Varsha
This fall, New York City’s Central Park will come alive with music and activism as pop superstars The Weeknd and Shakira headline the Global Citizen Festival on September 27, 2025. The event champions urgent global causes including expanding energy access across Africa and protecting the Amazon rainforest from deforestation.
Star-Studded Lineup for an Important Cause
Joining The Weeknd, known for hits like “Blinding Lights”, and Shakira, famous for “Hips Don’t Lie”, are rising stars such as:
- Tyla — the South African Afrobeats sensation
- Ayra Starr — Nigerian pop icon
- Mariah the Scientist — critically acclaimed R&B artist
The festival will be hosted by actor and philanthropist Hugh Jackman, fostering a spirit of unity and humanitarian action.
The Goals Behind the Music
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans emphasized the artists’ unique connection to and understanding of impoverished communities, stating,
“They bring perspective into Central Park at a moment where the world needs unity now more than ever.”
The festival aims to:
- Secure clean and reliable energy access for 1 million people in Africa.
- Mobilize $200 million to empower indigenous and local entrepreneurs to protect a rainforest area the size of Italy.
- Raise $30 million to support community-based education programs that improve children’s literacy worldwide.
How Fans Can Join the Movement
Tickets for the Global Citizen Festival are free but earned through action. Fans can collect tickets by completing activities via the Global Citizen app, such as:
- Uploading video messages urging leaders in Germany and France to support Amazon conservation efforts.
- Volunteering as mentors to help young people worldwide develop career skills.
This new approach emphasizes authentic engagement, with organizers noting that user-generated videos and personal commitments hold far more weight than traditional email or social media campaigns.
A History of Partnership and Impact
The Weeknd previously demonstrated his dedication by donating $1 from every ticket sold during his sold-out SoFi Stadium concerts to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Shakira also has deep ties to the movement, having performed alongside Coldplay at a 2017 Global Citizen event in Germany.
Reflecting on her involvement, Shakira shared,
“Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world. I can’t wait to perform, unite, and inspire action.”
Event At A Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 27, 2025 |
| Location | Central Park, New York City |
| Headliners | The Weeknd, Shakira |
| Supporting Artists | Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist |
| Host | Hugh Jackman |
| Key Causes | Energy access in Africa, Amazon rainforest conservation, child literacy programs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tickets for the Global Citizen Festival 2025 are free but must be earned by completing specific actions on the Global Citizen app, such as uploading advocacy videos or volunteering.
The Weeknd and Shakira will headline the Global Citizen Festival 2025, alongside supporting acts Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist.
The Global Citizen Festival 2025 focuses on promoting energy access in Africa, preventing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, and funding educational programs to improve children’s literacy.
The Global Citizen Festival 2025 is scheduled for September 27, 2025, in Central Park, New York City.
Fans can engage with the Global Citizen Festival 2025 by participating in online campaigns through the Global Citizen app, advocating for policy change, and volunteering in mentoring programs for youth development.
Final Thoughts
With its blend of star power and impactful humanitarian goals, the Global Citizen Festival offers a unique opportunity for music lovers to contribute to global change. As The Weeknd, Shakira, and others unite to raise awareness and funds, will this landmark event inspire a renewed commitment to safeguard our planet and empower vulnerable communities worldwide?
