The weekend of July 12th will mark a milestone moment for humanity, as the first United Nations International Day of Hope is launching – a bold new annual celebration designed to disrupt despair, spotlight quiet victories and reignite public belief in a better future for people, planet and peace. To commemorate the launch, celebrated artist Yinka Ilori unveiled a striking new Sing For Hope Piano, emblazoned with the message ‘Be Hope’, on London’s Carnaby Street today, with surprise performances by Rae Morris, Camden Stewart and the London Youth Choir stopping Londoners in their tracks with spontaneous songs of solidarity and joy.
Why Hope? Why Now?
In a time of defined division, crisis and uncertainty, hope can feel short in supply. Yet, in approving the International Day of Hope, the United Nations member states agreed: hope is not just a feeling – it’s a force.
On the new day of Hope, The Global Goals have launched the ‘Be Hope’ campaign with Ilori to reinvigorate progress of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The campaign highlights that despite the setbacks of recent years, meaningful progress is happening and more is within reach. From ending crushing debt burdens to reigniting climate finance, harnessing AI for social good, and replenishing the crucial Global Fund – ‘Be Hope’ underscores the key decisions leaders must make this year to accelerate action.
Marking the occasion, Ilori has also launched a vibrant new artwork - ‘Hope Island’- at locations across the UK, designed to be joyful, unmissable symbols of possibility in the public realm. The colourful pieces call on all of us to remember that change doesn’t begin with despair — it begins with belief.
Yinka Ilori said: “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, I am planting 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.”
Camille Zamora, Sing for Hope Co-Founder, said “This Sing for Hope Piano, created by artist Yinka Ilori and in partnership with The Global Goals stands as a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, collective creativity can build a future founded on compassion and optimism. We invite everyone to experience this beacon of hope and join us in making the world a more vibrant and connected place.” Real Progress. Real Change. Real Reasons to Hope.
In 2015, all 193 Member States of the United Nations agreed to 17 Global Goals, providing a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity and calling for urgent action to end poverty, tackle climate change, and reduce inequality in all its forms by 2030. Now, beyond the halfway mark to achieving the SDGs, only 20% of them are on track. Global conflict, the cost of living and the climate crisis continue to set us back with inequality on the rise, democracy in retreat and countries, communities and families finding themselves more divided than ever.
With good news feeling few and far between, The Global Goals have marked the first International Day of Hope by releasing a set of powerful findings* and snapshots of positive news, providing inspiring proof that progress is not only possible – it’s happening.
These wins — big and small — are the heartbeat of the International Day of Hope. They show that when people and nations work together, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO of the ONE Campaign, said “HIV was once a death sentence. Today, over 30 million people are alive because they had access to the treatment they needed. That progress didn’t happen by chance. It was the result of global cooperation, investment, and belief in a better future. With full funding, the Global Fund could help save 23 million more lives, prevent 400 million infections and cut annual deaths from HIV, TB, and malaria by more than half. Now is the time to double down on what works and make hope a strategy, not just a sentiment.”
Where to find hope next.
Ilori’s Sing for Hope Piano “Be Hope” remains open to the public at Kingly Court 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 Sing for Hope 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.
Kathleen Williams, Executive Headteacher of St Francis of Assisi Primary School, said, “For our children and our community, hope is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The beautiful design and sound of this Sing for Hope Piano will bring light into our school and the Isaac Paulos Centre, reminding us daily that healing is possible, creativity matters, and joy can grow even in the most painful soil. As Grenfell Tower comes down, it is vital that we raise something meaningful in its place—for Isaac, for every child, for our future.” The Be Hope campaign will continue to bring energy to global stages throughout the year, including the UN General Assembly in New York, G20 Johannesburg, and COP30 in Belem.
Hope doesn’t ignore the challenges. It dares us to meet them — and reminds us that progress is possible, together.
*Findings are part of The Hope Report. Full access and further detail here.
MORE: globalgoals.org/behope
About the UN’s International Day of Hope:
The United Nations International Day of Hope is a new global observance designed to foster optimism, celebrate progress and galvanise action around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). About The Sustainable Development Goals: In 2015, all 193 Member States of the United Nations agreed to The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – 17 Global Goals providing a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity, for people and planet, calling for urgent action to end poverty, tackle climate change, and reduce inequality in all its forms by 2030. The Global Goals is a brand created by Project Everyone – a not-for-profit creative and communications agency on a mission to use the Global Goals to create a fairer, greener world by 2030 – leaving no one behind.
About Yinka Ilori MBE:
Yinka Ilori MBE is a London-based, British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer whose bold visual language draws on his dual heritage to convey new narratives through contemporary design. Exploring a multitude of themes, Ilori’s work resonates with a global audience due to his creative ethos; that art and design should be accessible to all. Humorous, provocative, and playful, his projects demonstrate how design can bring together communities and have a positive impact on society, evoking a sense of joy and optimism. Often using the city as his canvas, he reimagines spaces to encourage a sense of community and invites audiences to engage and participate in his work and its surroundings. A graduate of London Metropolitan University’s BA in Furniture and Product Design, Ilori’s work has been showcased globally through solo and group exhibitions, public commissions and set and exhibition design.
About Sing For Hope:
Sing for Hope harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world. Our creative programs bring hope, healing, and connection to millions of people in hospitals, schools, care facilities, refugee camps, transit hubs, and public spaces worldwide. A non-profit organization founded in New York City in response to the events of 9/11, Sing for Hope partners with hundreds of community-based organizations, mobilizes thousands of artists in creative service, and produces artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos across the US and around the world. The official Cultural Partner of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Sing for Hope champions art for all because we believe the arts have an unmatched capacity to uplift, unite, and heal.
Sing for Hope’s work is made possible by the Sing for Hope Founders’ Circle: The International Foundation for Arts and Culture (Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Sing for Hope Global Patron), The Arnhold Foundation in loving memory of Sissy and Henry Arnhold, The Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, The Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation, Jacqueline Novogratz and Chris Anderson, Pershing Square Philanthropies, The Seedlings Foundation, and Ann Ziff; The National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts; Fosun International; and the generosity of donors like you. Learn more at singforhope.org.
About the Isaac Paulos Centre:
The Isaac Paulos Wellbeing Centre is a community-led space dedicated to healing, reflection, and renewal in North Kensington. Named in memory of Isaac Paulos, a bright and joyful five-year-old who died in the Grenfell Tower fire, the centre offers therapeutic services, creative programmes, and spaces for families and children to process grief, build resilience, and nurture hope.
