global citizen festival
Hugh Evans, the Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, has become the first Australian to be awarded the prestigious Sunhak Peace Prize.
Evans was named as the 2025 recipient of the award at the Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony in Seoul, Korea on April 11, with his leadership and innovation in the mission to end extreme poverty cited as the reason for his recognition.
The Sunhak Peace Prize has been handed out on a largely biannual basis since 2015, with its Committee currently chaired by former European Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso. Evans received the 2025 award alongside laureates Patrick Awuah Jr., the Ghanaian Founder and President of Ashesi University, and Wanjira Mathai, Kenyan activist and Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize,” Evans said in a statement. “While over $49 billion has been committed toward the end of extreme poverty, impacting 1.3 billion lives, our mission is more critical now than ever before. We are rising to the challenge – we’re innovating, expanding and will be activating across five continents in the coming year.
“I share this award with our incredible team, long-standing partners, generous supporters, and global citizens everywhere who have taken action with us over the past decade and beyond.”
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Evans co-founded Global Citizen in 2008 alongside Michael Sheldrick, Simon Moss and Wei Soo, with the organization focusing on education and advocacy to end extreme poverty and promote both social justice and equity on a global scale.
Global Citizen has utilized high-impact campaigns and live events in an effort to unite leaders across myriad fields, with its Global Citizen Festival launching in 2012 and taking place in numerous cities around the world since.
Its most recent event took place in New York City in September 2024, with Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro appearing. On Thursday (April 10), Global Citizen announced its 2025 event will take place in Central Park on Sept. 27.
“As our world faces rising temperatures, growing inequality, and deepening uncertainty, this year’s Global Citizen Festival is an opportunity to push for real, lasting change,” said chief music and entertainment officer Katie Hill in a statement. “We’re excited to unite 60,000 global citizens on the Great Lawn of Central Park — together with some of the world’s biggest artists and advocates — to demand action. See you on September 27th!”
News of Evans’ award also coincides with Global Citizen’s announcement of new events, including the forthcoming Global Citizen NOW summit, November’s Global Citizen Festival: Amazonia in Brazil, and its involvement in the production of the inaugural FIFA World Cup final half-time show in July 2026.
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival announced the date for this year’s event on the Great Lawn in New York’s Central Park on Thursday morning (April 10). With a performer lineup to come, organizers revealed that the free, ticketed event will take place on Sept. 27. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest […]
Chris Martin has been a longtime supporter of the Global Citizen Festival. Over the weekend, the Coldplay singer was slated to once again curate the New York festival, but the rain-soaked fans who turned up to see headliners Post Malone, Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro got way more than they expected at the event aimed […]
Doja Cat delivered a powerful message at this year’s Global Citizen Festival.
During her headlining set on Saturday (Sept. 28), the superstar rapper paused to speak out against injustices happening around the world.
“Right now, millions of men, women and children in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, the Congo and all across the world, are suffering. In times like this, it is important to remember that we have the power to bring change, love light and hope to those who need it most,” Doja told the crow gathered on the Great Lawn in New York’s Central Park.
“I join forces with Global Citizen to help people in areas of conflict and crisis, and I know so many of you join me in taking action to earn your tickets to be here tonight. But we can’t stop now,” she continued. “Please keep using your voice to help those fleeing violence get the food, shelter and education they need and very, very much deserve. There is a beauty in strength in all of you who are watching this, and who choose to be here tonight. This is our time to put it into what matters most, and that is life.”
During her Global Citizen Fest set, Doja also subtly addressed rumors that she got engaged to actor Joseph Quinn. While performing her Billboard Hot 100 chart hit “Agora Hills,” she is seeing saying, “I’m not married,” as the microphone is lowered. Last week, the “Paint the Town Red” rapper flashed a ring on her left hand while performing at Las Vegas’ iHeartRadio Music Festival, leaving many fans wondering if she got engaged to the Stranger Things actor. “no, im not engaged its a David Yurman ring with no rocks in it,” she later wrote and deleted on X (formerly Twitter).
The festival, hosted by Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman, also featured performances by co-headliners Post Malone, Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro. Global Citizen is the world’s leading organization seeking to end extreme poverty. Similar to past years, the fest once again offered fans free tickets, which were earned by taking action on the Global Citizen app or on the organization’s site here in an effort to defeat poverty, defend the planet and demand equity.
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In addition to live performances, Saturday’s concert also included appearances from UN Messenger of Peace, Jane Goodall Institute founder and legendary primatologist Jane Goodall, and Coldplay singer Chris Martin, who served as the event’s curator.
The Global Citizen Festival is back, and countless artists, activists and advocacy organizations are coming together this weekend to raise awareness and spark global change.
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Among the star-studded performers taking the stage at the event on Saturday (Sept. 28) are Doja Cat, LISA, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Raye, Rauw Alejandro and Benson Boone. The festival is dubbed Global Citizen Live, a 24-hour music festival spanning six continents and featuring hundreds of artists and celebrities.
Deadpool star and Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will host this year’s festival live from New York’s Central Park.
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Want to tune in? See below for how to watch and stream the 2024 Global Citizen Festival online.
What Is the Global Citizen Festival?
The Global Citizen Festival is one of the main events for Global Citizen, an organization that aims to end extreme poverty in the world by the year 2030.
The performers will try to rally citizens across the planet to demand that governments, major corporations and philanthropists work together to defend the planet and defeat poverty; support the campaign, earn tickets and take action.
The festival will also feature appearances from Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Dr. Jane Goodall, Bill Nye, Bridget Moynahan, Charlamagne Tha God, Danai Gurira, Gavin DeGraw, Kal Penn, Sophia Bush, Rhett & Link, Liza Koshy, Eric Adjepong, Jordan Fisher, Anthony Ramos, Whoopi Goldberg, ALOK, Gayle King, Josh Martinez, Minda Dentler, Calvin Royal III, Drew Afualo, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Tatyana McFadden and Troy Iwata.
Global Citizen Festival 2024: Date, Start Time, Tickets
The Global Citizen Music Festival 2024 kicks off on Saturday (Sept. 28) at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
Tickets to the show are free, but a select number of last-minute tickets are available up on resale sites — and they’re selling out quickly. There are still some good seats still available on VividSeats for the show at The Great Lawn in NYC’s Central Park.
How to Watch Global Citizen Festival on TV
You can watch coverage of the Global Citizen Festival on TV beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on ABC News Live.
Signing up for free trial from fuboTV will give you access to ABC News Live. Fubo includes local and cable channels, to let watch Global Citizen Live and more on TV or stream Global Citizen Live from your laptop, tablet or phone.
Although DirecTV Stream offers access to ABC, Global Citizen will be available on ABC New Live, instead of network channel, which will be airing college football. Additionally, purchasing a digital TV antenna on Amazon here will give you access to basic cable channels, including ABC, without a monthly bill.
How to Stream Global Citizen Festival Live Online
Fans can also watch the Global Citizen Festival online, as the show is available to stream free with a Hulu + Live TV subscription. The streaming service is currently offering a 30-day free trial which you can use to watch online free.
Global Citizen Festival will also stream on Disney+, Hulu, Samsung TV+, Amazon Music, Amazon Music’s Twitch channel, Apple Music, Apple TV, YouTube, Facebook, Veeps, Roku, iHeartRadio, Brut and on the Global Citizen site.
To stream internationally, you’ll need help from a VPN such as ExpressVPN to access certain platforms.
Benson Boone and RAYE have been added to the already star-studded line-up for the 2024 Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park. The pair join a previously announced roster of acts that includes Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro.
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“Ending extreme poverty is a responsibility we all share,” said Boone in a statement. “I’m grateful to be involved in Global Citizen’s mission by helping those who are living in extreme poverty. I hope we can all come together to take action and make a real difference in the world.”
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The festival hosted by Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will also feature special appearances by primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall and Coldplay singer Chris Martin. As part of its portfolio of environmental sustainability efforts, this year’s even will also become one of the first major U.S. festivals to be powered entirely by hybrid energy.
According to a release, the Central Park stage will be powered by the same kind of SmartGrid battery system used to power Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres world tour, including all audio, lighting, video and stage production. Working with Showpower Global B.V. and CES Power, Global Citizen Fest will become one of the first major U.S. festivals to move away from using diesel generators in order to reduce the event’s carbon emissions.
Among the confirmed presenters scheduled to take the stage on Central Parks’ Great Lawn on Sept. 28 are: Antoni Porowski, Bill Nye, Bridget Moynahan, Charlamagne Tha God, Danai Gurira, Eric Adjepong, Gavin DeGraw, Jordan Fisher, Kal Penn, Liza Koshy, Doctor Mike Varshavski, Nomzamo Mbatha, Osi Umenyiora, Rachel Brosnahan, Rhett & Link, Sophia Bush and Vladimir Duthiers.
The group leading the international push to end extreme poverty is once again offering fans free tickets, which can be earned by taking action on the Global Citizen app or on the organization’s site here in an effort to defeat poverty, defend the planet and demand equity.
“Global Citizen Festival has always been about using the power of music and activism to drive real, tangible change. This year, we’re taking bold steps to protect our planet, from powering our stage with clean energy to advocating for Indigenous-led projects that preserve the Amazon and calling for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty,” added Global Citizen co-founder Michael Sheldrick in a statement. “These efforts are about ensuring that the transition to a sustainable future leaves no one behind – whether it’s communities in the Global South or right here in New York. We’re calling on world leaders, businesses, and citizens alike to join us in mobilizing action towards a just transition to clean energy and a safer planet for all.”
Global Citizen will also mark the start of Climate Week with a beach clean-up on Sept. 21 in partnership with the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. Fans can also earn free tickets the the festival by removing trash and marine debris from the shores of Jamaica Bay and documenting the year’s “Dirty Dozen” most commonly found trash items; click here to register and for more information.
Official Global Citizen 2024 merch is available now, with responsibly sourced items made in collaboration with Doja Cat, Alejandro, Aviator Nation and more; click here to see the items.
Among the calls to action for this year’s event is one asking the G7 nations — Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the U.K. and the U.S. — to increase support for anti-poverty programs worldwide, as well as one calling for businesses, governments and philanthropic organizations to protect and restore the Amazon rainforest by investing $1 billion to help support indigenous communities and pledge to set timelines for phasing out coal, oil and gas to ensure a transition to green energy. The third action point is Global Citizen’s plea for world governments to commit at least $5 billion to equitable access to nutritious food, stronger health systems and quality education around the world.
Global Citizen announced Monday (April 1) that its annual festival will return to Central Park in 2024, with the nonprofit planning to unveil this year’s lineup in the coming months.
The confirmation comes about six months after last year’s concert, which — due to heavy rain on the day of the event — caused severe damages to the New York City park’s Great Lawn. The Central Park Conservancy reported in September that a third of the property had been “fully destroyed” due to stage equipment and high foot traffic on the grass throughout the downpour, forcing the park to close the area for annual renovations six weeks earlier than scheduled.
The damages required restorations; however, the Global Citizen Board of Directors “paid for all repairs that were requested,” according to a new release, which noted that the Great Lawn is scheduled to reopen April 6.
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At press time, Central Park’s website displays a banner reading, “The Great Lawn is currently closed … the Conservancy is seeding, aerating, and sodding portions of the lawn to repair significant damage.”
This year’s Global Citizen Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28. More details, including lineup billings, will be announced later this year. As in years past, attendance will be free, but entry must be earned by “taking action towards ending extreme poverty.”
Last year’s festival saw Jung Kook, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Anitta, Megan Thee Stallion and more headliners taking a stage made entirely out of repurposed and recycled materials. The 2023 iteration also featured an all-vegetarian menu served with fully compostable packaging and utensils and more eco-friendly initiatives.
“Since 2012, the Global Citizen Festival has called Central Park its home, thanks to the long-standing partnership with NYC Parks and the City of New York,” said Hugh Evans, Global Citizen co-founder and CEO, in a statement. “Annually, we have welcomed 60,000 global citizens to the Great Lawn, who have played a crucial role in our mission, and we look forward to coming back again on September 28 to drive more action and commitments towards ending extreme poverty.”
Ms. Lauryn Hill, one of the headliners at the 2023 Global Citizen Festival, brought out Wyclef Jean and Pras for a surprise Fugees reunion in New York City’s Central Park on Saturday (Sept. 23). The formally dormant trio is back again on Hill’s ongoing 25th anniversary tour celebrating her Grammy album of the year-winning debut, […]
2023 has been a huge year for Jung Kook. Not only did the BTS member earn his first solo credit atop the Billboard Hot 100 in July when “Seven,” featuring Latto, debuted at No. 1 on the chart, but the South Korean pop star is set to join the 2023 Global Citizen Festival lineup as […]
Anitta, D-Nice and Sofia Carson have joined the star-studded lineup of the 2023 Global Citizen Festival slated to take place on the Great Lawn of New York’s Central Park on Sept. 23. The artists join a previously announced list of headliners that includes the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Conan Gray and Stray Kids.
Other performers, activists and actors slated to appear at the event include Bill Nye, Bridget Moynahan, Busy Philipps, Carmelo Anthony, Common, Connie Britton, Danai Gurira, Gayle King, Jordan Fisher, Lewis Pugh, Padma Lakshmi, Phoebe Gates, Rachel Brosnahan and Sophia Bush.
This year’s Global Citizen Festival campaign is focused on urging governments to take immediate action to address systemic issues around extreme poverty. “We’re thrilled to join forces with these passionate artists and advocates to call for urgent action to address the climate crisis, demand equity for women and girls and disrupt the cycles holding people in extreme poverty,” said Katie Hill, SVP, Head of Music, Entertainment and Artist Relations, Global Citizen in a statement. “This year’s campaign is driving a record number of actions from global citizens around the world, and we’re grateful to this year’s performers and presenters for leveraging their voices and joining us on the Great Lawn on September 23.”
Tickets for the 2023 Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action on the Global Citizen app or here. The festival be broadcast and streamed on ABC, ABC News Live, Apple Music and the Apple TV app, Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, Facebook, Hulu, iHeartRadio, Instagram, Mediacorp, SABC, TikTok, TimesLIVE, Veeps, X, YouTube, the Global Citizen app and globalcitizen.org.