Coldplay’s “Don’t Panic” has a stunning intro. Simple guitar chords are suddenly suffused with the warmth of a bassline and Chris Martin’s rich voice. I’m always surprised by how lovely it sounds.  

Like most of Coldplay’s work, the song combines melancholy, a generous view of the world and brushes of optimism.

And like some of Coldplay’s music, the song provides a window into the band’s worldview. I see their worldview as recognizing that inequalities abound in the world, but action can be taken to address them.

Coldplay is a leader in the fight against poverty and global hardship. The band lends a powerful voice (and hand) to causes such as education, HIV/AIDS, disaster relief, environmental sustainability and human rights, expanding potential reach and inspiring people in the process.

Recently, Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin agreed to be the creative curator of the Global Citizen Festival for the next 15 years. Yes, FIFTEEN YEARS.

On September 26th, Coldplay will join Pearl Jam, Beyoncé, and Ed Sheeran on the Center Stage in New York City’s Central Park to galvanize tens of thousands of global citizens and world leaders to make concrete steps toward ending poverty.

The 2015 Global Citizen Festival will play a pivotal role in spurring countries to commit to the Global Goals, 17 objectives that will guide the next 15 years of international development.

Leading up to the festival, global citizens can complete “Action Journeys” to champion various causes by making calls, sending tweets, signing petitions and other actions for a chance to win two free tickets.

On 6 distinct “Days of Action,” global citizens can complete a specific task for a chance to win VIP tickets, merchandise, meet and greets with the artists and more.

July 15th marks the 2nd Day of Action. And Coldplay needs your support to make it a success.

Global Poverty Project is partnering with Coldplay to call on countries including Norway, to increase their pledges for global education and to join 60,000 global citizens  at the Global Citizen Festival to announce their commitments.

62 million adolescent girls around the world are not in school. If countries can muster an annual $39 billion--8 days worth of global military spending--these girls can receive 12 years of free, solid education.

Sustained education is perhaps the most effective antidote for hard-to-break cycles of poverty. It can transform earning potential, lead to better health and greater independence.

TAKE ACTION: Send a tweet calling on Norway to lead the world in improving access to education in TAKE ACTION NOW.

To get inspired, here are some of my favorite actions that Coldplay has taken to combat poverty (with a little message teased out):

1) It’s about the kids, not personal glory
For 4 years, Coldplay kept its support of the Kids Company, a charity that works with vulnerable young people in London, private.

During this time, the band was the charity’s main benefactor. Coldplay’s support was finally revealed during a benefit show organized by the band in 2011--an event that brought Kids Company tons of visibility.

2) Leverage popularity for good
Coldplay has helped raise awareness for Oxfam initiatives in more than 50 countries.

In particular, the band has brought significant attention to the “Make Trade Fair” campaign that promotes trade justice around the world.

The band has also frequently traveled to Haiti to bring awareness to coffee and rice farmers and to play benefit concerts following the devastating earthquake in 2010.

3) Amplify the Global Goals
As a headliner for the 2015 Global Citizen Festival, Coldplay will bring substantial attention to the Global Goals.

This support (along with the efforts of countless global citizens) can spur countries around the world to make generous commitments to the fight to end extreme poverty.

Oh, and Chris Martin’s role as the curator for the next 15 years of the festival is pretty cool, too.

Join Coldplay and send the tweet calling on Norway to improve education around the world in TAKE ACTION NOW.