The iconic Great Lawn in New York City’s Central Park was electrified on Saturday, September 27, 2025, as the Global Citizen Festival returned, drawing an estimated 60,000 attendees for a day blending music, activism, and urgent global advocacy. Headlining the star-studded event were global music titans Cardi B and Shakira, delivering performances that not only entertained but also amplified the festival’s core mission of driving meaningful change.
An Electric Lineup with a Purpose
Joining Cardi B and Shakira on stage were a diverse array of international talents, including South African singer Tyla, Nigerian artist Ayra Starr, American singer-songwriter Mariah the Scientist, Colombian artist Camilo, and Palestinian-American singer Elyanna. Adding to the excitement, K-pop sensation ROSÉ of BLACKPINK made a special surprise appearance, further broadening the festival’s appeal. The Weeknd was originally slated to headline but had to withdraw due to personal reasons, making way for Cardi B’s dynamic addition to the lineup.
The festival, organized by Global Citizen—an organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty, defending the planet, and ensuring equal access to essential resources—requires attendees to earn their tickets by taking meaningful actions, such as signing petitions or volunteering. This unique model underscores the event’s commitment to active participation and tangible impact.
Ambitious Goals for Global Change
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival campaign set forth several ambitious goals aimed at addressing critical global issues. A primary focus was providing energy access to one million people across Africa, a significant step towards sustainable development and economic empowerment. Furthermore, the festival aimed to raise $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, a vital ecosystem facing ongoing threats.
In alignment with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, the event also championed quality education for 30,000 children worldwide. This partnership with FIFA underscores the organization’s commitment to leveraging sport and entertainment to promote learning and opportunity. Additionally, the festival sought to register 40,000 New Yorkers to volunteer, fostering local engagement and community development.
Music Meets Activism: A Tradition of Impact
Long-time Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman returned to host the festival for his eleventh consecutive year, emphasizing the powerful connection between music and activism. He was joined by a team of co-hosts, including Bill Nye, Adam Lambert, Danai Gurira, and Liza Koshy, who all played roles in guiding the audience through the day’s performances and calls to action. The event also featured a host of speakers and presenters, including Kristen Bell, Tony Goldwyn, Laurie Hernandez, and others, who shared insights and advocated for various causes.
Since its founding in 2008, Global Citizen has been instrumental in mobilizing citizens and securing billions of dollars in commitments to combat poverty and protect the planet. The organization’s impact is extensive, having raised over $43 billion and touched the lives of nearly 1.3 billion people through its year-round campaigns and events. The festival serves as a powerful platform to translate collective action into tangible results, demonstrating that music and entertainment can be potent forces for social and environmental good. As the entertainment world continues to evolve, news of such significant events highlights the ongoing integration of cultural phenomena with crucial global initiatives. The festival’s success not only provides a stage for celebrated artists but also amplifies the urgent calls for action, making it a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to create a more equitable and sustainable world. While this event focuses on music, it also indirectly relates to other entertainment news and releases, as popular culture continues to intersect with global issues.
The festival, which ran from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., utilized a stage powered by the same battery system used for Coldplay’s world tour, highlighting a commitment to sustainable practices. The event was also livestreamed globally, allowing millions worldwide to engage with the performances and the festival’s mission. The Global Citizen Festival 2025 continues this tradition, uniting artists, activists, and citizens in a shared pursuit of a better future, proving that collective action, amplified by entertainment, can indeed make a difference.
