The Global Citizen Festival is set to make its highly anticipated return to Central Park's Great Lawn on September 27, 2025, with a star-studded lineup featuring headliners The Weeknd and Shakira. They will be joined by rising talents Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist for an evening dedicated to global advocacy. Long-time Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will host the event, with further participants expected to be announced soon.
Organized by the international advocacy group Global Citizen, fresh off producing the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup halftime show, this year's festival aims to drive significant impact across several critical areas. The campaign for 2025 focuses on securing energy access for one million people across Africa, providing educational opportunities for 30,000 children worldwide in partnership with FIFA, and mobilizing $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest. Additionally, the initiative seeks to register 40,000 volunteers across New York City.
Shakira expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I’m honored to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September. 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."
Hugh Jackman, celebrating his eleventh year as host, highlighted the sustained progress of the Global Citizen movement. "The growing impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world, and I’m eager to advocate alongside my fellow ambassadors, performers, world leaders, and private sector executives to leave the world better than we found it," he remarked.
Fans eager to attend the festival can earn free tickets by participating in advocacy actions via the Global Citizen app or their website, taking steps to support the campaign's ambitious goals. The festival is presented by Cisco, with major support from partners including Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, PayPal and Venmo, and P&G.
