Pop music stars Post Malone and Doja Cat are set to headline this year's Global Citizen Festival in New York's Central Park on Sept. 28. The festival aims to mobilize young people to address pressing global issues.
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans highlighted the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and climate change, leading to an estimated 10% of the world's population living in extreme poverty. Despite long-term plans to eradicate poverty, the United Nations projects 575 million people will be in extreme poverty by 2030.
Global Citizen has a history of partnering with major artists like Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Ed Sheeran to raise awareness and funds to eliminate extreme poverty. Over the past decade, their events have generated more than $14 billion towards this cause.
Evans emphasized the importance of engaging young people, who have the power to drive significant change. Post Malone and Doja Cat, known for their influence on the younger demographic, are expected to connect with audiences at the festival.
The festival will also feature performances by country star Jelly Roll and Puerto Rican singer and rapper Rauw Alejandro. Tickets are free but require participants to take action on the festival website, such as writing to global leaders or posting on social media.
Global Citizen is advocating for increased contributions to the World Bank's International Development Association to uplift the world's lowest-income countries. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema stressed the urgency of global support amid food shortages and climate change impacts.
This year, Global Citizen is promoting in-person volunteering activities in New York to engage young people and offer festival tickets in return. Partnerships with organizations like Black Surfing Rockaway and The Bowery Mission aim to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage volunteerism.
The festival serves as a platform for positive change, urging individuals to take action and support initiatives that combat poverty, defend the planet, and promote equity.
