Global Citizen — as part of Global Citizen’s year-long campaign, a Recovery Plan for the World — launched Global Citizen Live on Tuesday, a 24-hour global broadcast and streaming event calling on world leaders to defend the planet and defeat poverty.
On September 25, an unprecedented roster of artists will perform live as part of the global broadcast, which will include simultaneous live music events across seven continents at iconic localtions in cities including Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, New York City, Paris, London, Seoul, Los Angeles, and Sydney.
Ahead of the event, the campaign will urge governments, philanthropists, and the private sector to step up and pledge commitments that will help kickstart global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, uniting in defence of the planet and to defeat extreme poverty.
In the lead up Global Citizen Live, October’s G20 Summit, and the major UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in November, Global Citizens will be calling on world leaders, the private sector, and philanthropists to take action ahead of September to help end the pandemic by donating at least 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to those most in need; reverting the hunger crisis affecting 41 million people on the brink of famine; resuming education for the more than 4.5 million kids in the most urgent need of schooling; combating catastrophic climate change in line with the Paris Agreement, and driving an equitable recovery for all.
Already, more than 30 governments and world leaders have shown their support for Global Citizen Live, calling on others to work in solidarity to end the pandemic and unite to save the climate.
Here's a selection of the most inspirational quotes from global leaders ready to take action in support of Global Citizen Live.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
“The European Commission and Global Citizen have accomplished so much for universal access to COVID-19 vaccines. We will continue working hand in hand to end the pandemic everywhere. Rally behind the global goal of climate neutrality. Stop the hunger crisis and fight rising inequalities. The Global Citizen Live event comes at the right time: I hope that governments, businesses, and philanthropists will all hear the call of Global Citizens for action!”
Mario Draghi, Prime Minister of Italy and G20 Chair
“I am happy, once again, to join forces with Global Citizen for this important event — both as Italy and as this year’s G20 Presidency. The challenges ahead of us call for concerted efforts by governments, civil society, and the private sector. We need to act together to overcome the pandemic, recover better, and address the key issues of our time, including climate change, enduring inequalities, and the need for sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations
"At this defining moment, we must reignite our efforts to keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Global Citizen Live demonstrates how we can come together to build a world where everyone thrives in prosperity on a healthy planet."
Geoffrey Onyeama, Foreign Minister of Nigeria
“As we humans spend billions of dollars in search of newer worlds in outer space, Global Citizen Live brings us back down to earth by reminding the global community that charity should begin at home and we must preserve our earth and be our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We owe it to ourselves and generations yet unborn. Space can wait!”
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
“Some seem to think that the current crisis is merely an interlude, that the vaccine will take things back to how they were. That is, I believe, a historical mistake. Our growth trajectories have generated highly inflammable inequalities within our very societies, consumed the planet’s natural capital, and exacerbated pre-existing geopolitical tensions. Our answer must be a collective one towards new models. I thank Global Citizens for organising this major event in Paris, from where I hope the entire world will hear this message: let’s act together to build a fairer and safer world!”
COP President Designate Alok Sharma
“COP26 is a critical opportunity to build a better future, and safeguard our planet from the worst effects of climate change. I’m thrilled to support the launch of Global Citizen Live and I hope that governments and businesses will all hear the call of Global Citizens for more action to help protect the planet.”
Angela Merkel, German Chancellor
“The COVID-19 pandemic once again reminds us: Global crises require global solutions. We must act together to end the pandemic. And we must not forget those who are affected by extreme poverty and hunger. The UN Sustainable Development Goals are and will remain our compass for a better world. This is why, in 2021, Germany will continue to actively work towards the achievement of the Global Goals.”
Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the challenges we are facing. Global health, climate change, education, inclusion, and food security require us all to work together and step up our efforts. Let us commit to building back better from this crisis, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia
"Sustained global solidarity is indispensable in managing the COVID pandemic and conquering its effects. Our health, economies, and well-being have suffered no matter where in the world we live. The virus knows no boundaries. It has reminded us all of the vital importance of inclusiveness — no one must be left behind! Croatia continues to translate this idea through tangible action — by providing vaccine donations to partner countries around the world and by supporting innovative Global Citizen initiatives."
Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain
“COVID-19 has tested our societies against the great challenges we face and is a reminder of the importance of global action. None of us will be safe until everyone is safe. This is why initiatives like Global Citizen Live are so important, because they have a broad perspective. Our response to the pandemic cannot forget it; we must be aware that the only truly valid recovery will be one that embodies the vision of a world that faces all its challenges, with particular attention to climate change, equality, and the fight against extreme poverty.”
Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium
“I’m delighted to support Global Citizen Live. COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of international collective action. At the same time we should not forget about the many other challenges of our time, some of which have increased due to the pandemic. While we engage on the path of recovery, let’s join forces and innovate to make our world more fair, sustainable, and inclusive.”
Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary General of the United Nations and Founder of Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens
"Through more frequent and intense floods, droughts, and storms, climate change is already pushing millions to the brink of starvation. A failure to support farmers and communities to adapt to this crisis is also a failure to guarantee individuals and families can feed themselves and thrive. This is why I am supporting Global Citizen Live, to ensure there is an inclusive, global, and collective action for climate adaptation in agriculture, leaving no one behind."
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women
“I commend Global Citizen for stepping up to #ActForEqual and committing to support the follow-up to the Generation Equality Forum in their campaigning and advocacy. The bold commitments made by stakeholders in Paris must be fully realized and civil society is a vital part of this. I'm pleased to support Global Citizen Live as a crucial opportunity to keep this momentum going, to generate additional commitments to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity, and to ensure that our global recovery from COVID-19 sets us on a path towards a Generation of Equality for all.”
Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
“In 2020 there was a dramatic rise in hunger. It is distressing that one in 10 people now go to bed hungry each night, and that must change. Any hope of ending hunger by 2030 will depend on global leaders. They will need to invest in transforming our food systems, starting with increased support for rural small-scale farmers who produce much of our food — but too often go hungry themselves.”
Monique Vledder, Head of Secretariat, Global Financing Facility
‘’To ensure that the impact of COVID-19 does not turn back the clock on progress, we must put women and girls at the center of response and recovery efforts, including building better, more inclusive health systems. We have an unprecedented opportunity now to fix the systems, practices and financing to build a more inclusive recovery. The GFF is proud to partner with Global Citizen to galvanize the political support and funding needed to reclaim the gains and set the path for a more equitable and prosperous future.’’
Peter Sands, Executive Director, The Global Fund
“The world must unite to fight the COVID-19 pandemic everywhere. It is both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. The emergence of virulent variants of the virus shows that no country is safe until every country is safe. It is why I support Global Citizen’s Recovery Plan for the World — a campaign to end COVID-19 for all and kickstart a global recovery."
“Thank you Global Citizens for making your voices heard at #VaxLive — #COVAX is working.. procuring COVID-19 vaccines for the world’s most vulnerable people." @GaviSeth@gavi has a special message for all Global Citizens who took action at #VaxLive 👇 pic.twitter.com/EtoK5GHyTx
— Global Citizen Impact (@GlblCtznImpact) May 17, 2021
David Beasley, Executive Director, World Food Program
"Global Citizen's support is critical as we all work together to reach the most vulnerable people and communities. Up to 270 million people face severe hunger due to a toxic combination of conflict, the climate crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The poorest children are suffering the most, with millions shut out of school and missing out on the only nutritious meal they receive each day. It’s all hands on deck to save this lost generation before it’s too late."
M. Sanjayan, CEO, Conservation International
"The past year has cruelly and emphatically underscored the global challenges before us. The truth is that climate change, poverty, and social justice are inextricably linked, as are their solutions. In this make-or-break decade, we must all work together to implement solutions in a meaningful and comprehensive manner — one that can deliver more durable, more sustainable, and more just outcomes for billions around the world. We’re proud to support Global Citizen Live and do our part to help make this goal a reality.”
Yasmine Sherif, Director, Education Cannot Wait Fund
"Education Cannot Wait, the United Nations global fund for education in emergencies, is proud to support Global Citizen Live and be part of the Recovery Plan for the World! As we come together to end COVID-19 and kickstart a global recovery, we call on world leaders and Global Citizens to support Education Cannot Wait so we can resume learning everywhere — including for girls and boys caught in armed conflicts, forced displacement, and climate-change induced disasters. Together, we must ensure every girl and boy has access to the safety, hope, and opportunity of an education!”
Senator Leahy (D-VT), Chairman, Appropriations Committee, United States Senate
“I strongly support Global Citizen Live, and join in the effort to protect the planet and end poverty. As the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I am working to fund the programs that will help achieve these goals. My highest priority is increasing funding to address climate change, and for the essential food security, education, and other programs to combat poverty.”
Senator Shaheen (D-NH), Senate Foreign Relations Committee, United States Congress
“Global Citizen Live helps spur urgently needed action to help defeat poverty and protect our planet. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’ll continue to fight for federal assistance that prioritizes these issues, which also include addressing women’s global health, increasing access to education for girls, and combating gender-based violence.”
Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), United States Congress
“Global Citizen’s mission is more important than ever in the global fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’m committed to supporting foreign assistance, providing COVID-19 vaccines to countries in need as more Americans get shots in arms, resuming education for young women and girls, and promoting global health security.”
Mexico Martha Delgado Peralta, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights of the Government of Mexico
"The pandemic has sadly shown us that we continue to face many inequality challenges in tackling extreme poverty and reducing and eliminating violence against women and girls. Global Citizen Live is a unique opportunity to promote our joint efforts. Governments cannot exercise alone, as we need the support and collaboration of all stakeholders in order to achieve a more sustainable world where no one is left behind"
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
"Wealthy nations are vaccinating large segments of their populations, but many vulnerable communities and countries are still waiting at the back of the vaccine queue, putting lives and livelihoods at great risk. The reality is vaccine inequity threatens us all: it provides the space for the virus to continue circulating and changing, increasing the risk of new, more dangerous variants emerging. WHO appreciates Global Citizen’s efforts to support our call on countries and companies to scale up vaccine production, financing, knowledge and technology sharing to end this pandemic.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
“Lagos State is thrilled to be a part of Global Citizen Live. With the challenges of rising poverty, hunger and vaccine inequity facing Africa, we need businesses and governments around the world to respond to the call of citizens, stand in solidarity with the people of Africa, and commit to defending the planet and defeating poverty and inequality.”
Ralph Gonsalves,Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
"Saint Vincent and the Grenadines endorses the 2021 Global Citizen campaign. We must work together in solidarity to ensure equitable vaccine access to build immunity everywhere, enhance resilience and climate compliance so that all persons can live in a healthy environment, tackle hunger, provide education and promote justice for all, as we build a better tomorrow. Let us unite globally for a better future."
Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States
"As we move collectively toward much needed and accelerated climate action at the G20 Summit and CoP26, Antigua and Barbuda and the Alliance of Small Island States are thrilled to join Global Citizen Live, to boost the momentum for bolder commitments for people and planet, and as a platform where the voices of Small Island Developing States are heard and joined by global citizens from around the world."
Sebastián Piñera, President of Chile
“The pandemic has shown a great triumph of science and how weak politicians are. It is essential to strengthen collaboration between countries, and between States and civil society, and understand that no one will be truly safe until we are all protected from the pandemic. We must also join forces not only to fight the pandemic but also to achieve great and urgent common goals, such as protecting our forests and oceans and fighting climate crisis. Global Citizen Live, which will be the prelude to COP26, represents a great opportunity to mend the roads, join forces and make up for lost time.”
Dr. Francis Mustapha Kai-Kai, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Sierra Leone
"A global recovery for everyone, everywhere requires a paradigm shift to tackle inequalities within and between countries, and to put people's needs and rights at the center of justice systems. Global Citizen Live is an opportunity to mobilize urgent action to build fair, just and inclusive societies for all, backed by a global mobilization of resources and a demonstration of international solidarity. Now is the time for unity."
Learn more about Global Citizen Live
Global Citizen launched our year-long Recovery Plan for the Worldcampaign in February this year as a roadmap to prosperity and recovery during and following the pandemic, prioritizing health, hunger, education, environment, and equity.
In September, Global Citizen Live will unite the world in a shared effort to end extreme poverty, climate injustice, and bring equity to all. In 2021, we have a chance to make history.
You can join us and take action now.
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.
