We all have a role to play in ending extreme poverty. This is our world, and our shared responsibility. Poverty isn't just a headline or a statistic. It’s something that affects real people, every day, in every corner of the globe. And while the causes are complex — from inequality and climate change to lack of access to education and healthcare — the truth is simple: change doesn’t happen without people who care enough to act.

Here are five ways to defeat poverty:

1. Investing in Decent Work and Economic Empowerment

If you're a young person in Africa today, where a rapidly expanding youth population confronts staggering unemployment, you’re part of the most powerful generation the continent has ever seen. But here's the challenge: millions of young people like you are ready to work, create, and lead — yet unemployment rates are sky-high, and opportunities can feel just out of reach.

That’s why investing in decent work and economic empowerment matters now more than ever. With access to skills training, quality jobs, and the right support, Africa’s youth can shape a future full of possibility — not just for themselves, but for entire communities.

At last year’s Economic Development Assembly in Abidjan, leaders came together to tackle exactly this. Out of those conversations came Music Builds — a partnership between Global Citizen and the Center for Music Ecosystems that’s all about turning creativity into opportunity. It's a bold plan to grow the creative economy by giving young people the tools to turn their talent into careers. And we’re already seeing it come to life. 

In February 2025, Move Afrika concerts lit up Kigali, Rwanda and Lagos, Nigeria — and they weren’t just about the music. These shows were platforms for action, designed to upskill young people, spotlight Africa’s incredible talent, and demand real investment in what matters: jobs, the creative economy, and health systems that support everyone — especially when it comes to maternal health and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

This isn’t just about watching change happen — it’s about being part of it. Let’s keep pushing for systems that work, opportunities that grow, and a future where no one is left behind.

2. Promoting Access to Quality Education
If you’ve ever dreamed of a better future — for yourself, your family, or your community — education is one of the most powerful tools to get there. It builds confidence, opens doors to better jobs, and helps break the cycle of poverty. But while education is a right, access isn’t guaranteed. Over 250 million children are out of school, due to obstacles such as school fees, period poverty, and the need for children to work. That’s why we need to keep pushing — for fair systems, government investment, and equal opportunity for every learner, everywhere. 

Access to quality education doesn’t just transform individual lives – it uplifts communities. Every child deserves access to quality education — it’s one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty. Want to be part of the change? Support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a bold new initiative working to bring education and the power of football to kids around the world. The goal? Raise over $100 million by the 2026 World Cup Final to fuel learning and life skills through education and FIFA’s Football for Schools program — reaching children in over 200 countries. Your support can help open up a world of possibility. Let’s make sure no child is left on the sidelines.

3. Advocating for Social Protections and Access to Quality Healthcare

For people living in poverty, staying healthy isn’t always as simple as it should be. We saw this clearly during COVID-19. Vaccines weren’t shared equally, and we had to rally together to push wealthier countries to step up. Because when it comes to global health, no one is safe until everyone is.

At last year’s Global Citizen Festival in New York, the European Commission announced a substantial €260 million commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to improve vaccine access in vulnerable regions. Additionally, €213 million was pledged toward humanitarian aid focused on food security, a critical component of overall health. More recently, at the Economic Development Assembly, new commitments were made to support Gavi in its mission to increase vaccination rates across Africa. 

These commitments exemplify the leadership of African nations in addressing healthcare challenges and highlight the importance of global partnerships in defeating poverty. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensuring that everyone has access to the health care they need to support healthy, fulfilling lives regardless of where they live.

4. Pushing for Climate Justice as Part of Economic Justice

It’s all connected — poverty, health, and now more than ever, climate change. Rising temperatures are putting millions at greater risk, especially in communities that are already vulnerable. Experts predict climate-related issues like malnutrition and disease could lead to 250,000 more deaths each year. The clear connection between climate change and poverty shows just how urgent it is for us to take action — to protect both people and the planet we all share. 

By advocating for the defense of our environment, you not only support vulnerable communities but also promote sustainable solutions that pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone. Now more than ever, it’s up to us to protect vital regions like the Amazon — a lifeline for our planet and future generations. Read more here to discover why Brazil plays a crucial role in our planet’s future — and how you can take action and be part of the solution.

5. Breaking Down Social Inequalities 

Gender inequality also plays a pivotal role in perpetuating poverty. Women globally face a gender pay gap, earning, on average, 20% less than men for equivalent work. Bridging this gap could inject $12 trillion into the global economy. Women’s diminished earning power restricts household spending, reduces retirement savings, and drives up poverty rates, particularly among older women. This effect ripples through families and communities, limiting access to essential services such as healthcare, housing, and education for those with lower incomes.

Furthermore, child marriage affects over 650 million women and girls globally, deepening poverty and gender inequality too. It forces girls out of school, limiting their earning potential and leading to larger, costlier families. Ending this practice is both a human rights and economic necessity, with the potential to save billions by improving health and empowering girls. By advocating for sustainable solutions and equitable policies, we can break cycles of hardship and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity.

How to Take Action with Global Citizen 

Are you ready to take action and become part of the Global Citizen movement? 

Here’s how: You can either download our app or find us on WhatsApp, and join the millions of people who are driving change in the world, every day.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made, and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”