“We are hope, we are action”

From October 1st to 5th, 2025, national coordinators and representatives from 12 Talitha Kum networks across Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in Quito, Ecuador, for the first-ever Regional Conference of Talitha Kum in Latin America and the Caribbean. The event was hosted by the Talitha Kum network in Ecuador, with the support of Talitha Kum International, and marked an important milestone in strengthening collaboration and shared mission across the region.

A Time for Reflection, Learning, and Strategic Vision

The conference, led by Sr. Carmen Ugarte García, Regional Coordinator of Talitha Kum Latin America and the Caribbean, was a strategic moment of reflection and learning, allowing participants to evaluate progress, share experiences, and set common priorities in the fight against human trafficking. Using the “see, judge, act” methodology, it fostered collaboration, critical reflection, and concrete action focused on spirituality, care, advocacy, and communication.

“Each of you carries hope to the most vulnerable, and together, we create change with compassion, justice, and faith,” said Sr. Abby Avelino, International Coordinator of Talitha Kum, in her opening address, highlighting the spirit of unity and compassion that animates the networks’ mission.

A participant from Brazil shared, “These days of living together were a space for listening, discernment, and mutual strengthening, reaffirming that the fight against human trafficking requires presence, networking, and an embodied spirituality.”

Facing Challenges with Hope and Collaboration

The Latin American and Caribbean region continues to face complex and interrelated challenges: widespread poverty, growing violence and organized crime, the effects of climate change, and increasing forced migration. Yet, amidst this difficult context, the conference celebrated the strength and resilience of the networks. Supported by young leaders and lay collaborators who walk alongside the sisters in their mission, the networks continue to build bridges of solidarity and hope.

Participants reflected on significant achievements in raising awareness, advocacy, prevention, and the accompaniment of victims and survivors. Collaboration across countries and organizations has been key to sustaining hope and collective action.

Seminar with CLAR: New Trends and Shared Tools

A highlight of the week was a three-day seminar organized in collaboration with the Comisión de la CLAR contra la Trata de Personas. The seminar examined emerging trends in human trafficking, including climate-related forced migration, and explored how the care for our Common Home is deeply connected with the care for persons. Participants received practical training in advocacy strategies, use of social media for awareness, self-care, and psychosocial accompaniment for victims and survivors.

Strengthening Unity and Defining the Way Forward

The conference concluded with the adoption of a strategic action plan anchored in spirituality, unity, and sustainability. The plan highlights the importance of strengthening and expanding the presence of Talitha Kum in the most vulnerable areas of the region, while continuing to advance in areas such as advocacy, formation, and the integral care of victims and survivors.

This first regional conference marks a significant step forward in the fight against human trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean. It reaffirmed the unity, hope, and commitment of all networks to continue walking together — as women and men of faith, compassion, and action.

The meeting concluded with the release of a Final Declaration, titled “We are hope, we are action”, which can be accessed below.