conference, we organised a talk at our press conference
around some of these issues.
"It was incredible, because Clinton - who launched the
event - decided to hold a spontaneous discussion with
these 70 kids from all over the world who participated...Clinton really
impressed me, but what knocked me out more was how smart these kids were
in their questions.
"In fact, it never ceases to amaze me - whether it's one or 70 together
- how impassioned and empowered young people are when it comes to Aids
awareness. Not just because, as at this event, they may be dealing first-hand
with HIV, but because in the world of HIV, youth activism with a small
'a' seems to be so vibrant. From a small village in Namibia to Harvard...And
these young people challenged the likes of Clinton and the Archbishop
of Nairobi with their questions. It was amazing to witness."
Aside from the documentaries, discussions and PSAs, a huge part of MTV's
HIV awareness work relies on the flip side of reality TV - the endorsement
of celebrity TV.
Young people and charity workers seem to agree that it's certainly an
effective way to achieve awareness for your cause by getting a pop star
to identify with it. And from George Michael to Travis, MTV has roped
in many celebrities in the past.
This year's presenter for the Staying Alive documentary is singer Mary
J Blige - the first woman to introduce the programme, in fact. Last year
we had Ricky Martin, the year before, George Michael.
Female performers too take the lead at the MTV World Aids Day concerts
on 23 November. Alicia Keys and Missy Elliot will appear at, not one,
but two shows which will be broadcast on 1 December. The gigs will be
staged in Seattle and Cape Town simultaneously, and then be shown as a
90-minute programme in 51 countries across the world.
"This is just another way that we feel MTV is empowering young women
in their awareness" concludes Georgia.
For more interactive support, visit: www.staying-alive.org
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