Dr. Khin Cho Win Htin is the Regional HIV Prevention Adviser at UNAIDS Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, based in Bangkok, with 19 years of international experience in HIV service delivery, strategic information, public health research, and evidence-based advocacy. She has worked across projects, country, and regional levels to strengthen data use, programme coordination, and advocacy in support of more effective and equitable HIV responses across Asia and the Pacific. First trained as a medical doctor, she also holds a Master’s degree in Population and Reproductive Health Research and brings strong expertise in applying data and innovation to enhance the design, delivery, and impact of HIV programmes.

The purpose of the discussion is to examine the role culture and region can play in enhancing HIV responses within the region. Identify ways to navigate challenges such stigma and lack of confidentiality which can be embedded in cultural and social practices. Discuss ways of delivering a culturally appropriate HIV response.

Dr. Donald Wilson is the immediate former Director of FIPHR and ADR CMNHS. A Pacific health leader, he advances HIV, NCD, and planetary health research, strengthening systems, partnerships, and capacity across Fiji and the region through major collaborative programmes and strategic initiatives.

Caroline Chambers is the Ecumenical Enabler for Gender Justice at the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC). She works with churches and faith-based partners across the Pacific to advance gender equality, strengthen safeguarding, and promote survivor-centred approaches to preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Through regional partnerships, capacity-building, and community engagement, she supports faith leaders and communities to address social and health challenges with compassion and inclusion. As a panelist on "Pacific Resilience: The Role of Culture in HIV Responses," Caroline brings a faith and community perspective on how culture, partnerships, and local leadership can strengthen inclusive and people-centred HIV responses across the Pacific.

Ms Olive Mafi is a youth leader and humanitarian mobilizer from Tonga. She is a Board Executive of the Pacific Youth Council and was recently elected as Vice Chairlady of the Global Fund - Pacific Islands Regional Country Coordinating Mechanism (PIRMCCM) for HIV&AIDS, TB and Malaria. Ms Olive also serves as Youth Representative to the PIRMCCM.

Cruella serves as a prominent activist and the Office Manager at the Tonga Leitis Association (TLA) for more than 15 years. In her leadership role, she overlooked the organization's administration and acts as a driving force behind their HIV, STI, and AIDS prevention, testing, and awareness programs across the Kingdom of Tonga. As part of TLA's strategic healthcare initiatives funded by the Global Fund and UNDP, her work encompasses several critical pillars

Professor James Ward is a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, an infectious diseases epidemiologist and a national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. He is currently the Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at The University of Queensland.

Ophnay Rechy has served as the Key Population Program at Chuuk Women's Council since 2018 Ophnay leads community-based HIV prevention, advocacy, and outreach initiatives that address stigma, strengthen confidentiality, and improve access to HIV services for key populations. Ophnay is committed to advancing culturally appropriate, community-led responses that promoting culturally appropriate, community-led responses that improve access to inclusive, dignity; and equitable healthcare services for key populations in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia.