Global Citizen NOW, the influential summit dedicated to ending extreme poverty, is making its return to New York City for its third consecutive year on May 1 and 2. This year’s event promises to be a powerhouse gathering, featuring an illustrious lineup of speakers, including political heavyweights, cultural icons, corporate leaders, and philanthropic visionaries.

H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana, Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Janja Lula da Silva, the First Lady of Brazil, will be joined by cultural and private sector leaders Hugh Jackman, Danai Gurira, Anitta, Dakota Johnson, Michelle Yeoh, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg, Bridgewater Associates CEO Nir Bar Dea, and more.

Amidst the backdrop of bustling New York City, the summit aims to catalyze immediate action toward creating a world where everyone’s basic needs are fulfilled, including access for all people to food, energy, healthcare and education; advocate for the flourishing of our planet by pushing for increased climate financing and the phase out of fossil fuels; and drive toward a future where every person and country can prosper through economic development, access to finance, innovation and job creation. 

Over the course of two dynamic days of the summit, attendees will immerse themselves in impassioned discussions and collaborative initiatives aimed at tackling the most pressing global challenges head-on.

“I have made it my mission to work to amplify underrepresented voices,” said Danai Gurira, award-winning actor, playwright and Global Citizen and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. “I look forward to engaging in enriching conversations that generate immediate and impactful solutions to pressing issues and address the severe inequities facing the African continent.”

At the core of the summit's agenda lie urgent actions to fulfill basic needs, champion environmental stewardship, and foster economic empowerment and innovation. With representation from politics, business, and philanthropy, Global Citizen NOW aspires to catalyze collaborative solutions to the world's most daunting challenges.

This year’s Summit theme is “Ideas for Urgent Impact,” and it’s sure to deliver. At 2023’s summit, Global Citizen announced its Power Our Planet campaign, with Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley; featured French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; and saw a $5M investment announced by Re: wild to fuel reforestation efforts in Brazil.

“The world is standing at a crossroads and we have a choice: we can watch the impoverished go hungry, suffer through natural disasters, and die from preventable diseases, or we can take bold action to defeat poverty, defend the planet and course correct toward a more equitable future,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “We have the power to create monumental impact this year, but only if we have the courage to stand up and take action now.” 

Participants worldwide will have the opportunity to join virtually via a livestream of the event, ensuring that millions can engage in real-time discussions and contribute their ideas to the collective mission of progress. The summit will also feature the Global Citizen Prize 2024 ceremony, honoring individuals making strides in gender equity, climate action, and beyond.

With the support of long-standing partners, Global Citizen NOW is made possible through the generous support of companies like Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Cisco, Citi, Delta Air Lines, P&G and Verizon, all of which share like-minded goals aimed at making the world a better place for generations to come.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to access limited tickets and more details on this prestigious summit.

Full list of co-chairs, speakers and participants for Global Citizen NOW New York 2024:

Political leaders co-chairing this year’s summit include H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana; Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Stefan Löfven, Former Prime Minister of Sweden; and Erna Solberg, Former Prime Minister of Norway.

Co-chairs from the private sector include Hans Vestberg, Chairman & CEO, Verizon; Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates; Leon Kalvaria, Vice Chair of Client and Banking, Citi; Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco; Tshepo Mahloele, Founder & Chairman of Harith General Partners; Tim Mapes, SVP and Chief Communications Officer, Delta Air Lines; Diego Scotti, EVP & General Manager, Consumer Group, Global Marketing & Communications, PayPal; and Chris Stadler, Managing Partner, CVC Capital Partners.    

Leaders from foundations and policy co-chairs include Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation; Senait Fisseha, VP of Global Programs, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Gargee Ghosh, President, Global Policy & Advocacy, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, International Labor Organisation and Former Prime Minister of Togo; Andrew Steer, President and CEO, Bezos Earth Fund; and Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Co-chairs from the cultural sector include Michele Anthony, EVP, Universal Musical Group, Desiree Gruber, Founder and CEO, Full Picture; and Jane Rosenthal, CEO and Founder, Tribeca Enterprises. 

Other participants include: Chris Anderson, Head of TED; Helder Barbalho, Governor of Pará; Alain-Richard Donwahi, President, COP15; Dana Canedy, Managing Editor, The Guardian US; Janja Lula da Silva, the First Lady of Brazil; Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi; and Brian Tippens, SVP, Chief Social Impact Officer, Cisco.