Rio de Janeiro AIDS 2026 Global Village Draws Communities Amid Funding Cuts

The Global Village, a free public space at the International AIDS Conference 2026 (July 26‑31) in Rio de Janeiro’s Riocentro, brings together community groups, activists, artists and NGOs for more than 200 sessions, performances, workshops and networking events. The venue offers free transport from Rio’s Central Bus Station, with scheduled shuttle services each day.

At the same conference, Mpact Global highlighted the ongoing instability of HIV funding. Executive director Andrew Spieldenner warned that cuts to USAID and PEPFAR, as well as reduced contributions from Sweden, France and the UK, threaten programs for gay, bisexual, transgender and other key populations. He also noted the precarious future of UNAIDS, which could be discontinued after 2027 without renewed financing. These concerns underscore the importance of community‑led responses featured in the Global Village.