Peace light from Bethlehem: Linz sets an example for hope and unity!

Peace light from Bethlehem: Linz sets an example for hope and unity!

Nine-year-old Matthias Secklehner from Gschwandt near Gmunden ceremoniously handed over the ORF Peace Light to the Linz city government on Thursday. This light, which is lit annually in the grotto of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, is a powerful symbol of peace, hope and solidarity. The executive vice mayor Dietmar Prammer (SPÖ) accepted the light on his behalf and emphasized: “The peace light reminds us that peace cannot be taken for granted.” Against the background of global crises, especially the war in Ukraine and the tensions in the Middle East, this tradition is particularly important meinkreis.at reports. Linz, which has been an official city of peace since 1986, carries out numerous peace-promoting activities every year.

Global poverty and scope for action

The issue of peace is currently even more relevant as the world continues to face enormous challenges. Despite a remarkable decline in global poverty in recent decades, the World Bank estimates that nearly 700 million people will still live in extreme poverty in 2024. This means that many people continue to live in conditions that deny them access to basic resources such as food and education. The easing of the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out progress in poverty reduction in many regions, and geopolitical conflicts are also contributing to this situation. The situation has continued to worsen, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa Statista shows.

In order to counteract these challenges, initiatives such as the BILLA fundraising campaign “A donation that fills you up” were launched in Austria, which is intended to support people in need. These actions are part of a larger effort to combat poverty and the problems associated with it. However, the gap between the realities of people in different regions remains a key issue that needs to continue to be addressed.