New York's Central Park's Great Lawn pulsed with energy as an estimated 60,000 people turned out for the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, blending live music with a rallying call for social action against poverty and climate change.
Unlike traditional ticket sales, entry to the six-hour concert was earned through activism. Participants secured tickets by signing petitions, volunteering, and lobbying policymakers. According to organisers, more than 40,000 New Yorkers pledged volunteer hours in their communities before the festival.
The star-studded line-up was led by Shakira and Cardi B, with performances from Tyla, Ayra Starr, Maria the Scientist, Camilo, and Elyanna. Special guest Rose also took the stage, adding to the international flavour. Originally, The Weeknd had been slated to headline but withdrew, making way for Cardi B's last-minute addition.
Hosting duties went once again to Hugh Jackman, marking his 11th year in the role. He was joined by Adam Lambert, Bill Nye, Danai Gurira, and Liza Koshy, each adding their voice to the festival's message of global solidarity.
This year's campaign centred on three objectives: expanding energy access to one million people in Africa, securing $200 million for Amazon rainforest protection, and delivering quality education for 30,000 children worldwide.
On stage, Hugh Evans, Global Citizen's co-founder and CEO, unveiled a new initiativethe FIFA Global Citizen Education Fundwith a goal of educating 100,000 children before the next World Cup final. The effort begins with an initial $30 million fundraising target.
Jackman told the crowd that every action, from petitions to beach clean-ups, contributes to global change. "Tonight is the proof of it," he declared. Adam Lambert echoed the sentiment, hailing the audience's involvement as "something beyond themselves" capable of creating a ripple effect of social impact.
The festival continues to overcome challenges, including backlash in 2023 when heavy rains damaged the Great Lawn. This year, however, the focus remained firmly on the fusion of art and activism.
For attendees, the night offered more than entertainmentit was a demonstration of how collective action can be harnessed to address some of the world's most pressing crises. As Cardi B closed her set under the New York skyline, the festival reinforced its identity as not just a concert, but a global movement in progress.
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