Lighting a candle.
More than a symbol, it is an invitation to pause, listen, connect and reflect on the kind of future we want to build together.
Light in the Darkness is a global, youth- and volunteer-led movement that invites people of all generations, communities and backgrounds to take part in a shared journey for peace.
Beginning in Solferino and growing across the world, the movement connects individual actions, community initiatives and global conversations around a shared commitment to humanity, dignity and peaceful coexistence.
Light in the Darkness is a global, youth- and volunteer-led movement that transforms individual acts of hope into collective action for peace. Rooted in the humanitarian values of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it invites people of all generations, backgrounds and communities to take part in a shared journey — from Solferino to Geneva, and far beyond.
Where It Began
In June 1859, as darkness fell after the Battle of Solferino, local communities cared for wounded strangers through the night, demonstrating a profound act of humanity that would inspire the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. More than 160 years later, that light still shines.
Today, Light in the Darkness carries that spirit forward — not as a remembrance of the past, but as a call to action for the future.
The Night Sky Above Solferino (June 24, 1859)
Watch A Billion LightsWhy Light?
Light has long been a symbol of hope, humanity and solidarity.
Today, in a world experiencing increasing polarization, conflict and uncertainty, Light in the Darkness invites people to come together around a simple but powerful idea: peace begins with people.
Not through grand declarations alone, but through listening, dialogue, trust and human connection.
One light may seem small.
Together, millions of lights can illuminate a path forward.
One Light. Then Another.
Taking part is simple.
Light a candle.
Share a reflection.
Invite five others.
Grow the movement.
- Individual actions become shared experiences.
- Communities become connected.
- A global movement begins to emerge.
Listening for Peace
It is about listening.
Across communities, participants are invited to share experiences, concerns, hopes and ideas about peace, dignity, humanity and coexistence.
Through conversations, community events, digital participation and intergenerational dialogue, the movement creates space for people to learn from one another and reflect on the future they want to build together.
The Fiaccolata
Every year, thousands of people gather in Solferino to take part in the Fiaccolata, carrying lights through the night in remembrance of the humanitarian spirit that inspired the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
In 2026, the Fiaccolata becomes the starting point of a broader global journey.
A moment of reflection, participation and collective commitment that connects local communities to a growing worldwide movement for peace.
Every participant is invited to encourage five other people to take part. Light a candle. Share a message. Start a conversation. Then invite five friends, family members, colleagues or community members to do the same.
Those five people can each invite five more. Through this simple chain of participation, individual acts of hope and solidarity can spread across communities, countries and generations.
One light becomes five. Five become twenty-five. Twenty-five become hundreds. Together, small actions can create a movement.
A Global Ambition
By 2028, Light in the Darkness aims to:
- Mobilise youth and volunteers worldwide.
- Strengthen dialogue across generations and communities.
- Support local initiatives that promote peace and social cohesion.
- Connect community action to global conversations.
- Build a lasting movement for peace rooted in humanity and participation.
- Reach people in communities across the world.
How Do I Get Involved?
— 1 —
Light a Candle
Join a local event, community gathering or moment of reflection. Light a candle for peace, take a photo or video, and share it using #IFRCLightInTheDarkness.
— 2 —
Be Vocal on Social
Record a short video or a ‘Story’ reflecting on what peace means to you and share it using #IFRCLightInTheDarkness.
— 3 —
Organise a Local Peace Action
Bring people together through a candlelight vigil, peace walk, storytelling event, intergenerational dialogue, arts activity, sports event or another locally led initiative.
— 4 —
Grow the Movement
Invite five others to participate and carry the light forward through the Each One Reach Five model.
— 5 —
Contribute to Voices of Peace
Record a short reflection on what peace means to you and become part of the growing digital mosaic of voices from around the world.
— 6 —
Partner With Us
National Societies, youth groups, schools, cities, community organisations and institutions are invited to join the movement and help expand its reach.
— 7 —
Apply for Limitless Peace Funding
Are you a young leader or volunteer with an idea for a peace initiative in your community? Apply for Limitless support and turn your idea into action.
— 8 —
Listen for Peace
Across communities, participants are invited to share experiences, concerns, hopes and ideas about peace, dignity, humanity and coexistence.
Join IFRC LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS MOVEMENT NOW
#IFRCLightInTheDarkness
From one candle to many if we all use #IFRCLightInTheDarkness.
From one conversation to a growing movement for Peace.
From Solferino to communities around the world.
Through humanity, we build peace.
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