With seven of the world's most powerful leaders gathering in Germany for their annual G7 meeting, the call to show stronger leadership to end extreme poverty needed to be heard. Over 5,000 global citizens responded, descending on Munich's iconic Königsplatz for United Against Poverty, an event which joined musicians, political figures, activists, and celebrities in putting the plight of the world's poor on center stage.
Hosted by comedian Michael Mittermeier and Shary Reeves, the event featured passionate speeches from activists and unsung heroes from around the world, along with appearances from the likes of Germany's Development Minister Gerd Müller, actors Jan Josef Liefers and Katja Riemann, and music superstar Usher. A highlight of the event was an inspiring speech by Liberian President and Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, calling on the leaders of the G7 to take bold action on poverty. Dutch DJ Afrojack closed the event with a high energy set of his worldwide hits.
But don’t take my word for it - I’ve rounded up some Twitter highlights from the day, and I also asked people in the crowd how they were feeling!
“Sometimes I think that it’s just me that cares about these things, I’m so happy to be with all of these people today!” - Felix
supporting my favorite organization @GlblCtzn at the #UnitedAgainstPoverty Festival in Munich today!!! #GlblCtznpic.twitter.com/9ff9vIzBwG
— Andy | #WeAreHere (@AndyAKeys) June 6, 2015“I came to hear the music, but I have learned a lot today and want to learn more” - Tina “Afrojack! Afrojack! I’m so happy!” - Maria
People from all over the world call on #G7 to stand #AgainstPoverty and a life in dignity for all at @GlblCtzn stall pic.twitter.com/RXxhSSyIdT
— Franziska Perlick (@franzi_says) June 6, 2015Ein super Event am Königsplatz!! Ich bin froh dass ich gestern im Radio davon gehört habe!! #gegenArmutpic.twitter.com/VHFmfOzLld
— Franzii (@FranziiKb) June 6, 2015(English translation if, like me, your German is non-existent) "A great event on the Konigsplatz!! I’m glad I heard about it on the radio yesterday!! #gegenarmut"
Proud to be in Munich for the United #AgainstPoverty festival, calling on #G7Summit leaders to keep their promises to the worlds poorest!
— Jennifer Crago (@JensMischief) June 6, 2015Danke an @JanJosefLiefers & @RadioDoria Toller Auftritt im sonnigen München! #gegenArmut#AgainstPovertypic.twitter.com/vWLkHb9kli
— Patricia Wiesemann (@PadiWillMeer) June 6, 2015(And in English now) Thank you to @JanJosefLiefers & @Radio Doria Great performance in sunny Munich #gegenArmut #Against Poverty
I stand #againstpoverty today because I believe in a world w/equal opportunities for all. Beyond excited to be here! pic.twitter.com/29eyeDlFKU
— Zoë Kelland (@ZoeKelland) June 6, 2015“This is good stuff - we need to bring the people together to create a solution” - Dan
@GlblCtzn@Usher we all need to start NOW to use our voice to improve the world instead of tearing it apart! United we should stand ❤️
— Kath (@Kath_Team_UR) June 6, 2015“Global Citizen is exciting, I just joined up on my phone today” - Mia
The incredible President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf wowing the crowd right now in Munich #AgainstPovertypic.twitter.com/cMN0iDBI8G
— Adrian Lovett (@adrianlovett) June 6, 2015See, it was good!
And there was a point, too. The call of the people was heard, with the outcomes of the G7 meeting the following day including a resolution to help 500 million people out of hunger by 2030. Together, global citizens are powerful, and through major events like United Against Poverty, the sound of their voice can embolden our leaders to put the end of extreme poverty within reach.