The international advocacy organization, Global Citizen, announced Global Citizen Live. Significantly, it is a music festival that was a 24-hour live broadcast with events and performances across six continents to unite the world. In order to defend the planet and defeat poverty. Moreover, with performances and live events in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. The Global Citizen Live took place on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Mainly, it aired on ABC, ABC News Live, BBC, FX, iHeartRadio, Hulu, YouTube, Twitter. Mainly, Global Citizen Live is part of an ongoing global campaign to defend the planet and defeat poverty, powered by citizens around the world who are taking action together. Along with governments, corporations and philanthropists to make a change.
The once-in-a-generation 24-hour global broadcast will include simultaneous live music events featuring the world’s greatest artists, activists, and world leaders. Especially across six continents at iconic locations. The cities include Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, New York City, Paris, London, Seoul, Los Angeles, and Sydney.
The line-up of artists and entertainers in the global broadcast include Adam Lambert, Alessia Cara, Andrea Bocelli, Angélique Kidjo, Billie Eilish, BTS, Burna Boy. Also, Camila Cabello, Christine and the Queens, Coldplay, Davido, Demi Lovato, DJ Snake, Doja Cat, Duran Duran. Additionally, Ed Sheeran, Femi Kuti, Green Day, H.E.R., Hugh Jackman & Deborra-Lee Furness, Keith Urban, Lang Lang. Furthermore, Lizzo, Lorde, Metallica, Rag’n’Bone Man, Ricky Martin, Shawn Mendes, The Lumineers, The Weeknd, Tiwa Savage, Usher and more.
Global Citizen Live is part of Global Citizen’s overarching Recovery Plan for the World, a year-long campaign to help end COVID-19. Mainly, by calling on governments, philanthropists, and the private sector for financial commitments to kickstart a global recovery.
Global Citizen Mission
Photo: GlobalCitizen
The Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty by 2030. In particular, with over 10 million monthly advocates, their voices have the power to drive lasting change around sustainability, equality, and humanity. They post, tweet, message, vote, sign, and call to inspire those who can make things happen to act — government leaders, businesses, philanthropists, artists, and citizens — together with improving lives.
You can download the app, Global Citizens. And learn about the systemic causes of extreme poverty, take action on those issues. Furthermore, you can earn rewards with tickets to concerts, events, and experiences all over the world. Specifically, Global Citizens have taken over 28.4 million actions since 2009. Today, these actions, in combination with high-level advocacy work, have led to over $35.4 billion being distributed to our partners around the world, impacting 1.09 billion lives in the fight to end extreme poverty.
The campaign has three major goals in 2021, which include providing school meals to aid in ending hunger vulnerable children. Secondly, help in planting trees to save the planet and restoring the world’s forests is a powerful way to mitigate climate change. Most importantly, help in delivering vaccines to help save lives. Moreover, this will help everyone, everywhere to have access to vaccines. If you want to help in the global recovery, you can donate.
Global Citizen is also selling a clothing collection to raise funds for global causes.
Global Citizen Live Campaign Call-to-Action
Photo: VaccineEquity
Ahead of October’s G20 Summit and COP26, the Global Citizen Live campaign will call on world leaders. Additionally, major corporations and foundations defend the planet and defeat poverty by investing money where there is an urgent need.
End The Pandemic
The primary goal of Global Citizen Live is to help end the pandemic. Mainly by donating at least 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to those most in need by September. Especially, with the growth of infections in sub-Saharan Africa now among the fastest in the world. Furthermore, there are still less than 3% of Africans who are receiving a dose compared to over 50% in the United States. The main goal is to force world leaders to finally act with the energy and urgency needed to stave off further catastrophe.
Revert the Hunger Crisis
The hunger crisis is affecting 41 million people who are on the brink of famine. And by contributing at least $6 billion to famine relief efforts. This will help in the urgent provision of millions of meals. Moreover, with less than 1% of the $1 trillion currently sitting idle in private foundations in the US alone, new figures released show hunger has risen more in the last year compared to the last 5 years combined.
Resuming Education
The pandemic made receiving education possible only through virtual means. There is an urgent need to invest in resuming education by getting 4.5 million kids who are most in need. Additionally, bringing students back to learning by contributing $400M towards education can certainly make a dent. Specifically, only one in three children globally is able to access remote learning during COVID-19.
Furthermore, the pandemic is causing more than a 50% increase in the number of children worldwide who have had their learning disrupted by this crisis. There will be millions of children who may never return to school unless leaders act now.
Combat Climate Change
Mainly, combating catastrophic climate change by getting the world’s largest companies to join the Race to Zero this year. Specifically, by contributing to saving and restoring billions of trees, committing to be in line with The Paris Agreement. Mainly, by becoming carbon neutral and developing verified science-based targets to reach net-zero emissions. The Paris Agreement is a global effort launched in 2015 that calls for immediate action to prevent global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
Whereas, only a quarter of Fortune Global 500 companies have made a public commitment to become carbon neutral, operate on 100% renewable power, or meet a science-based emission reduction target by 2030.
Equal World Recovery
There is an urgent need to drive an equitable recovery for all. Mainly, through mobilizing $250M to support COVID-19 response efforts. Specifically, with a focus on people-centred justice, gender equality, racial equity, LGBTIQ+ rights, and disabled persons.
Global Citizen Live Partners
Global Citizen Live and the organization’s Recovery Plan for the World are supported by a coalition of many of the world’s leading corporations. Mainly, including its Global Partners: Accenture, Cisco, Citi, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Google, Live Nation, P&G, Verizon, and campaign partners WW International, and World Wide Technology. They all work together to engage support from the private sector in driving new commitments toward the campaign’s policy objectives. Moreover, Access Bank will also support the Global Citizen Live campaign as a partner in Nigeria.
Chairs of the Campaign
Co-chairs of the campaign include Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Cisco; Jane Fraser, CEO of Citi; James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company; Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines; Lorraine Twohill, CMO of Google; Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation; Marc Pritchard, CBO of P&G; Hans Vestberg, CEO of Verizon; and Mindy Grossman, CEO of WW International. They will lead their respective sectors to step up in-kind and value chain support and investment towards Global Citizen Live’s policy outcomes.
The Vax Live Concert & Global Goal: Unite for Our Future
For the past decade, Global Citizen has championed the most pressing social and environmental issues. And become a force to bridge th gaps to join the fight to end COVID-19. Whereas most recently VAX Live: The Concert To Reunite The World in May, which mobilized more than 26 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. Additionally, $302 million to the ACT-Accelerator for equitable health access to countries most in need. The Global Citizen’s VAX Live was a bookend to two campaigns Global Citizen produced during the height of the pandemic in 2020 — One World: Together At Home.
Whereas in April 2020, in support of healthcare workers in their fight against COVID-19, and Global Goal: Unite for Our Future, in June 2020, in partnership with the European Commission, which secured funding and global political support to ensure COVID-19 testing, treatments and vaccines were available to all. Since March 2020, Global Citizen has mobilized $2 billion in cash grants. Mainly, to fund global pandemic relief efforts and over 26 million COVID-19 vaccine doses.
The 24-Hour Live Event
On Saturday, Sept. 25, Global Citizen Live’s mission to unite the world to defend the planet. And defeat poverty kicked off with artists, activists, and advocates from across the globe calling for change. BTS, Lorde, Femi Kuti, and Alok joined the call to action, broadcasting from remote locations — and Fugees reunited to perform for the first time in 15 years.
The countdown clock struck zero in Paris, cameras went live, lights came up. And the once-in-a-generation 24-hour global broadcast Global Citizen Live began with an inspiring opening ceremony.
The Opening Ceremony
The ceremony commenced with a ring glowing bright red and a backdrop of the iconic Eiffel Tower. This set the Global Citizen Live stage in Paris, France. This was the first stop on a 24-hour tour of global events broadcast across seven continents. The crowd received a warm welcome from actress and activist Priyanka Chopra Jonas and French journalist Denis Brogniart as they took the stage to urge world leaders to join the mission to defeat poverty and defend the planet.
In front of a fully masked, COVID-19-free audience, the hosts in Paris teased upcoming performances. Mainly, from Elton John and Doja Cat and delivered messages of unity, stressing the importance of climate action.
The message spread across the Atlantic Ocean, as the hosts turned it over to the US. Here, in New York City Emmy award-winning actor Billy Porter and actress Rachel Brosnahan joined forces in Central Park. With merely four hours away from welcoming 60,000 fully vaccinated change-makers to the Great Lawn. Brosnahan spoke about COVID-19 and how the pandemic exacerbated — and set back progress on — issues such as world hunger, education, and environmental protection.
Passing the Torch
The hosts discussed the musicians and young activists lending their voices to the NYC event before turning the broadcast over to London.
The ceremony continued on to India, wherein Mumbai, actor Anil Kapoor spoke about the rich musical culture of his country from the iconic archway of the Gateway of India.
In Lagos, Nigeria, at the New Afrika Shrine — a symbol of freedom and activism — lawyer and reality show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and actress and model Nancy Isime welcomed Global Citizen Live to Africa.
The hosts spoke in front of an audience of fully vaccinated frontline workers as their words sent cheers through the crowd.
The broadcast turned back to the US, where in Los Angeles, actor Scott Evans counted down 10 hours until the event at the Greek Theater.
Evans then introduced the first performance of the night, broadcast remotely from South Korea.
The Live Performances
International K-pop sensations BTS performed their new song “Permission to Dance” from the Sungnyemun Gate in Seoul.BTS set the tone with the global concert with an electrifying performance as they have the BTS Army’s Permission to Dance.
Alok and Mapu Huni Kuin performed on a floating set on a river in the Amazon rainforest. This is a first for Global Citizen as the indigenous community is showcased on the world stage. Moreover, Alok was also joined by Yawanawá for a showcase of Indigenous voices. Furthermore, Owerá (Kunumi MC) also took the stage with the Brazilian DJ.
Whereas Lorde made a sombre appearance with a four-piece band. Mainly to sing “Solar Power” from her latest album. Moreover, she delivered a speech in the centre of a golden sun from New York City.
In Lagos, Afrobeat royalty Femi Kuti performed “Pà Pá Pà.”
Back in NYC, Porter and Brosnahan introduced the last performance of the opening ceremony.
Legendary hip-hop trio Fugees reunited to celebrate their 25th anniversary with Global Citizen. And with their performance of “Ready or Not,” Global Citizen Live, a once-in-a-generation moment of global action, began its 24-hour mission.
Performances by Artists
Global Citizen Live is one of the most ambitious live events ever produced. Mainly because of artist performances spread out over six continents and multiple time zones. However, here is the current list of performers by city.
New York City
Performances by Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, Meek Mill, and Shawn Mendes. Additionally special guest performances by Alessia Cara, Burna Boy, Cyndi Lauper, Jon Batiste, and Lang Lang. Moreover, appearances by Amber Ruffin, Andy Cohen, Billy Porter, Bonang Matheba, Bridget Moynahan, Connie Britton, Deborra-Lee Furness, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, Dikembe Mutombo, Katie Holmes, Nomzamo Mbatha, Padma Lakshmi, Rachel Brosnahan, Skip Marley, and Tan France, presented by Citi and Cisco.
Paris
Performances by Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Black Eyed Peas, Christine and the Queens, Doja Cat, and Måneskin. And special guest performances by Angélique Kidjo, Charlie Puth, and Fatma Said. While being hosted by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Denis Brogniart, and appearances by Carmen Ejogo and Drew McIntyre.
Los Angeles
Performances by Stevie Wonder, Adam Lambert, Chloe x Halle, Demi Lovato, H.E.R., Migos, ONEREPUBLIC, Ozuna, The Lumineers, and 5 Seconds of Summer. And that is not all, there are appearances by JoJo, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Maggie Q, and Scott Evans, presented by Verizon.
London
The line-up from London includes Duran Duran, Kylie Minogue, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Rag’n’Bone Man.
Lagos:
Performances by Femi Kuti, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Made Kuti, and appearances by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Nancy Isime
Rio de Janeiro:
Performances by Alok, Criolo, Liniker, Mart’nália, Mapu, Aldeia Mutum of the Yawanawa, and Owera (Kunumi MC). As well as special guests: Tropkillaz and Mosquito; and an appearance by Dedé Teicher, in partnership with Rock In Rio.
Sydney
In Australia’s capital, there is a performance by Delta Goodrem and appearances by Celeste Barber and Cathy Freeman.
Mumbai
The line-up of guests includes performances by Ajay-Atul, Badshah featuring Aastha Gill, Amit Trivedi, Tanishk Bagchi, Zara Khan, Nikhita Gandhi, and Yasser Desa. As well as an appearance by Anil Kapoor, in partnership with Wizcraft.
Watch Global Citizen Live
You can tune in to the whole show wherever you are in the world. Watch the stream on GlobalCitizen.org, YouTube, and Twitter. Find out more broadcast information here. And make sure to download our app for even more Global Citizen Live content!
Conclusion
The Global Citizen Live campaign is an opportunity to be a global citizen of the world and stand up for the planet. While listening to and exploring new music and culture throughout the world, bringing the world together to take action.
You can join the Global Citizen Live campaign to defend the planet and defeat poverty by taking action here, and become part of a movement powered by citizens around the world who are taking action together with governments, corporations, and philanthropists to make a change.
