The 2025 Global Citizen Festival brought tens of thousands of people to New York City’s Central Park on Saturday, filling the Great Lawn for an evening of music and activism.
Around 60,000 fans gathered to see international performers while supporting Global Citizen’s mission to end extreme poverty and protect the planet.
This year’s line-up included Shakira, Cardi B, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo and Elyanna, with a special appearance from ROSÉ. Hugh Jackman hosted for the 11th year, joined by co-hosts Adam Lambert, Bill Nye, Danai Gurira and Liza Koshy. Other speakers included Kristen Bell and Laurie Hernandez.
Tickets were earned by taking action through Global Citizen’s platform, such as signing petitions or volunteering, with 40,000 New Yorkers registering for community work ahead of the event. General admission tickets were also available.
The crowd responded enthusiastically throughout the evening. “A lot of people wonder, can I make a difference if I sign that petition? Does it really help if I vote, if I clean up that beach? Yes, it makes a difference, and tonight is the proof of it,” Jackman told the audience. Lambert added, “Everybody here in the audience did something. They did something beyond themselves.”
The festival’s 2025 campaign highlighted access to energy for one million people across Africa, raising $200 million to protect the Amazon rainforest, and quality education for 30,000 children globally. Co-founder and CEO Hugh Evans said he hoped to raise $30 million towards a FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with a goal to educate 100,000 children by the next World Cup.
The concert ran for 6 hours, continuing a tradition of uniting music and activism in the heart of Manhattan.
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