In partnership with the Government of Brazil and the 2024 G20 Presidency, we’re thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated Global Citizen NOW action summit is coming to Brazil on Nov. 17, 2024! This landmark event takes place on the eve of the 2024 G20 Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, gathering world leaders, innovators, and advocates to tackle the most pressing issues facing our planet today.

As Brazil gears up to host both the G20 Leaders Meeting and the COP 30 Summit in Belém in 2025, the Global Citizen NOW summit is poised to capitalize on this pivotal moment in global discourse. This is not just another conference; it’s a vibrant gathering of passionate changemakers dedicated to driving decisive action to end extreme poverty and protect our planet. With an agenda packed with dynamic discussions, workshops, and opportunities for meaningful engagement, attendees will be inspired to take action and create real change.

“In such an important time, to Brazil and to the world, when we welcome world leaders to Rio de Janeiro for the G20 summit, and also look ahead to COP 30 next year in Belém, our country will be at the heart of pushing forward a global sustainable development agenda. This is a crucial moment, not only for our nation but for our planet, as we face unprecedented challenges that demand unified and decisive action,” said Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.

“At this time, we are honored to welcome Global Citizen to Rio De Janeiro to host Global Citizen NOW, which will convene leaders from all sectors to protect the environment, confront the climate crisis, global hunger, and tackle the deep social inequalities that affect millions. This is a unique opportunity to work together to create lasting solutions for our planet and its people.”

Why is the focus on rainforests a key part of the agenda? Rainforests are not only home to an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals, but they also serve a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. They act as the Earth’s lungs by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, helping to stabilize the climate in the process. Tropical rainforests house over 30 million species, accounting for half of all wildlife on Earth and two-thirds of flowering plant species, with many more yet to be discovered.

The impact of climate change puts entire ecosystems and indigenous communities at risk, too. For millennia, indigenous peoples have lived in balance with these forests, depending on them for food, shelter, and medicine. However, deforestation caused by logging, oil companies, and agriculture often devastates vast areas, endangering local Indigenous ways of life. It is projected that 216 million people will be forced to abandon their homes by 2050 due to climate change, and this will have severe and lasting consequences for their communities.

Uniting Global Voices

The Global Citizen NOW: Rio de Janeiro summit will feature an extraordinary line-up of speakers, including renowned global leaders, innovative thinkers, and cultural icons. The summit will be supported by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, and will feature influential figures from the public and private sectors, including: 

• Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil  
• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission  
• Tarciana Medeiros, President and CEO, Banco do Brasil  
• Doron Avni, Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Emerging Markets, Google  
• Laurence Tubiana, CEO, European Climate Foundation  
• ALOK, a two-time Latin GRAMMY-nominated musician and philanthropist  

These extraordinary changemakers will be joined by the following inspiring individuals who are driving impactful work across climate justice, indigenous rights, sustainable development, and more. 

Helder Barbalho, Governor of Pará State; Júlia Forlani, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Amazônia +21 Institute & FAIS; Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples; Mitzi Jonelle-Tan, Climate Justice Activist and Steering Committee member of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative; Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Larissa Pinto Moraes, Executive Director of Engajamundo; Paul Newnham, CEO of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub; Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro; Diego Scotti, Global Citizen Board Member and EVP, General Manager - Consumer Group & Global Marketing and Communications at PayPal; Rene Silva, Businessman, Communicator, and Activist at Jornal Voz Das Comunidades; Ginga Tropical, Performers; Tori Tsui, Climate Justice Activist with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative; and Celia Xakriaba, Brazilian Federal Deputy, Indigenous Activist, and Co-Founder of ANMIGA (National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestry).

With such diverse voices, the summit promises to foster an environment ripe for collaboration and innovation, ensuring discussions lead to actionable solutions.

Key Focus Areas

Sessions at Global Citizen NOW: Rio de Janeiro will address urgent global challenges, including:

• Defending Our Planet: Initiatives to protect our ecosystems and combat climate change will be at the forefront, emphasizing the need for immediate action.  
• Ending Tropical Rainforest Deforestation: Attendees will explore strategies to halt deforestation and promote sustainable land use, recognizing rainforests’ vital role in our planet’s health.  
• Accelerating the Just Energy Transition: The summit will focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources, ensuring this shift is equitable and inclusive.  
• Amplifying Indigenous Voices: Participants will hear directly from Indigenous leaders and land defenders, amplifying their demands for recognition, respect, and action from world leaders.  
• Strengthening Global Food Security: Discussions will center around ensuring access to nutritious food for all, particularly in vulnerable communities.  
• Fast-Tracking Climate Financing: The summit will emphasize increased and improved climate financing, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.  

A Historic First for Latin America

This edition of Global Citizen NOW marks a historic first for Latin America, following successful summits held in New York and Melbourne earlier in 2024. Expanding the summit’s reach to Brazil underscores our commitment to amplifying voices from all corners of the globe and is a vital step in a larger movement toward global equity, sustainability, and justice. 

“Hosting the first Global Citizen NOW in Latin America, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, will be the opportunity to expand mobilization and cooperation in the face of the urgent need to transform realities and fight inequalities around the world. It also shows that Brazil is leading by example, whether in international forums or in implementing policies in the country, prioritizing the fight against hunger and poverty, the climate crisis and the protection of the Amazon Rainforest,” said Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil. “We are living in a historical moment, where having spaces for dialogue bringing together government actors, civil society organizations, the private sector, activists and leaders becomes even more relevant. With COP30 in Belém do Pará in 2025, we will have people from all over the world debating the future of the Planet with their feet on this ancestral territory, so that it may inspire us to work together on solutions to build a more sustainable and less unequal development.” 

Join the Movement

As the global community gears up for this exciting event, we invite individuals from all walks of life to join the movement. Your voice matters! Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just beginning to explore your passion for social change, there are countless ways to get involved. Follow Global Citizen on social media, download the Global Citizen app, and stay informed about the summit’s developments.

Stay tuned for more updates and details about the summit’s agenda, featured speakers, and exciting opportunities to engage with fellow advocates. Click here for the latest information.