The 2025 Global Citizen Festival is set for September 27 in New York City’s Central Park.
International stars The Weeknd and Shakira are headlining the event with Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist also giving performances. Hugh Jackman is hosting the event.
This year the Global Citizen Festival is supporting energy access in Africa and halting the deforestation of the Amazon forest in South America.
The Global Citizen Festival supports anti-poverty and humanitarian efforts around the world.
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans spoke on this year’s musical artists saying, “the fact that these artists have immediate proximity to communities that have either recently emerged out of extreme poverty, or are emerging out of extreme poverty, gives them amazing perspective. And they bring that perspective into Central Park at this moment where I think the world needs a moment of unity now more than ever.”
Tickets to this year’s Festival are not bought but earned via tasks on the Global Citizen app including uploading videos advocating protecting the Amazon forest and mentoring young people.
Festival organizers note that social media posts and emails no longer have the impact they once did and have turned to user-generated content to spread the word.
Shakira said, “music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world. I can’t wait to perform, unite, and inspire action.”