On a day that saw the convergence of activism and entertainment, the Global Citizen Festival 2024 brought together a crowd of 60,000 passionate individuals on the Great Lawn of Central Park, all united for a common cause: to advocate for the world’s most marginalized communities. With the promise of $1 billion in commitments announced to defeat poverty, defend the planet, and demand equity, the air was heavy with hope and inspiration. Global Citizen Festival was, yet again, a triumphant success in 2024 and their efforts to make the world a better place were heard by not only the tens of thousands present in person, but also the millions that tuned in online through the livestream.

Global Citizen is a social action platform and advocacy organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty and fostering a sustainable and equitable world. Founded in 2012, Global Citizen has leveraged the power of music, celebrity influence, and grassroots activism to mobilize millions of people around the global to take action on pressing social issues. Through campaigns, events, and partnerships, the organization seeks to create a world where everyone has access to basic human rights, including healthcare, education, and clean water.

Global Citizen was born out of the desire to engage the global community in the fight against poverty. It was co-founded by Hugh Evans, a social entrepreneur and activist who previously founded the Oaktree Foundation in Australia. Along with co-founders Michael Sheldrick and Scarlett Lewis, the trio envisioned a platform that would unite people across borders to advocate for systemic change.

The organization’s first major campaign, “Make Poverty History,” sought to raise awareness about global poverty and pressure world leaders to commit to sustainable development goals. This initiative laid the groundwork for future campaigns and established Global Citizen as a formidable voice in the global development landscape.

One of the defining moments for Global Citizen came with the launch of the Global Citizen Festival in 2012. Held annually in Central Park, New York City, this concert brings together world-renowned artists, activists, and leaders to raise awareness and funds for various global initiatives. The festival has featured performances from major artists such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Jay-Z, transforming the event into a cultural phenomenon that attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees and millions of online viewers.

The festival not only entertains but also serves as a platform for advocacy. Attendees earn tickets by taking action through the Global Citizen app, which encourages users to engage in campaigns, sign petitions, and share their voices on social media. This unique model combines activism with entertainment, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Global Citizen has been at the forefront of several impactful campaigns addressing critical issues such as climate change, gender equality, and access to education. The organization works closely with various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and nonprofits, to drive systemic change.

Key campaigns include:

• Every Last Child: Launched to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare, and nutrition.
• Water Access: Aimed at providing clean water and sanitation to communities in need.
• SDG Advocates: A coalition of global leaders advocating for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through these campaigns, Global Citizen has successfully mobilized commitments from world leaders and raised billions of dollars to support development initiatives worldwide. The organization’s efforts have resulted in significant advancements in health care, education, and poverty alleviation, showcasing the power of collective action.

Global Citizen stands as a testament to the power of grassroots activism, collaboration, and innovative thinking in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. By uniting individuals, organizations, and leaders around a shared vision of a better world, Global Citizen continues to inspire millions to take action and advocate for a future free from poverty and inequality. As the organization looks toward the future, it remains committed to its mission of building a more equitable, sustainable, and just world for all.

This year’s festival marked a significant milestone with the announcement of a four-year partnership between Global Citizen and FIFA, featuring the first-ever halftime show during the FIFA World Cup final. This groundbreaking collaboration was highlighted on stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, and Hugh Jackman, underscoring the importance of sports as a platform for social change.

The festival featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dr. Jane Goodall and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who articulated the pressing global issues that require immediate attention. To keep the relatively young crowd engaged in the speaker’s messages, Global Citizen also brought out new-age guest phenomenons such as producer DJ Khaled, science icon Bill Nye The Science Guy, and New York Times best-selling author Drew Afualo. Their messages resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for action and commitment from world leaders to address climate change, healthcare, and poverty.

As the rain pelted down, the musical performances kicked off, turning advocacy into a celebration of music and community. Benson Boone opened the festival with an exhilarating set, performing his hit “Beautiful Things.” The energy surged with Jelly Roll, who had the crowd singing along to “Wild Ones,” featuring a surprise appearance by Jessie Murph, igniting the audience’s enthusiasm further. The rain couldn’t damper anyone’s mood. No matter how cold and unpleasant it was, everyone on the Great Lawn came prepared in ponchos and jackets to support a cause that needs our advocacy now more than ever.

The ambiance on the Great Lawn on September 28 was unforgettably magnificent. To see so many young faces and global superstars join forces to advocate for a better world was beyond inspiring; it was a testament to how powerful the human connection can be when we come together and insinuate change.

The night continued with RAYE delivering a heartfelt performance of “Oscar Winning Tears” and “Escapism,” reminding attendees of the power of music to convey deep emotions. The Pacific Islander choir, This Is Our Home, provided a poignant reminder of the urgency to protect the planet, performing with grace and passion.

The international sensation LISA from BLACKPINK captivated the crowd with her first solo festival appearance, showcasing her chart-topping hits and an exclusive unreleased track, “Moonlit Floor.” Doja Cat followed, lighting up the stage with her infectious energy and disco-ball dress, performing hits like “Agora Hills” and “Paint The Town Red.” Her powerful words about global suffering brought the audience to reflect on the impact of conflict and crisis worldwide. Her support of the cause was on full display, a sentiment that was shared by every musical performer present. Each and every artist had a personal connection to Global Citizen and the fight it supports. There is no question that what Global Citizen is doing worldwide has already made a profound impact and will continue to do so.

The surprise acoustic set by Ed Sheeran and Coldplay’s Chris Martin was a highlight of the evening, as they performed “Yellow” and “Thinking Out Loud,” evoking nostalgia and unity among the crowd. To close the show, Post Malone delivered a powerhouse performance, featuring mega-hits “Circles” and “Sunflower” entirely reimagined in his new country style, leaving the audience exhilarated and fulfilled.

Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, addressed the audience with gratitude, stating, “You are the engine of this movement.” His words were a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have. With commitments from countries such as Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Spain to increase support for global initiatives, the festival served as a pivotal moment for advocacy on the world stage.

In the weeks following festival, Global Citizen has worked closely with NYC Parks to calculate the overall damages that resulted from the massive event on the Great Lawn. Ultimately, the damages were minimal, but nonetheless, Global Citizen will, as they always do, pay to fix any repairs needed on the Great Lawn. Throughout the festival, Global Citizen ensured waste was reduced and sustainability was upheld by distributing reusable water bottles to attendees and utilizing compostable items to serve food from their entirely vegan and vegetarian array of vendors.

The Global Citizen Festival 2024 was more than just a concert; it was a resounding call to action, a showcase of global solidarity, and a celebration of the arts. The combination of compelling speeches, stunning performances, and a shared commitment to social justice created a memorable experience that will resonate far beyond the Great Lawn. As the world continues to face significant challenges, events like this remind us that together, we can make a difference. The festival not only entertained, but also empowered individuals to take action, ensuring that the fight against poverty and inequality remains at the forefront of global consciousness.

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