Athletes aged 15–18 have converged in Nanjing, China, to compete in a wide range of sports at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. From 16 to 28 August, the young athletes will set their eyes on gold and on achieving their best performance. But the Olympic movement goes beyond celebrating physical talent: it values friendship, solidarity and fair play, and recognizes the power that sport can have in building a better world.

With thousands of young people participating in the global event and its cultural and educational programme, UNAIDS, the United Nations Office for South–South Cooperation and the Nanjing Medical University are showcasing ways in which public and private institutions can work together to create a healthier future for young people.

During a session with young athletes on 17 August, UNAIDS invited them to express their creativity at its educational booth in the Olympic Village as part of a campaign that features artwork, games and HIV facts. The Protect the Goal campaign, which uses the popularity and convening power of sport to mobilize youth for HIV prevention, was also promoted by UNAIDS at the event.

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