After delivering the first-ever halftime show at the FIFA Club World Cup, we are gearing up for the next major moment in the city. Yes, you guessed it, the 2025 Global Citizen Festival is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 at Central Park’s Great Lawn, bringing together global music talent and a passionate community of activists for a day of action and impact.
This year’s festival will be headlined by The Weeknd and Shakira, with performances by Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist and hosted by long-time Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman, who returns for his eleventh year. More artists and participants will be announced in the coming weeks.
But the stage is just the beginning. The 2025 festival launches a global campaign focused on three goals:
- Goal 1: Provide Energy Access for 1 Million People Across Africa
- Goal 2: Mobilize $200 Million to Protect 30 Million Hectares of the Amazon Rainforest
- Goal 3: Provide Access to Education for 30,000 Children Around the World
Tickets are free and can be earned by taking action on these issues via the Global Citizen app or at globalcitizenfestival.com.
Artists Use Music to Inspire Change
“I’m honored to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September. Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world. I can’t wait to perform, unite, and inspire action,” said Shakira.
“The 2025 Global Citizen Festival marks my eleventh year as host, and I’m thrilled by the progress we’ve made over the years,” said Hugh Jackman, Global Citizen Ambassador. “The growing impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world, and I’m eager to advocate alongside my fellow ambassadors, performers, world leaders, and private sector executives to leave the world better than we found it.”
The Campaign: Three Ambitious Global Goals
Goal 1: Provide Energy Access for 1 Million People Across Africa
As the population of Africa continues to grow, so does the demand for energy. But many communities remain without reliable access to power.
Global Citizen’s Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign aims to mobilize $1.5 billion to train 50,000 youth in solar installation, grid maintenance, and other energy-related skills. The 2025 festival campaign is calling on governments, companies, and philanthropists to invest in clean and affordable energy solutions that can power homes, schools, and hospitals. The campaign is already working with the European Commission, alongside governments from Denmark, Australia, and the United Kingdom, to kick-start at least two major infrastructure projects valued over $500 million. These investments have the potential to bring clean energy to at least 1 million people, while also generating jobs and reducing carbon emissions.
Goal 2: Mobilize $200 Million to Protect 30 Million Hectares of the Amazon Rainforest
Protecting the Amazon is essential to tackling the climate crisis. The 2025 Global Citizen Festival campaign aims to raise $200 million to support Indigenous- and community-led projects that preserve, restore, and sustainably manage the rainforest.
Working with Re:wild, this campaign is part of a broader $1 billion plan to defend the Amazon and ensure its survival. The initiative will help protect 30 million hectares of rainforest — roughly the size of Italy — and maintain more than 20 billion standing trees.
The campaign is urging governments — including Germany, Norway, and France — as well as corporations and philanthropists, to step up and support the efforts to Protect the Amazon by funding Indigenous groups, supporting new eco-businesses, and strengthening conservation strategies.
Goal 3: Provide Access to Education for 30,000 Children Around the World
With 250 million children worldwide struggling with basic literacy, access to quality education has never been more urgent.
Through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, we are working to raise $100 million to support education programs in over 150 countries. For the 2025 festival, the goal is to raise $30 million, enough to provide quality education for 30,000 children.
Already, $1 from every ticket sold to international events, such as The Weeknd’s ‘After Hours Til Dawn’ tour and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, have been donated to the fund. It’s also supported through round-up donations, matching gifts, and public contributions. Funds will go toward community-based programs, along with essential services like healthcare, school nutrition, and safe classrooms.
Local Organizations and Global Volunteerism
Global Citizen continues to support local impact by partnering with several nonprofit organizations across New York City, including Bowery Mission, Covenant House, Breaking Ground, Citymeals on Wheels, Henry Street Settlement, Jamaica Bay–Rockaway Parks Conservancy, South Bronx Unite, WIN (Women in Need, Inc) and South Asian Youth Action (SAYA). In addition to its local partnerships, Global Citizen has teamed up with Goodera to mobilize 40,000 volunteers globally, encouraging them to provide career development mentorship through resume support, interview coaching, and guidance for young people around the world.
Partners With Purpose
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival is presented by Cisco. Major Partners are Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, PayPal and Venmo, and P&G. Live Nation serves as the production partner; iHeartMedia is the exclusive US audio partner; and New York City Parks is the location partner. The festival is produced by Emmy Award–winning companies Done+Dusted and Diversified Production Services.
“Our partnership with Global Citizen reflects Cisco’s commitment to our purpose to power an inclusive future for all,” said Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco. “Solving the complex problems of our world requires bold partners, daily action, and the influence of young innovators and activators. We’re proud to support Global Citizen’s international movement and flagship festivals to accelerate our impact, while inspiring new generations to lead.”
Emerging Talent Takes the Stage
This year, Global Citizen has partnered with Colossal for the America's Next Top Hitmaker competition. One rising performer from a pool of more than 65,000 entries will win the opportunity to perform at the Global Citizen Festival Pre-Show on Sept. 27. Fans can vote for their favorite act until July 31, 2025 at tophitmaker.org.
Join the Movement
“Ending extreme poverty is within our reach — but only if we come together to ensure governments and corporations deliver on their promises: scaling up renewable energy, protecting the Amazon, and investing in education for the next generation,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “The time to act is now — because every delay puts more lives and more futures at risk. This is about investment in our future, not about aid.”
To take action and earn your free ticket to the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, download the Global Citizen app or visit globalcitizenfestival.com. Follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and ways to get involved.
Mark your calendar for Sept. 27 — because this year, your voice can power the world forward.