The countdown to Global Citizen Live has begun and we can’t wait to bring this once-in-a generation campaign and event to defend the planet and defeat poverty to the world. 

Global Citizen Live is part of our Recovery Plan for the World campaign, through which we’re continuing to call on governments, philanthropists, and the private sector to help end the pandemic and kickstart global recovery. 

Across seven continents, artists will help rally citizens in demanding that governments, major corporations, and philanthropists work together on the most urgent, interrelated threats hitting those in poverty the hardest — climate change, vaccine equity, and famine. 

We’ve now revealed many of the artists who’ll perform at Global Citizen Live events in Lagos, Paris, New York City, Los Angeles, and more, on Sept. 25. These events, and more to be announced, are components of a 24-hour worldwide broadcast and streaming event beginning on Sept. 25. You can find out everything you need to know about Global Citizen Livehere

While we can’t wait to welcome Global Citizens, artists, world leaders, and other attendees to our Global Citizen Live locations, we know that COVID-19 and the Delta variant in particular remain a risk, and underscore the urgent need to continue to advocate for equitable global access to vaccines. 

The health and safety of Global Citizen Live event attendees, staff, and artists is our top priority.

We’ve worked closely with leaders in global health for a decade in order to support both the health of the world, and the health and safety of each and every person in attendance at all our events. 

As such, all locations will comply with the latest local COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, and we are working closely with the World Health Organization, United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Africa CDC, and local state and city authorities to ensure this.

Here’s what you need to know about how we’ll be keeping people safe, and these details will be updated as needed to reflect the latest science and local policies: 

Vaccine requirements on admission

On the day of VAX LIVE, attendees brought with them their official vaccination card noting the dates of their vaccines, vaccine type, and lot number, or a photo of their vaccine cards.
On the day of VAX LIVE, attendees brought with them their official vaccination card noting the dates of their vaccines, vaccine type, and lot number, or a photo of their vaccine cards.
Image: Ethan Judelson for Global Citizen

In order to gain entrance to any Global Citizen Live event, those attending must be fully vaccinated no later than two weeks before the show. We’ll be verifying this by checking every attendee’s vaccine card, whether that be the original, a photocopy, or a photo of the card, on arrival. 

As our events are inclusive, all-ages shows, exceptions will be made for guests who are not able to be vaccinated due to age restrictions, on medical advice, or inability to access vaccinations. In this case, we’ll require proof of a recent negative test result to gain entry. We also require non-vaccinated guests to wear masks in all locations. 

Here are further health and safety details for specific Global Citizen Live events in New York City, Paris, Lagos, and Los Angeles. As we announce further locations with live events, we will also provide COVID-19 health and safety guidance for each event. 

New York

In order to make sure that we’re up to date with the latest health and safety protocols in New York City, we’re receiving additional guidance from the New York City Department of Health as well as the US CDC. 

All those attending will be required to be fully vaccinated and to show proof of vaccination — this can include a physical vaccine card, a photocopy or photo of your vaccine card showing the batch number, or be equipped with your Excelsior app or NYC COVID Safe app (Clear and Docket are also acceptable). “Fully vaccinated” means at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. 

As outlined above, exceptions will be made for guests who aren’t able to be vaccinated due to age restrictions, on medical advice, or inability to access vaccinations. These guests must present a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of the start of the show or a negative rapid test of any kind (PCR, antigen, or LFA) taken the day of the show to gain entry.

Face masks are required for all those attending the New York event, regardless of vaccination status, and security at the event will make sure that this protocol is followed.

To ensure safety for citizens attending our Central Park event, each person in attendance will have to go through thorough security screening (similar to at an airport) at the gates — so please allow plenty of time to get through security. 

Before attending, we encourage everyone to check the list of prohibited items that are not allowed at the park. Meanwhile, only bags that are 12” x 6” x 12” and smaller, and single-pocket drawstring bags, are permitted. Bags exceeding this size will be turned away prior to screening. 

We’re also making sure that Global Citizens have no trouble finding the way around thanks to enhanced lighting and signage for exit paths outside of the park. When you get into the park, make sure you are aware of the nearest exit. There will also be trained staff throughout the Great Lawn who will help to direct you around the festival. 

For more information about the event in New York City, head here

Paris

We’ll be staying up to date with health protocols in Paris with the guidance of the Government of France and the City of Paris. 

All those attending the Paris event will need to provide one of the following, either digitally through the TOUS ANTI COVID app, or on an official paper format including date and QR code, with ID being required for all: 

  • Proof of completed vaccination at least two weeks before the show (or four weeks for Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) 
  • A negative RT-PCR or antigenic test taken within 48 hours of their arrival on site. 
  • A positive result from a RT-PCR or antigenic test within the last six months AND prior to Sept. 10, 2021. 

Additionally, face masks are required to be worn throughout the event by everyone, and hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the site. 

Enhanced security will be visible at the event, and citizens are encouraged not to bring along valuable items with them. We also encourage those attending to arrive with family or friends to ensure safety at the Champ de Mars. 

You can find further information about the event in Paris here.

Lagos

We are working in close consultation with the Lagos State Government and our local partners to ensure the health and safety of all those in attendance

The concert will be a limited-capacity event in celebration of Nigerians working on the front line in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will be filmed as live in front of a fully-vaccinated audience. 

The crew in attendance will be tested upon first entering the location and will be further tested at no less than 72 hour intervals. Those receiving positive test results will not be able to access the site. 

We will continue to update health and safety information for Lagos in line with the latest guidance. 

For more information about Global Citizen Live in Lagos, head here.

Los Angeles

Global Citizen is keeping up to date with the latest guidance from the CDC and LA Department of Health to ensure the safety of all attendees. Guests will be notified of any changes as they occur. 

All attendees to the LA festival will be required to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination upon entry. “Fully vaccinated'' means you have received your second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine 14 days prior to the event. 

Physical proof of vaccination is required, whether that’s a physical vaccine card, a photo of your vaccine card showing the batch number, or a Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record from the State of California. Security will verify your proof of vaccination upon entry.  

Exceptions will be made for attendees who aren’t able to be vaccinated due to age restrictions, medical advice, or inability to access vaccination. These guests must present a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of the start of the show to gain entry.

Face masks are required for all attendees at all times regardless of vaccination status — they must cover your nose and mouth and be either a two-ply disposable or reusable/washable face mask. Neck gaiters, bandanas, and face masks with vents are not permitted. Security will monitor and enforce compliance to ensure the safety of the event.  

Each guest will enter the festival through airport-style security screenings. Be sure to review the list of prohibited items to learn what is and isn’t allowed at the event to make the screening process move as quickly as possible. Please allow plenty of time to get through security as the process may take longer. 

Guests are permitted to bring in clutches or wallets smaller than 4.5” x 6.5” x 1” and medical and parental bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 6” and are subject to search. Please leave anything larger at home or in your vehicle.


You can join the Global Citizen Live campaign to defeat poverty and defend the planet by taking action here, and become part of a movement powered by citizens around the world who are taking action together with governments, corporations, and philanthropists to make change.

Editorial

Demand Equity

Global Citizen Live: How We’ll Be Keeping People Safe at Events Around the World

By Khanyi Mlaba