The 26th International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2026, will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 26 to 31 July 2026. Volunteers are essential to the success of the conference, providing support across a variety of activities and ensuring a smooth experience for delegates. The IAS (International AIDS Society) has opened submissions for the volunteer programme, inviting individuals from around the world to participate.

Key Dates

Submissions open: 19 March 2026
Mandatory kick-off meeting, activity training, and venue walkthrough: 25 July 2026

Volunteers’ Roles

Volunteers play a crucial role in the functioning of AIDS 2026. Responsibilities include:

Coordinating programme activities
Greeting and assisting conference delegates
Supporting registration processes
Acting as guides within the venue
Staffing offices and activity areas
Assisting in other essential conference operations

Volunteers are the backbone of the event, ensuring that sessions run smoothly and attendees have a productive and engaging experience.

Benefits of Volunteering

Participants in the AIDS 2026 Volunteer Programme will receive several benefits in recognition of their contribution:

Complimentary access to conference sessions when not on duty
Lunch provided on working days
Certificate of appreciation
One-year IAS membership at no cost

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

Be 18 years or older on 26 July 2026
Commit to at least four half-day shifts on consecutive days during the conference
Attend the mandatory kick-off meeting, training, and venue walkthrough on 25 July 2026
Agree to the volunteer policy and uphold IAS values

Application Process

Volunteers are encouraged to prepare the following before applying:

A digital photograph
Passport or national ID details
Visa requirements for travel to Brazil, if applicable
A summary of relevant skills and qualifications
A short motivational statement explaining their interest in volunteering
For returning volunteers interested in a supervisory role, a brief explanation of their motivation

Applications must be submitted online; email submissions will not be accepted.

Travel and Visa Information

Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own visa, accommodation, and travel. The IAS cannot provide financial support, reimbursements, or refunds. Selected volunteers requiring a visa will receive an invitation letter through the volunteer programme application. It is advised that volunteers apply for visas promptly and keep the IAS informed of their status.

Selection and Confirmation

The AIDS 2026 Volunteers team evaluates applications from March to early July, on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to local applicants from Brazil who can maximize their availability.

Volunteers indicate their availability and preferred roles in the application form
Accepted applicants receive a proposed schedule and must confirm within 10 days
If a volunteer declines the schedule, it is reassigned to another candidate
The IAS reserves the right to approve or reject applications at its discretion

Experiences from Past Volunteers

Julia, Brazil:
Julia’s volunteering journey began with her family attending conferences from an early age. Inspired by her parents’ commitment to HIV research and volunteerism, Julia has participated in multiple conferences, including AIDS 2016 in Durban, IAS 2017 in Paris, AIDS 2018 in Amsterdam, and IAS 2019 in Mexico City. She emphasizes the personal growth, networking opportunities, and lifelong friendships gained through volunteering.

Joyce, South Africa:
Joyce began volunteering at AIDS 2016 in Durban and highlights the knowledge gained from attending sessions, developing confidence, and engaging with the global HIV community. Her volunteer experiences in Amsterdam and Mexico City strengthened her professional skills and created meaningful connections with international peers. Joyce encourages all interested individuals to participate in the volunteer programme.

Safety and Fraud Prevention

Applicants should note that the IAS does not charge any fees for volunteer applications. Any communication requesting payment should be treated as fraudulent and reported to privacy@iasociety.org.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the AIDS 2026 Volunteer Programme, applicants can contact the volunteers team at volunteers@aids2026.org.

Conclusion

Volunteering at AIDS 2026 offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s largest HIV conferences. Participants gain professional experience, engage with international experts, and make a meaningful impact on global HIV initiatives.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hosting the programme. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.