast Asia.

    The elephant is Thailand's cultural symbol. A special logo has been created for the conference with three elephants, reflecting Thai people's hospitality to all delegates. There are 1,100 Thai volunteers for the conference.

    The special logo also symbolizes the commitment of all community,family and HIV/AIDS workers in the fight against AIDS. They face the same direction, which is "Access for All," the theme of the conference. Enditem