Global Citizen NOW, the annual summit driving action to address the world’s most urgent challenges, is heading to Detroit, Michigan, for the first time. In partnership with Bedrock, Global Citizen’s premier thought leadership event will take place on July 10, 2025, at Hudson’s Detroit. The inaugural Detroit event will have a dedicated focus on the future of cities and urban revitalization through investments in people — particularly young adults.

Global Citizen NOW: Detroit will spark dialogue and inspire collective action on key urban challenges and building sustainable cities for all. The summit will bring together influential voices from the private sector, government, business, philanthropy, nonprofit and culture alongside local policymakers, grassroots organizers, and students to call for bold collaboration and drive action on scalable solutions that invest in health-centered development and community-first innovation across the city. 

Global Citizen NOW: Detroit will be one of the first major events hosted at the new Hudson’s Detroit, a world-class development in the heart of downtown. This venue, which blends cutting-edge design with a deep sense of culture and community, offers the perfect setting to showcase Detroit’s resurgence.

Here’s everything you need to know and how to get involved.

Who Will Be There?

The Global Citizen NOW: Detroit summit will feature leaders from across cultural sectors, including Wyclef Jean, Performing Artist, Composer, Activist; Mark Cuban, Serial Entrepreneur and Co-Founder, Cost Plus Drugs; and Marcus Samuelsson, Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, Author, Activist. 

Leaders from across key sectors participating in Global Citizen NOW: Detroit include George Opare Addo, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, Ghana; Ashley Shaw Scott Adjaye, CEO and Co-Founder, The Stories of Us; Clare Akamazi, CEO, NBA Africa; Margaret Anadu, Senior Partner, The Vistria Group; Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer, State of Michigan; Melanie Harris, President of Business Operations, Detroit Pistons; Isabelle Kamariza, CEO, Solid' Africa; Tiff Massey, Interdisciplinary Artist; jessica Care moore, Detroit Poet Laureate, Founder, Black Women Rock, Author; Jessica Nabongo, Author, Global Travel Expert and Cultural Ambassador; Marvin Rees, Former Mayor, Bristol (UK); Sangita Sharma, Director of the Delta Sustainable Skies Lab; Robin Terry, Chairwoman and CEO, Motown Museum; Tashif “Sheefy McFly” Turner, Multifaceted Artist; with more names to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Global Citizen NOW: Detroit Co-Chairs in attendance will include Kofi Bonner, CEO, Bedrock Detroit; Randall Lane, Chief Content Officer, Forbes; Papanii Okai, Executive Vice President, Product Engineering, Rocket; Romeo Okwara, Retired Detroit Lion, Filmmaker, and Artist; and Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council President. 

What Does the Program Look Like?  

Global Citizen NOW summits bring together a dynamic mix of the brightest minds, most influential decision-makers, and biggest names in pop culture to create a global agenda for urgent action. They dive into what’s working and what isn’t, identifying the action needed now to build a prosperous and sustainable future for all. 

Attendees at GC Now Detroit will experience transformative panel discussions, moving artist performances, and be the first to hear exciting announcements about future Global Citizen campaigns.

Additionally, the one-day Global Citizen NOW: Detroit summit anchors three days of community events across the city, amplifying local impact and national relevance.

Volunteer Day

On Tuesday, July 8, Global Citizen will host a citywide Volunteer Day, presented by Urban Neighborhood Initiatives and Goodera, mobilizing local residents, corporate teams, and global citizens at UNI Park for a hands-on service event focused on sustainability, food access, youth empowerment, and community resilience. Following the service event, a free block party to celebrate the Detroit community will feature surprise artists, DJ sets, and free pizza — offering a moment of community connection, celebration, and visibility for key nonprofits.

Young Artist Collective: Detroit

On Wednesday, July 9, as part of the Detroit summit, Global Citizen’s Young Artist Collective will present a new installation: ‘Reimagining Green Neighborhoods & Shared Urban Spaces.’ The third edition will celebrate student-led visions for a more sustainable, inclusive Detroit with a public exhibition featuring multidisciplinary pieces from students at the University of Michigan, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Lawrence Technological University, University of Detroit Mercy, and the College for Creative Studies. The original artworks, including technical drawings, renderings, and models, will propose innovative, community-centered solutions for the city’s evolving urban fabric. This edition of the Young Artist Collective is proudly supported by Pentel of America. 

Global Citizen Nights: Detroit 

On the evening of Thursday, July 10, Global Citizen NOW: Detroit programming will conclude with a live music event at Third Man Records featuring performances by Wyclef Jean and special guests, celebrating Detroit’s rich musical legacy and the power of culture to drive social change. 

“As a multi-instrumentalist and Doctor of Music, the pulse of Detroit is unmatched when it comes to music,” said Wyclef Jean, Performing Artist, Composer, Activist. “I’m honored to be back on the Global Citizen NOW stage for the second time this year. This ain’t just about shining a light, it’s about walking hand in hand with each other to get out the dark times. Real issues, real voices, real change. And it starts right here, right now. Let’s go.”

Global Citizen NOW: Coming to a City Near You 

The Detroit edition of Global Citizen NOW builds on the action summit’s expanding global footprint, following the fourth edition in New York, and the first-ever events held outside of the US in Melbourne, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Paris, France in 2024. Later this year, the summit series will further expand its global footprint, heading to Belém, Brazil; Seville, Spain; and Johannesburg, South Africa — bringing together leaders and advocates from around the world to drive meaningful action to end extreme poverty.

This summit isn’t just an event; it’s a movement. With an exciting roster of speakers and opportunities to volunteer and engage with the community, come ready to be inspired to make a difference.

Global Citizen NOW: Detroit is presented by Bedrock, and supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Cisco, Delta Air Lines, PayPal, and media partner Forbes. Additional details will be released in the coming weeks, including major announcements on upcoming impact initiatives. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit globalcitizen.org/now/detroit.