The 12th annual Global Citizen Festival returned to New York City’s Central Park on Saturday, September 28, 2024, drawing a crowd of 60,000 attendees despite rainy weather. This event, held in conjunction with the UN General Assembly, aims to unite world leaders, artists, and activists in the fight against extreme poverty.
This year’s musical lineup was star-studded, featuring performances by Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Jelly Roll, Rauw Alejandro, Benson Boone, and RAYE. Attendees were also treated to a surprise acoustic set by Ed Sheeran and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who performed four of their hits together. The event was hosted by Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman, with special appearances from figures such as Bill Nye “The Science Guy” and UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall.
The festival focused on three key pillars: Defeating Poverty, Defending the Planet, and Demanding Equity. Leading up to the event, over 3.4 million actions were taken by Global Citizens, resulting in $1 billion commitments from organizations, world leaders, and corporations dedicated to addressing these critical issues. The festival also made significant strides in sustainability, with the stage powered entirely by a SmartGrid battery system, a notable step toward reducing the event’s carbon footprint.
Aiming to mobilize the next generation, organizers offered free entry via their mobile app in exchange for volunteer work or signing petitions, making participation more accessible to young people. A standout moment of the night was Doja Cat’s passionate speech on global injustices, urging attendees to continue using their voices for change. She stressed that everyone has the ability to bring “change, love, light, and hope to those who need it most.”
The Global Citizen Festival continues to be a powerful platform for raising awareness and driving action on critical global issues, blending the universal appeal of music with the urgency of social and environmental change.