Day two (July 19) of the International AIDS Conference 2010, Vienna saw two high profile public figures speak about AIDS in 2010; two of the richest and most influential men in America, former President Bill Clinton and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates spoke at the Session Room 1 podium of the Messe Wein.

Clinton's enduring popularity saw him receive a standing ovation before he had said his first word of his official address. Being the first plenary speaker of the day, it was little after 8.30am when he was welcomed to the main stage.

As always a very charismatic public speaker, Clinton began by reminding us that there is still a lot to be done in the battle for universal access for antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Founder of The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in 2002 under the William J. Clinton Foundation, Clinton has devoted a lot of his resources, influence and connections to making a difference to the lives of those living with HIV and AIDS. He not only talked about his own work, but discussed existing fundraising models that have engaged the public such as the Red campaign, where consumers can purchase items such as iPods and donate through the price of the product.

Shortly after lunch in an hour long session Microsoft founder Bill Gates took to the stage, discussing his organisation, the Bill and Melinda Foundation, but not before a group of protestors marched on stage dressed in green outfits calling for a 'Robin Hood Tax'. The principle of this is taxing the rich, the billion dollar corporations, and giving much needed money and aid to developing countries.

"Even though he is no longer president, he is still a leader. I liked his honesty, like when he said that 'he didn't know about this stuff when he WAS president'. He sees things that need to be done."

Gates in his delivery talked in depth about the systems his foundation have implemented in developing countries such as the Avahan India AIDS Initiative which has already reached more than 220,000 sex workers and 80,000 men who have sex with men.

The founder of Microsoft very much has a business approach to tackling the AIDS epidemic discussion 'operational strategies', reminding us that it is not just about raising money, but ensuring that every penny raised is used in the most effective way to help those who need it most. His involvement is a committed one, and Gates stated that he sees the Bill and Melinda foundation implementing projects long term until AIDS is no longer a threat.

"We're at a turning point, we can change, push ourselves to use every dollar in an effective way to save lives... We'll start the story of the end of AIDS."

During Gates’ session, I got talking to American activist Lynan, 25 from New York City, who works for US charity Housing Works. I asked her about her thoughts on the two Bills as a young American activist.

Discussing Clinton: "Even though he is no longer president, he is still a leader. I liked his honesty, like when he said that 'he didn't know about this stuff when he WAS president'. He sees things that need to be done."

The end of a very important second day of the International AIDS Conference has seen two high profile figures discussing their involvement in the battle for justice for all those living with HIV and AIDS, different strategies and business models, receiving contrasting receptions from the conference attendees. It's a testament to Clinton's enduring popularity that he still manages to engage an audience a decade after his exit from The White House. Although Gates cannot command a comparable level of popularity, his ability and resources means that he can and will make a difference - and that’s what makes these two Bills unlike any other.

Fore more information check out The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the Gates Foundation websites

Words: Elaine Wong
Photo: Flickr user UNAIDS

Read up on Lynan's charity here: www.housingworks.org. Her personal blog can be read here www.viennaconf2010.blogspot.com.