Global Citizen has announced the star-studded lineup for its 2025 Festival, set to take place on September 27 in Central Park. Headlined by global superstars The Weeknd and Shakira, the event will also feature performances from rising talents Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist. Longtime Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will return as host for the 11th year.
The festival, known for fusing entertainment with activism, will support bold global goals: expanding energy access to 1 million people in Africa, securing quality education for 30,000 children, protecting 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and mobilizing 40,000 volunteers across New York City.
In partnership with FIFA and organizations like Re:wild and Crisis Text Line, the campaign aims to raise over $300 million in support of clean energy infrastructure, community-led rainforest conservation, and global literacy programs. “Ending extreme poverty is within our reach – but only if we come together to ensure governments and corporations deliver on their promises,” said Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans.
Shakira called her participation in the event “an honor,” adding, “Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world.” Jackman emphasized the festival’s growing global influence, saying, “The impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world.”
Presented by Cisco and supported by partners including Delta, PayPal, and Live Nation, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the organization’s most ambitious festivals yet. Fans can earn free tickets by taking action on globalcitizenfestival.com or through the Global Citizen app.
This year’s event will also feature a pre-show performance by the winner of the America’s Next Top Hitmaker competition, chosen from over 65,000 contestants. Voting closes July 31.
More details, media credentials, and campaign updates are available at globalcitizenfestival.com.
