2025 THEME
On 18 May 2025, the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) honors the 2025 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial under a three-part theme linking memory, resilience, and leadership: “We Remember. We Rise. We Lead.”Inspired by the PLHIV Leadership summit and the incredible demonstration of PLHIV leadership in the face of a rapidly changing world, this is a commitment to bold PLHIV leadership now.
Marked every third Sunday of May since 1983, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial has served as a time for people around the world to come together to honor the lives lost to AIDS and renew commitment to show support for people living with HIV the world over.
With less than 5 years to the end of the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the HIV response continues to be off target. In 2023, over 9 million people living with HIV did not access lifesaving HIV treatment; 630,000 people died from AIDS, and 1.3 million people newly acquired HIV, of which 120,000 were children, and this sad reality can only be changed by the PLHIV leaders in collaboration with governments. Events organised across the world on this day help to raise awareness about HIV and ensure that we all have access to lifesaving treatment to be alive and thrive beyond 2030.
This year’s theme: “We Remember. We Rise. We Lead.” A three-part theme linking memory, resilience, and leadership, we stand together as PLHIV leaders and communities to remember those we have lost, while celebrating their powerful contribution that brought us here, and drawing the inspiration to lead into an uncertain future, but determined to end AIDS.
We encourage PLHIV networks, allies, and those affected by HIV to get involved. More information about the day can be found here, including suggestions on how your Network can get involved and materials to help you publicise the Memorial. We would love to know what you are doing. You will find a form on the website where you can tell us about the plans in your country/ organisation. Use social media to share your stories and messages of support using the hashtag #Candlelightmemorial #PLHIVLeadersNow and tagging us @gnpplus for maximum visibility.
GNP+, who is the coordinator of the Candlelight memorial, is leading efforts to strengthen People living with HIV (PLHIV) leadership toward a person-centered sustainable HIV Response to achieve HIV epidemic control. End AIDS deaths, stop new HIV infections, and keep people alive by intentionally re-energizing the PLHIV-led movement to strengthen local for global advocacy towards secured access to treatment and quality of life for all people living with HIV and impacted by HIV.
TAKE ACTION
Whether you light a candle, write a letter, or hold an event, please join us. Ahead of the event, GNP+ will be hosting the PLHIV Convening on May 15, 2025. Please click here to access the joining link:
Here is a guide on other ways you can participate with us online:
WRITE A LETTER
Write a Letter to yourself or a tribute in memory of someone on the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial website.
Option 1: A tribute to someone you have loved and lost to HIV
- 3 things you loved about that person
- 3 things you want that person to know about how you continue to live or work with HIV
- A simple message for the world about what people can do to support you and people living with HIV
Option 2: A love letter to yourself
- 3 things you have done to hurt yourself, and how can you make it right
- 3 things you love about yourself
- One piece of advice you have for yourself moving forward
Click on this link here to write your letter.
SHARE THE EVENT POSTER
Share this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial poster on your social media with the hashtag #AIDSCandlelightMemorial
SHARE YOUR EVENT WITH US
As a call in the days and weeks before the memorial, share your event with us by completing this form, and we will share it with the world.
USE A ZOOM BACKGROUND
When sharing your Memorial Day actions on social media, please include our official hashtags
- #CandlelightMemorial
- #PLHIVLeadersNow
Tag our social media handles:
Join us as we spread love and solidarity to build stronger communities at this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.