ACT Alliance joined communities in more than 40 countries to symbolically pass the light of a candle across the world in May 2025 as part of the Jubilee campaign to call for an end to the debt crisis keeping billions in poverty.
Faith-based and civil society organisations, along with church groups around the world, took part in the ‘Relay of Hope’ initiative to call for action to cancel or restructure public debts for countries unable to pay them. More than 3.3 billion people live in countries where governments are spending more on debt repayments than on health or education.
Groups in countries ranging from Cambodia to Bolivia lit and shared candles to symbolise the hope campaigners argue debt relief would create globally by freeing up resources for essential public services.
The relay was coordinated by Caritas Internationalis as part of a campaign marking the Jubilee year – a moment traditionally associated with debt cancellation since Biblical times. ACT Alliance is a member of the campaign, ‘Turn Debt into Hope’, which calls for reforms to international finance rules to prevent future debt emergencies.
“Debt cancellation is vital to free Tanzania from the cycle of poverty and to unlock development, reduce poverty, and empower communities to build a resilient and brighter future."Rev. Modest Pesha Coordinator of ACT Tanzania Forum
Rev. Modest Pesha, Coordinator of ACT Tanzania Forum, which took part in the Relay of Hope, said:
“Debt cancellation is vital to free Tanzania from the cycle of poverty and to unlock development, reduce poverty, and empower communities to build a resilient and brighter future.”
Campaigners lit candles at political landmarks as part of the global relay, including the US Congress, the UK Treasury and the United Nations Headquarters in New York, which was lit by the ACT Representative to the UN, Caterina Tino. The relay ‘stages’ also took place outside the World Bank office in Australia and in St Peter’s Square.
The relay was timed to take place ahead of governments, who will convene next week in Seville, Spain, for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.
Gunnel Axelsson Nycander, Policy Advisor on Development Finance of Act Church of Sweden, said:
“A debt crisis in the Global South is reinforcing the economic, food and climate crises and undermining social progress. As churches working together, we can raise awareness and amplify the calls for debt relief and a fair and transparent system for managing debts.”
