World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008, was commemorated in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Pretoria with a ceremony arranged by UNIC Pretoria and the UN Work Wellness Programme Team. The aim of the event was to highlight the significance of World AIDS Day both nationally and globally and to raise the consciousness
of UN staff in the country on the need to get involved in combating the disease. With South Africa home to the largest number of HIV-AIDS infected people in the world, the need to commemorate World AIDS Day here is particularly relevant.

The Secretary-General's message for World AIDS Day was delivered by the Resident Coordinator and this was followed by a candle-lighting ceremony and a moment of reflection for all those infected and affected by HIV-AIDS. Two HIV-positive UN staff members spoke about their experiences of living with the virus and the need to challenge the stigma surrounding it.

The Johannesburg-based performance group, Themba AIDS organization, acted out a theatrical sketch that highlighted issues of voluntary testing, stigma and workplace policies.

On 1 December 2008 a press conference was held in the UN House in Yerevan to commemorate World AIDS Day. Participants included the heads of several UN agencies operating in Armenia, the Deputy Minister of Health, the Director of National AIDS Center and a specialized non-governmental organization.

The press conference highlighted the efforts of the Republic of Armenia in the fight against HIV/AIDS, which included the approval of the National Programme on the Response to HIV Epidemic in the Republic of Armenia for 2007-2011. Within the framework of the programme, various preventive projects among most-at-risk populations and youth are being implemented nationwide. Treatment, care and support are being provided to people living with HIV/AIDS as well as voluntary counseling and testing.

On 1 December 2008, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Washington D.C. cosponsored the annual World AIDS Day luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.  Over 250 guests, including ambassadors, congressional staff, and representatives of local non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, the United States executive branch and the media listened to Senator Tim Wirth, Executive Director of the UN Foundation, Michele Moloney-Kitts, Assistant Coordinator in the  US Global AIDS Coordinator’s Office, and two women from the India and Swaziland Networks of People Living with AIDS discuss the need for continued momentum in providing resources in the fight against AIDS.  Sarah Craven, the Washington Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), moderated.  The event also included a dance by the Mayzsoul Dance Company and music performances by musician Samba Mapangala of the Virunga Band.  

As part of World AIDS Day activities, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Canberra participated in the Doves and Ribbons Day on 30 November at Manuka Village, Canberra.
 
The event was held in collaboration with Amnesty International, the AIDS Action Council of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), OzCOTs - a Canberra based charity which supports South African women and children affected by HIV, and the Manuka Business Association.  
 
In his speech the Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly stated that the World AIDS Day event was a good example of how diverse groups from within the Canberra community can come together to highlight important HIV/AIDS issues. 
 
Additional activities included live music from local Canberra bands, information stalls, raffles to raise money for children with HIV/AIDS in Africa and a painting competition.