Turn Debt into Hope
Right now, the world is facing its worst debt crisis. Currently, 54 countries – from Samoa to Malawi – are struggling under crushing debt. This problem has only been getting worse. This crisis is taking away hope, lives, and opportunity from the poorest people in the world.
Turn the debt into hope
Petition to turn debt into hope
In this Jubilee Year, people around the world are coming together to demand action on the debt crisis. Together, we can cancel unfair debts and bring back hope.
By singing this petition, you are joining thousands of people from around the globe in calling on world leaders, and public, private, and multilateral institutions to:
- Stop the debt crisis now by cancelling and remedying unjust and unsustainable debts, without economic policy conditions.
- Prevent debt crises from happening again by addressing their root causes, reforming the global financial system to prioritise people and the planet.
- Establish a permanent, transparent, binding and comprehensive debt framework within the United Nations.
It’s time to fix the broken debt system. It’s time for fairness and justice. This Jubilee Year, join us and the global Caritas family to speak up and demand real change. Together, we can turn debt into hope.
Mangrove planting on Kiribati to help prevent erosion. Photo: Zhi Yan/Caritas Australia.
The world faces one of its worst debt crises ever. Countries around the globe are drowning in debt, stealing hope and well-being from millions of the world's poorest people.
In these struggling nations, people lack food, clean water, and safe homes. Schools and hospitals can't provide basic services.
These countries spend more money repaying debts to banks, wealthy nations, and global organisations than on healthcare, education, or climate action. Many have already repaid their original loans but remain trapped by unfair terms and high interest rates.
Wealthy countries have worsened this problem through unfair lending practices and pollution that causes climate disasters in poorer nations.
2025 is a Jubilee Year—traditionally a time when debts were canceled and fairness restored. As Pope Francis said, "More than generosity, this is a matter of justice."
People worldwide are uniting to demand action. Together, we can cancel unfair debts and restore hope to millions.
