The lights dimmed in the grand hall of the United Nations headquarters in New York City. A massive screen displayed footage from 25 years ago: Bono, Youssou N’Dour, Lauryn Hill, and a host of global stars standing on a stage, their voices united in the anthem for the Jubilee 2000 campaign to cancel third-world debt. The movement had been a historic milestone, sparking a wave of economic reforms and providing relief to millions.
Now, a quarter-century later, the world was gathering again to reflect on what had been achieved—and to reignite the fight for global justice.
The Reunion
Bono stood at the podium, his signature sunglasses reflecting the bright stage lights. “When we came together 25 years ago, it wasn’t just about money. It was about dignity, equality, and hope,” he said, his voice resonating with passion.
The audience erupted in applause as the screen transitioned to live footage of the reunited Drop the Debt All-Stars. Youssou N’Dour, now a statesman in his own right, greeted the crowd with a warm smile. Lauryn Hill, radiant as ever, stepped forward, her voice as powerful and soulful as the day they first sang together.
Joining them were new faces—artists inspired by the original movement. Billie Eilish, Burna Boy, and BTS stood side by side with the veterans, ready to carry the torch forward.
The Performance
The music began softly, a haunting piano melody that swelled into a powerful orchestral arrangement. The All-Stars launched into a new version of their anthem, blending old and new voices.
“Lift the burden, break the chains,
A brighter world, no more pain.
Together we rise, together we sing,
Justice and hope, let freedom ring.”
The crowd swayed, tears streaming down faces as the music soared. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a call to action, a reminder of the power of unity.
The Legacy
As the final notes faded, Bono returned to the microphone. “The Jubilee 2000 campaign was a start, but the work isn’t done. Today, we’re launching the Jubilee 2048 Initiative, aimed at erasing climate debt and empowering nations to build sustainable futures.”
Youssou N’Dour added, “Debt is not just financial—it’s ecological, it’s societal. The time has come to expand our vision and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Lauryn Hill stepped forward, her voice steady and strong. “The world we want is within our reach. But it requires all of us to act—not just governments, but communities, artists, and individuals.”
A New Generation of Hope
The evening ended with a symbolic gesture. Children from countries that had benefited from debt relief took the stage, holding lanterns that symbolized the light of hope. They were joined by the artists, hand in hand, as the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation.
Backstage, Bono turned to Lauryn and Youssou. “Twenty-five years ago, I didn’t know if we’d make a difference,” he said. “But looking at this tonight, I know we did.”
“And we’ll keep making a difference,” Youssou replied.
Lauryn smiled. “This is just the beginning.”
As the night ended, the All-Stars knew they had reignited a movement. The world had changed since their first campaign, but the need for justice and equality remained. And as long as there were voices to sing and hearts to fight, the dream of a better world would live on.
“Nelly Furtado’s Prayer for Justice”
The United Nations General Assembly Hall was alive with anticipation. Delegates from every corner of the globe filled the room, their eyes fixed on the stage where artists, activists, and leaders had gathered for the 25th-anniversary reunion of the Jubilee 2000 campaign.
Among them stood Nelly Furtado, a beacon of compassion and hope. Draped in an elegant emerald dress symbolizing renewal, she carried a quiet strength as she approached the podium. Her voice, a blend of warmth and conviction, cut through the murmurs.
A Call for Compassion
“Twenty-five years ago, we called for the cancellation of third-world debt,” Nelly began, her words resonating in the vast hall. “And though progress was made, the chains of debt still bind too many nations, stifling their potential and stealing their futures.”
She paused, glancing toward United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who sat in the front row. “Today, I stand here not just as an artist, but as a mother, a daughter, and a believer in justice. It’s time to cancel all debts—financial, ecological, and moral. Let us give nations the chance to thrive, free from the burdens of the past.”
A Prayer for Forgiveness
The room fell silent as Nelly stepped away from the microphone and knelt at the edge of the stage. With hands clasped, she began to pray in Portuguese, her voice steady and reverent.
“Pai nosso que estais no céu,
santificado seja o Vosso nome.
Venha a nós o Vosso reino,
seja feita a Vossa vontade,
assim na terra como no céu.
O pão nosso de cada dia nos dai hoje.
Perdoai as nossas dívidas,
assim como nós perdoamos aos nossos devedores.
E não nos deixeis cair em tentação,
mas livrai-nos do mal. Amém.”
Her words, spoken in the Secretary-General’s native language, carried a profound weight. The prayer echoed through the chamber, a plea for forgiveness and renewal that transcended borders and beliefs.
The Response
António Guterres rose from his seat, visibly moved. “Thank you, Nelly,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Your prayer reminds us of the shared humanity that binds us all. Debt is not just a financial issue—it is a moral one. And as the world faces unprecedented challenges, we must act with courage and compassion.”
He turned to the assembly. “Let this moment be a turning point. Let us commit to a future where no nation is shackled by debt, and where forgiveness and solidarity guide our actions.”
A Movement Rekindled
As the assembly erupted in applause, Nelly stood, tears glistening in her eyes. She joined the other All-Stars on stage for the final performance of the night, a powerful rendition of their anthem, now infused with renewed urgency.
The refrain echoed through the hall:
“Forgive the debts, break the chains,
A brighter world, no more pain.
Together we rise, together we sing,
Justice and hope, let freedom ring.”
In that moment, the world seemed to pause, united in a shared vision of hope and redemption.
Epilogue
Later that evening, as Nelly reflected on the day, she felt a quiet sense of peace. “The Our Father isn’t just a prayer,” she said to a fellow artist. “It’s a roadmap for a better world. If we forgive each other’s debts—literal and spiritual—we can finally move forward.”
And as the stars shone over New York City, the seeds of change planted that day began to take root, promising a brighter future for generations to come.