Liverpool is to host one of the global events to mark the launch of the first United Nations sponsored International Day of Hope. On Saturday 12th July, a special day of events will be held, organised by Liverpool BID Company, Hope Street CIC and the 2030hub, which will include an abseil at Liverpool Cathedral featuring a vibrant, new artwork.
In the run up to Saturday 12th, people are being invited to send a personal message of hope, using free postcards featuring a vibrant design by artist Yinka Ilori and delivering them to free post boxes in venues along Liverpool’s Hope Street.
Under the powerful theme ‘Hope Lives Here’, Liverpool joins cities including London, New York and Johannesburg in shining a spotlight on positive change and collective action. The International Day of Hope has been established by the UN to celebrate and promote hope. The UN calls it “a global invitation to act” calling on states and civil society alongside individuals to “cultivate environments where hope can thrive”. Inspired by the values of the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the day calls for public education or special events to promote well-being, mutual respect and togetherness.
In Liverpool the special events on Saturday 12 July will include;
*An abseil at Liverpool Cathedral flying a flag with ‘Be Hope’ artwork by artist Yinka Ilori
*Postcards of Hope with an invitation to send uplifting, uniting and hopeful messages using postcards featuring a vibrant new design
*’Taste of Hope’ special menus at venues
*A fundraiser for Clatterbridge at The Pen Factory
Katie Bentley is Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at Liverpool BID Company, said:
“Hope can be a rare commodity but it is something that unites us all and can be a beacon of light in even the darkest days. We are delighted to be able to partner with our friends and colleagues across the city to mark this first ever International Day of Hope. There is such a vibrant day of activity planned and we thank each of the local businesses and cultural organisations who have come together to make this such a positive action”.
Mark Da Vanzo is Chief Executive at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres and Chair of Hope Street CIC, said:
“This is a powerful opportunity for Liverpool to position itself on a global stage. This is a city that prides itself on its sense of community and unity. That makes it the ideal place to lead the world in a message of hope. Hope Street, one of the most culturally significant and thriving hubs in the city, is a symbolic focal point for a day that promises to be very special”.
David Connor is the Founder of 2030hub, the world’s first UN Local2030 Hub, said:
“This inspiring day is part of a global initiative to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to ignite action on climate and social justice through culture, creativity and community.
This is the perfect city to be a host of this trailblazing campaign. Liverpool was one of the first cities in the world to commit to the SDGs, is home to 2030hub as a pioneering city-scale sustainability catalyst and leading advocate for the UN Local2030 Coalition, and was recently awarded ‘UN Accelerator City’ status under the UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.
As a city, Liverpool has a truly unique blend of history, passion, community, challenges and creativity to play a starring role in a regenerative and just new future fuelled by hope. 2030hub is proud to be able to attract such a crucial campaign to our home city.”
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