The Global Freedom Network (GFN) will host its landmark Faith in Action Against Modern Slavery Conference on Wednesday, marking 10 years of dedicated interfaith advocacy to end modern slavery around the world.

Held in Accra, Ghana, the conference will bring together a powerful coalition of survivors, religious leaders, civil society, and government officials to reflect on a decade of progress and commit to renewed action in the global fight against exploitation.

As in other parts of the world, modern slavery impacts countries across Africa, with the latest Global Slavery Index estimating that 7 million people on the continent are living in conditions of forced labour or forced marriage.

This widespread injustice is driven by a combination of conflict, poverty, and climate-related displacement, all of which were exacerbated by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conference in Accra will spotlight the vital role that faith communities play in addressing the systemic drivers of exploitation and protecting vulnerable communities, with a focus on amplifying survivor voices, promoting interfaith collaboration, and strengthening global partnerships.

The Global Freedom Network is the faith-based arm of Walk Free, an international human rights group working to accelerate the end of all forms of modern slavery.

The Global Freedom Network was established in 2014 as a pioneering initiative to unite faith leaders across the world in the fight against modern slavery. It began with the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery, signed at the Vatican by representatives of major world religions —including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism — marking a historic moment of interfaith collaboration.

“In a world where more than 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, including forced labour and forced marriage, faith-based leadership stands as a powerful force for justice, compassion, and systemic change,” said Franca Pellegrini, Walk Free’s Head of Global Freedom Network.

“By uniting faith communities that collectively represent nearly half the world’s population, Global Freedom Network continues to foster a powerful moral and cultural movement against modern slavery”

“Faith communities have long been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, guided by moral teachings that uphold the dignity and freedom of every human being. Today, that leadership is more vital than ever. By mobilising congregations, advocating for policy reform, and supporting survivors, faith leaders play a pivotal role in dismantling the structures that enable exploitation.”

“The Ghana conference is a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made together and confront the ongoing realities of modern slavery with hope and determination.”

Key themes of the conference include:

• Survivor leadership and inclusion
• Faith-based and interfaith advocacy in action
• Government policy and legislative progress
• Tackling child and forced marriage through social norm change
• The role of gender and youth in addressing modern slavery

Faith in Action conference serves as a pivotal platform for learning, collaboration, and strategic planning—aiming to educate, inspire, and mobilise participants across sectors and faith traditions.

History of the Global Freedom Network

The Global Freedom Network (GFN) was established in 2014 as a pioneering initiative to unite faith leaders across the world in the fight against modern slavery.

It began with the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery, signed at the Vatican by representatives of major world religions—including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism—marking a historic moment of interfaith collaboration

GFN is the faith-based arm of Walk Free, an international human rights group working to accelerate the end of all forms of modern slavery. GFN’s mission is to mobilise spiritual and moral leadership to raise awareness, influence policy, and support community-based action against exploitation

Over the years, GFN has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships, advocacy campaigns, and educational initiatives. One of its most notable tools is the Faith For Freedom app, launched in 2022, which equips faith leaders with resources to identify and address modern slavery within their communities

GFN works closely with governments, NGOs, civil society, and international organisations to coordinate efforts and amplify impact. Its approach is rooted in the belief that faith communities have a unique and powerful role to play in dismantling the systems that perpetuate slavery and human trafficking

Today, the Global Freedom Network continues to grow, fostering collaboration across denominations and cultures, and empowering leaders to act with courage and compassion in the pursuit of freedom for all.