This year, more than ever, the world needs leaders — people who go above and beyond to make the world a better place; people who are focused on supporting the most vulnerable communities; people who inspire you to stand up and take action.
The Global Citizen Prize honors recipients who are making extraordinary efforts for the world’s most vulnerable. This broadcast and digitally streamed show will also feature inspirational stories and unforgettable performances that will bring together influencers, artists, activists, and global leaders to remind everyone that there are many reasons to be hopeful as we enter into 2021.
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award was established by Cisco and Global Citizen to recognize and lift up a young person positively impacting the world, demonstrate the impact that young people are having on achieving the United Nation's Global Goals, and accelerate global problem solving. Last year's winner, Priya Prakash, is a 29-year-old health care entrepreneur working to ensure every child across India can grow up healthy. She is the Founder and CEO of HealthSetGo, an organization integrating technology and health care to empower parents, doctors, schools, and governments to make data-driven decisions to improve the health and lives of children.
This award honors a political figure who advocates for and has implemented policy changes that have improved the lives of those living in poverty. The 2019 winner, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed, previously served three Nigerian presidents — presiding over a 5% national reduction in HIV infections, and a 32% reduction in maternal mortality. Mohammed is a devoted champion of the United Nation's Global Goals to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.
This celebrates an individual who has proven exceptional and sustained impact toward the end of extreme poverty and its systemic causes. The 2019 winner, Richard Curtis, is both one of the world's most well-loved directors and a tireless champion for a fair and equitable world through his organizations Comic Relief, Sports Relief, Red Nose Day, and now Project Everyone, which is working to accelerate progress towards a just world by 2030.
This honors an individual in the business community who has combined business goals with positive human impact. The 2019 winner, Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, is a passionate advocate for employees and the community. His Tent Partnership for Refugees mobilizes the private sector to improve opportunities for the more than 25 million men, women, and children forcibly displaced from their home countries. At Chobani, approximately 30% of the workforce is comprised of legally resettled refugees.
This award celebrates a creative individual or group who use their platform to create change, not just through conversation but through meaningful impact. Last year's winner, Sting –among other accolades, ranging from Grammy awards to a CBE from the Queen of England – founded the Rainforest Fund in 1989. Over the last 30 years, their foundation has helped protect 33 million acres of rainforest in more than 20 countries over three continents to protect the world’s rainforests and the indigenous people living there.
Every person can be a leader who takes action for the world we want. The Country Hero Award category celebrates individuals around the world who have shown exceptional commitment to achieving the Global Goals and championing the most vulnerable. The award will be presented in Canada, UK, Germany, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, and Mexico.
In 2020, Global Citizen Prize will add three awards, selected by Global Citizen and a team of advisors, to recognize individuals or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional impact over the preceding year, creating positive change and inspiring others through compassion, innovation, and unwavering dedication in their respective fields.
Hosted by Scott Evans
The Countdown to the Prize digital pre-show, hosted by Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans, will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the artists, special packages on the Prize winners, and a virtual red carpet, streaming at 7:30 P.M. ET on Facebook and Twitter.
A GLOBAL CITIZEN PRIZE PROJECT
For centuries, music has acted as an agent for change, bringing people together around the world.
Now, in conjunction with Global Citizen Prize, Global Citizen is proud to partner with Parlophone Records and Raphael Saadiq on an album that aims to restore hope, inspire, and celebrate the heroism of the leaders among us who are fighting for a better world.
Stand Up will feature iconic cover songs reimagined by some of the most beloved artists of today.

We want to hear from Global Citizens all around the world about who's your 2020 Hero. In a tremendously difficult year, there are so many remarkable people out there, stepping up for their families, their communities, and the world at large, who deserve a special thank you. So share your 2020 Hero with us, and help uplift our community with stories of the leadership, care, and compassion that binds all Global Citizens.
Share yours