FROM PROGRESS TO POSSIBILITY: INTRODUCING THE BE HOPE CAMPAIGN

This past weekend, the world witnessed the launch of the first-ever United Nations International Day of Hope – an annual moment to disrupt despair and shine a light on the quiet victories that signal real progress for people, planet, and peace.

Unveiled on Saturday 12 July 2025, the day aims to reignite belief that a better world is possible. To commemorate the occasion, The Global Goals launched the Be Hope Campaign in partnership with British-Nigerian artist and designer, Yinka Ilori MBE, whose bold new artwork Hope Island inspired hope across the country.

“In times when it is becoming increasingly difficult to find common ground, one thing we all share is hope. It surrounds us, uniting us in our aspirations for a better future. Inspired by this sentiment, Yinka Ilori plants a seed of hope in this common ground, patiently nurturing it in the belief that it will reveal its beauty.

Like trees that provide shade and bear fruit, this seed shall grow into something that can sustain us, offering comfort and sustenance to those who fear the future. Let hope flourish so that no one has to live in fear any longer.

As a collective, we cultivate a ‘Hope Island’—a sanctuary where we can find refuge and unity, a place that holds us together.”

Yinka Ilori MBE, Artist and Designer

A Striking Symbol of Hope

Singer-Songwriter Rae Morris performs at the Sing for Hope Piano on London’s Carnaby Street.

To launch the campaign Ilori revealed a vibrant new Sing for Hope Piano on London’s iconic Carnaby Street, emblazoned with the bold message: “Be Hope.” Surprise performances by artists and performers Camden Stewart,Rae Morris, and the London Youth Choir transformed the street into a spontaneous celebration of joy, solidarity, and shared humanity.

The piano will remain open to the public for three weeks before being donated to the Isaac Paulos Centre in North Kensington—an educational and therapeutic hub created in memory of five-year-old Isaac Paulos, one of the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. The piano will also support creative programming at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, located next to the tower site, where children continue to live with the long shadow of the Grenfell tragedy.

Composer Camden Stewart performs at the Sing for Hope Piano on London’s Carnaby Street.

Why Hope, Why Now?

At a time when global investments in health, climate, and nature are slowing down, and we are all feeling overwhelmed by inequality, conflict, and disinformation, the need for hope has never been greater.

But not just any hope. The Be Hope campaign champions evidence-based hope: hope rooted in real progress, proven solutions, and collective action. Because despite the setbacks, progress is happening and the world has powerful reasons to keep pushing forward on the Global Goals.

The newly released Hope Report shines a light on these quiet victories that are transforming lives every day:

• In just one generation, the number of people living in extreme poverty has dropped from one in three to less than one in ten. The most dramatic reduction the world has ever seen.
• Once a death sentence for millions, HIV is no longer winning: over 30 million people now have access to life-saving treatment, up from just 500,000 in 2000.
• Since 2015, 50 million more girls are going to school. Each one with the power to transform her future and her world.
• The rise of renewables has slowed fossil fuel growth by two-thirds. Clean power is now a force, not a forecast.
• And ecosystems are beginning to bounce back. Nearly half of the world’s biodiversity areas are now under protection: from forests to coral reefs

These milestones don’t always make headlines but they are changing lives, restoring ecosystems, and proving that progress is possible when people and nations work together.

Where to Find Hope Next

There is still much work to do. But the road ahead is filled with opportunity.

From ending crushing debt burdens, to reigniting climate finance, harnessing AI for social good, and replenishing the Global Fund—which helped halve child deaths between 2000 and 2020—leaders have critical choices to make this year. Head to globalgoals.org/behope for more information on how you can support these vital areas and help turn hope into action.

The momentum will continue throughout 2025, with the Be Hope campaign appearing on global stages including the UN General Assembly in New York, G20 in Johannesburg, and COP30 in Belem. So watch this space for more coming your way!

Because hope doesn’t ignore the challenges we face. It dares us to meet them – and reminds us that, together, progress is possible.