Dozens of Global Citizens received the opportunity last month to sit in on powerful discussions between some of the most influential leaders in the world about how to create a more sustainable future.
The group of our most engaged action takers in New York City attended the inaugural Global Citizen NOW thought leadership summit at Spring Studios on May 22 and 23, featuring more than 200 speakers from the public and private spheres.
Heads of state, scientists, activists, celebrity advocates, and corporate executives discussed the overlapping crises that affect communities around the world — from the climate crisis to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to gender inequity. They also explored the opportunities that can arise when different sectors work together to achieve the United Nations’ Global Goals.
The summit included panels that aimed to instill a greater sense of urgency throughout the audience in their efforts to break the systemic barriers keeping people in poverty, protect the planet, empower women and girls, and more.
Action takers in attendance left feeling inspired and invigorated to continue fighting for a more equitable planet for all. Their highlights from the two-day event included everything from photojournalists sharing the role of images to drive change during the “Capturing Crises: Reporting From the Front Lines of Conflict” panel, to feminist organizer Gloria Steinem’s thoughts on the current state of abortion rights and gender equality during the “Women of Influence: The Power of Gender in Shaping Culture” panel, to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley in conversation for the panel “Climate in Crisis: Rising Tides.”
Below, nine of our action takers share their experiences at the summit, what they learned, and why they want to continue doing their part.
Feeling inspired by these action takers to help end extreme poverty NOW? Want a chance to be invited to our events in the future? Join the Global Citizen movement today by signing up below.
1. Anisha Kapri
What was your favorite part of Global Citizen NOW?
It was really inspiring when the photojournalists showed the pictures and videos they had taken and told us the stories of what was happening around the world. It is important to raise awareness. [US Speaker of the House] Nancy Pelosi was really inspiring, too.
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
I learned that we don’t have to work in the nonprofit field to make a difference. We can stand up for a cause and make a difference from wherever we are.
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
I joined Global Citizen in 2016. Around that time, I was working on an initiative called “Promise of a Cycle” to make sure girls in Nepal don’t miss school because of menstruation. It is important that girls graduate school and be independent so they can make decisions for themselves.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
What happens in developing countries also affects people in “first-world” countries like the US. Poverty is now a global issue. More people should take action to end global poverty because living in poverty means the next generation is missing out on opportunities to learn, to complete school, to live a healthy life, and to be independent.
2. Daniela Bassini
What was your favorite part of Global Citizen NOW?
I loved being surrounded by so many people who share the same mindset. I'm super hopeful that people with some kind of power understand the urgency of working toward a better future, starting yesterday. I really liked having so many different perspectives and approaches about the same goal.
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
It confirmed the power that a lot of small actions can have when added up. None of the CEOs and world leaders would have shown up to the event if there wasn't a huge movement of people expecting them to do so, expecting them to make the right calls for a global community.
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
I joined Global Citizen in December 2017 and was inspired by the number of people, artists, and companies that believe in Global Citizen's work. I was overwhelmed by how many things were going on in the world, and Global Citizen gave me a platform where I could do a little action to add up to a lot of other little actions and feel like part of something bigger with a common goal toward a better future.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
It is an issue that involves all of us and affects all of us. We can't pretend it isn't happening and if we have at least the slightest possibility to help provided by Global Citizen, we should not hesitate and should take it.
3. Ryan Shemen
What was your favorite part of Global Citizen NOW?
Learning from global leaders across multiple sectors.
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
A life lesson that I took away from the Global Citizen NOW event is that each person has the ability to change or improve the planet. Thought leaders across multiple sectors shared their stories as to how they achieved greatness and how we can all learn from what they accomplished to take the torch even farther!
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
I first joined Global Citizen over seven years ago. To date, I've taken over 1,200 actions and I'm proud to be a gold loyalty level member. I'll be a #GlobalCitizen every day, for the rest of my life. Together, we can all make this a better planet today and for generations to come.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
Extreme poverty is a major crisis and solving this will take a global commitment. We are not just citizens of the country we reside in; rather, we are citizens of the world. It is inexcusable that 40% of the food that we grow gets thrown away in the US. If food waste alone made up a country, it would be the third largest GHG [greenhouse gas] emitter. In the United States, food worth $48.3 billion is thrown away each year.
One-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. This amounts to about 1.3 billion tons per year, worth approximately $1 trillion. All the food produced but never eaten would be sufficient to feed 2 billion people. That's more than twice the number of undernourished people across the globe.
Of course, this isn't just a US-based issue, but rather a daily problem that is solvable worldwide — that together we can solve. Thank you to all the amazing organizations and entities such as the United Nations, Forgotten Harvest, Shake Shack, Google, The Coca-Cola Company, Citi, P&G, Cisco, Verizon, and many others who are coming together to fight food waste. There is a massive opportunity here, and I'm excited to be a part of the solution!
4. Alexander Garcia
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
I learned that a lot of people have the will to help, but sometimes we don’t know how.
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
I think I have five years with Global Citizen and my inspiration is human rights. I am an Indigenous human rights lawyer — you are part of what I believe.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
Poverty is a social disease. This is a problem of society, and it is our duty as humans to try to fix that situation. If we believe in the future, this is the first thing to fix to get the next step in evolution.
5. Ken Wright
What was your favorite part of Global Citizen NOW?
Being around and meeting like-minded people working toward the goals that are important to me. It gave me a feeling that there are people like me trying to do what I am trying to do.
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
We must elect leaders that have compassion for all people, and we must be strong to “take a punch and throw a punch, for the children," [as US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said during her panel] for the cause of good actions of love to prevail.
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
About eight years ago. I was drawn by the easy way to do the actions since I did not know all the ways to help fight for the cause. When all you have to do is a few clicks on the app and you have contributed, you feel great being a part of the movement. Then I just kept clicking and doing all the actions till there were none left. Then I emailed my senators and congresspeople to demand they do the work to bring an end to all the injustices in the world.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
Power in numbers. I see the work of fighting to end extreme poverty and fighting climate change as a crucial part of my life. I do have a choice but feel compelled to act as we all simply need to have joy in our day. If we all don't have what we need then literally WE ALL DON'T HAVE WHAT WE NEED. I know that all of us can do something to fix it. So then we must.
6. Raji Kalra
What was your favorite part of Global Citizen NOW?
Walking in with the mayor of New York City [Eric Adams], Milck’s performance, and seeing Gloria Steinem again.
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
The event left me more inspired to take greater action now. I also learned about Web 3.0 for the first time and am interested to see how I can become more of a creator and contributor.
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
I’ve dedicated my life and career to helping others and love that Global Citizen makes it easy to get and stay active and involved. I joined right before or after the first Global Citizen Festival years ago. Growing up, I called myself a global citizen and would ask my parents and teachers why I couldn’t just be a citizen of the world.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
Global Citizen makes it easy to take action and learn about issues affecting different parts of the world at the same time. It’s not limited to taking action domestically in your home country but you truly can take global action and see the progress being made across various issues and struggles around the world. Donating your time and voice is just as valuable if not more valuable than donating your dollars and Global Citizen proves that to be true.
7. Laura Storjohann
What was your favorite part of Global Citizen NOW?
I enjoyed all of it, and it was a nice surprise when Mayor Adams spoke. It was also fun to have music at the end.
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
Action must be taken now by all. Help fight for global issues as if you're fighting for your own life!
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
I first heard about it when I moved to NYC in 2013. The festival was the first thing that caught my attention, but as I learned more, I was captivated by what GC stands for and everything they do. They aligned with my interests and I immediately felt connected to Global Citizen's movement.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
It's easy to take action with GC and every little bit adds up to go a long way. We can all help make a difference to make the world a better place.
8. Israel Zaragoza
What was your favorite part of Global Citizen NOW?
The content and diversity of each of the sessions, and of course all the important people involved to make a positive change in our lives!
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
My biggest takeaway is that we the people of the world are all united by love and passion in this effort to make this a better and happier planet for everybody.
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
I’m happy to have been involved with Global Citizen almost since the beginning of this wonderful organization. Global Citizen is the perfect organization at the intersection of pop and policy that gives you the opportunity to get involved and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
Everybody deserves livable and healthy conditions! Many people want to end poverty but they don't know how. Thanks to Global Citizen the answer is simple; become a Global Citizen and take action!
9. Sarah Mullins
What was your favorite part of Global Citizen NOW?
The panels with Nancy Pelosi and [the one] on photojournalism.
What's the biggest thing you learned or took away from the summit?
"Plant trees under whose shade you do not plan to sit."
When did you first join Global Citizen, and what inspired you to do so?
I first learned about Global Citizen in 2014. I've been an activist since childhood, but Global Citizen presented an amazing platform for activating and bringing into the conversation people who were previously less aware or who felt powerless. As a lifelong activist, I have sometimes struggled with feeling like others don't care as much as I do, so I was excited by an organization focused on tackling this problem on a large scale.
Why should others take action with us to end extreme poverty?
As Gloria Steinem famously said, "Revolutions, like trees, grow from the bottom up," but we cannot come together for mass change if we are leaving people behind. In order to create a better world for us all, we must begin by lifting up those with less privilege than ourselves.
Editor’s note: These responses have been lightly edited for clarity.