22 April
15.00 CEST - 9.00 EST

Addressing the Debt and Development Crises in the Jubilee Year 2025

Organised by CAFOD, Caritas Internationalis, Institute for Policy Dialogue, Columbia University, Suramericana Vision, Jesuit
Ecology Network for Africa, Christian Aid, Jubilee USA

Many countries in the Global South are facing escalating debt and development crises. Numerous nations are experiencing economic stagnation due to unsustainable debt burdens, even without formal default. In this Jubilee year a Commission of Experts, convened by the Vatican and led by Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz, will produce a Jubilee Report on Addressing the Debt and Development Crises in the Global South. This session will present some initial findings of the Commission and in dialogue highlight practical solutions to the debt and development crises. By fostering collaboration between faith-based organisations, financial institutions, and policymakers, this discussion aims to contribute to meaningful reforms that promote global economic justice.

Speakers: 

• Marilou Uy, Senior Fellow at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center (moderator)
• Fr. Charles Chilufya, Jesuit priest working for the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar
• Martin Guzman, Co-President, IPD – Columbia University
• Mark Flanagan, Deputy Director, IMF
• World Bank representative (TBC)

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23 April
15.00 CEST - 9.00 EST

Are Debt Sustainability Frameworks Compatible with Human Rights and Climate Action?

Organised by Eurodad, Afrodad, APMDD, Latindadd, MENAFem, SEATINI, IEJ, GDPC, DebtJustice Norway, Jubilee USA Network,
Oxfam, Human Rights Watch, CESR.

The Debt Sustainability Framework for Low-income Countries (LIC-DSF) review is crucial to determine concessional finance and debt relief. The session will offer an overview of how debt is increasingly becoming more unsustainable from a human rights, gender, and climate justice perspective and discuss new approaches to adapt the DSF to integrate human rights, climate, and gender justice.

Speakers:

• Jason Braganza, Executive Director, AFRODAD (moderator)
• Francisco Cantamutto, LATINDADD consultant and associate researcher at CONICET
• Imène Cherif, MENAFem Movement
• Marina Zucker Marques, Boston University Global Development Policy Center
• Allison Holland, Assistant Director, IMF

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23 April
17.00 CEST - 11.00 EST

Hidden debt: Tackling Grand Corruption in Debt Management to Safeguard Financing for Development

Organised by Centro de Integridade Pública, Transparency International, Eurodad.

Debt is essential for the economy. But what happens when it is captured, mismanaged, acquired improperly, or hidden? Amid increasing democratic backlash, greater transparency and accountability in debt are urgently needed. The session explores lessons from Mozambique to shape FfD4 discussions on preventing debt capture and safeguarding economic sustainability and future generations’ welfare.

Speakers: 

• Daniela Patino Pineros, Lead Public Resources, Transparency International (moderator)
• Aslak Jangård Orre, Senior Researcher Chr. Michelsen Institute
• Kjetil Abildsnes, Senior Policy Officer - Debt Justice, Eurodad
• Sally Torbert, Policy Manager, International Budget Partnership
• Alessandro Gullo, Assistant General Counsel, IMF

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25 April
19.00 CEST - 13.00 EST

Tackling Inequality in Eastern and Southern Africa: Will the Bretton Woods Institutions Step Up?

Organised by Norwegian Church Aid, Save the Children, Act Church of Sweden, Felm, DFI, Oxfam, Afrodad, All Africa Council of
Churches.

The IMF and World Bank aim to reduce inequality, but greater action is needed. Eastern and Southern Africa has the highest proportion of highly unequal countries. A new report by Act Church of Sweden, DFI, Felm, NCA, Oxfam, and Save the Children highlights rising inequality and urges stronger policies to foster sustainable, inclusive development.

Speakers: 

• Kjetil Abildsnes, Senior Policy Officer - Debt Justice, Eurodad (moderator)
• Rev. Suzanne Matale, Former General Secretary, Zambia Council of Churches
• Matthew Martin, Director, Development Finance International
• Obeth Kandjoze, Director General/Minister, National Planning Commission and Minister of Economic Planning in the Republic of Namibia
• World Bank representative (TBC)

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