Grieve Chelwa, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Associate Professor of Political Economy at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, recently played a leading role in a high-level international consultation on global debt held in London from May 13 to 15, 2025. The event was convened by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the Council for World Mission (CWM).

The consultation addressed the ongoing debt crisis disproportionately affecting countries in the Global South and its impact on development priorities such as healthcare, education, and climate resilience. Chelwa presented the African perspective and contributed to shaping a communiqué that calls for urgent debt cancellation and reforms to the international financial system.

In a reflection shared on LinkedIn, Chelwa said, “I had the singular honor of presenting the African case for debt cancellation at the meeting. I am very heartened to see the church lending its moral and religious might to the topic of debt in Africa and other parts of the global South.”

This work aligns closely with his academic research on economic justice and informs his teaching at The Africa Institute, where he mentors students engaged in addressing Africa’s development challenges.

The communiqué, which will be disseminated among millions worldwide, urges systemic transformation of the global financial architecture rooted in justice and equity. Chelwa’s involvement builds on his wider work as a member of the Papal Commission on the Debt and Development Crisis, convened by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican. He was also recently named one of The Africa Report’s “10 African Scholars to Watch in 2025.”

Click here to learn more.

Grieve Chelwa, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Associate Professor of Political Economy at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, recently played a leading role in a high-level international consultation on global debt held in London from May 13 to 15, 2025. The event was convened by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the Council for World Mission (CWM).

Grieve Chelwa, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Associate Professor of Political Economy at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, recently played a leading role in a high-level international consultation on global debt held in London from May 13 to 15, 2025. The event was convened by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the Council for World Mission (CWM).

The consultation addressed the ongoing debt crisis disproportionately affecting countries in the Global South and its impact on development priorities such as healthcare, education, and climate resilience. Chelwa presented the African perspective and contributed to shaping a communiqué that calls for urgent debt cancellation and reforms to the international financial system.

In a reflection shared on LinkedIn, Chelwa said, “I had the singular honor of presenting the African case for debt cancellation at the meeting. I am very heartened to see the church lending its moral and religious might to the topic of debt in Africa and other parts of the global South.”

This work aligns closely with his academic research on economic justice and informs his teaching at The Africa Institute, where he mentors students engaged in addressing Africa’s development challenges.

The communiqué, which will be disseminated among millions worldwide, urges systemic transformation of the global financial architecture rooted in justice and equity. Chelwa’s involvement builds on his wider work as a member of the Papal Commission on the Debt and Development Crisis, convened by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican. He was also recently named one of The Africa Report’s “10 African Scholars to Watch in 2025.”

Click here to learn more.

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