When artists, activists, and world leaders unite for a common cause, the impact is undeniable.
On Sept. 28, 2024, 60,000 Global Citizens from around the world braved the elements and gathered on Central Park's Great Lawn in New York City for another unforgettable night of hope, celebration, and action-taking toward the world's most pressing issues.
With Global Citizen's signature blend of pop and policy on full display, some of music and entertainment's biggest names joined activists, world leaders, corporations, and philanthropists to defend the planet and end extreme poverty now.
Despite the persistent rain (seemingly becoming a tradition for our New York events!), the crowd's energy was electric. We were treated to jaw-dropping performances from an incredible lineup including Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Jelly Roll, and Rauw Alejandro. Rising stars Benson Boone and RAYE also lit up the stage, while a special collaboration between Pacific Artists for Climate Justice brought a powerful message through their music.
The night was filled with special appearances from influential figures across various fields. From climate activists to political leaders, from philanthropists to cultural icons, the stage saw a diverse array of voices united in the call for global change. With performances by music superstars and calls to action from global leaders, the festival served as a culmination of a year-long campaign focused on three key pillars: Defeating Poverty, Defending the Planet, and Demanding Equity.
Between the electrifying performances, impassioned calls to action, and the undeniably electric atmosphere, the 2024 Global Citizen Festival provided more than six hours of inspirational moments.
As we look forward to next year's festival, we invite you to relive the highlights of this year's event. Whether you were there in the rain with us or are experiencing it for the first time, here are some of the most impactful moments from Global Citizen Festival 2024, showcasing the power of music, activism, and global citizenship.
Global Citizens took a record 3.4 million actions during this year's Global Citizen Festival campaign. Action takers earned the chance to win free tickets to this year's festival. Image: Kris Lori for Global Citizen.
Record-breaking engagement: Global Citizens took over 3.4 million actions to defeat poverty, defend the planet, and demand equity, demonstrating the power of collective action.
Substantial financial commitments: In a significant show of support for the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), several countries stepped up with increased commitments. Denmark led the charge with a pledge of $491 million. This pledge is particularly significant because Denmark will hold the Presidency of the European Union from July 2025. By showing up with this substantial commitment, they have sent a powerful message to the rest of the EU to do the same.
“Global Citizens! We have heard your voices!” said Denmark’s Minister of Finance, Nicolai Wammen. “That is why we intend to provide nearly 500 million dollars. That is an increase in Denmark’s contributions by 40 percent!”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €260 million commitment over two years to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Image: Kris Lori for Global Citizen.
European Commission's health and humanitarian aid: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took to the stage to announce a substantial commitment to global health and humanitarian aid. The package includes €260 million for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and €213 million in humanitarian aid focused on food security in vulnerable regions.
Von der Leyen said of the commitment, “Europe will do its fair share. Dear friends, your energy gives us strength to make the world a better place. Your commitment keeps us going.”
His Excellency Ban Ki-moon became the first former Secretary-General of the United Nations to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty at Global Citizen Health and Climate Sessions on September 25, 2024. Image: Sachyn Mital for Global Citizen.
Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty momentum: In a historic move, former United Nations Secretary-General His Excellency Ban Ki-moon publicly endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty during the week leading up to the festival.
His Excellency encouraged others to follow his lead. “Momentum made past treaties a reality — and we need it again. I urge governments and citizens to join me in endorsing the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal today.”
This endorsement, coupled with Micronesia joining the coalition of supporting countries, marked a significant boost for the global movement to phase out fossil fuels.
Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin surprise the audience: In one of the night's most memorable moments, Ed Sheeran and Global Citizen Festival Curator Chris Martin walked onstage for a surprise performance. The duo treated the audience to acoustic renditions of Coldplay hits "Yellow" and "Viva la Vida," as well as Sheeran's "Shape of You" and "Thinking Out Loud." It was a powerful reminder of the power of music to bring people together for a common cause.
Pará State Governor Helder Barbalho returned to Central Park to announce that 500,000 new hectares in Brazil would become designated protected lands. Image: Mary Kang for Global Citizen.
Brazil reaffirms Amazon rainforest protection: Following up on the pledge he made at Global Citizen Festival 2023 to protect 1 million hectares in Pará by 2025, Pará State Governor Helder Barbalho returned to Central Park to reveal plans to protect 500,000 new hectares of land and restore 200,000 hectares of Indigenous territories in Brazil.
Clean energy adoption: In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, the Global Citizen Festival 2024 powered its main stage entirely with a SmartGrid battery system. This innovative approach, adapted from Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres" tour, significantly reduced the festival's carbon footprint and set a new standard for large-scale events. The festival's commitment to sustainability extended beyond the stage, with 100% vegetarian food offerings and plastic-free concession stands. This holistic approach to environmental responsibility demonstrated that major cultural events can lead the way in combating climate change.
Education support: Amidst the music and calls to action, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) made a powerful announcement that will impact millions of children in conflict-affected regions. Yasmine Sherif, ECW's Executive Director, revealed a $90 million funding package aimed at providing education in some of the world's most challenging environments.
Sherif thanked attendees for taking action, stating “Thank you Global Citizens for being part of our mission to deliver education to children in crisis, for making the world a better, fairer and more humane place.”
This commitment underscores the critical role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and building resilient communities, even in the face of crisis and conflict.
LGBTQI+ rights support: In a significant move for LGBTQI+ rights, the Adobe Foundation announced a $500,000 commitment to Outright International. This funding will bolster efforts to address human rights violations and abuses faced by LGBTQI+ communities worldwide.
The announcement, made jointly by former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Outright International's Executive Director Maria Sjödin, highlighted the festival's commitment to inclusivity and equality for all.
The Global Citizen Festival 2024 wasn't just a celebration of music and activism; it was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when individuals, artists, and world leaders come together for a common cause. As the festival lights dimmed in Central Park, the impact of these commitments and actions continued to resonate, driving real change in the fight against extreme poverty and climate change.
With each action taken and every commitment made, Global Citizens everywhere proved that their collective voice has the power to shape a more equitable and sustainable world for all. As we look ahead, the momentum generated by this year's festival serves as a reminder that the journey to end extreme poverty is ongoing, and every individual has a role to play in creating lasting change.