Global Citizen Festival 2025 will return to New York City’s Central Park on September 27, with global superstars The Weeknd and Shakira headlining the concert. Known for combining star power with social action, this annual event supports key humanitarian goals — including expanding clean, reliable energy access across Africa, mobilizing $200 million to protect the Amazon rainforest, and raising at least $30 million to improve literacy through community-based education programs.
Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist will also perform, while actor Hugh Jackman will host the show. The concert, organized by anti-poverty nonprofit Global Citizen, uses music to inspire direct public engagement with global issues.
A Stage for Purpose, Not Just Performance
Both The Weeknd and Shakira bring more than fame to the stage — they bring personal connections to the cause. “The fact that these artists have immediate proximity to communities that have either recently emerged out of extreme poverty, or are emerging out of extreme poverty, gives them amazing perspective,” said Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans. “And they bring that perspective into Central Park at this moment where I think the world needs a moment of unity now more than ever.”
The Weeknd recently completed a four-night sold-out run at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, while Shakira just finished seven back-to-back sold-out shows in Mexico City.
Fans Must Earn Their Tickets
Fans can’t simply buy their way in. Tickets are free, but attendees must earn them by taking action via the Global Citizen app. Supporters are encouraged to participate in advocacy by uploading videos urging German and French leaders to fund Amazon protection or by volunteering to mentor young people worldwide.
According to Evans, modern audiences respond better to user-generated content. These actions provide quality engagement and are harder to fake than older methods like email campaigns or social media shares.
Returning Supporters of Global Citizen
The Weeknd and Shakira have both worked with Global Citizen before. Shakira joined Coldplay onstage during the 2017 Global Citizen Festival in Hamburg, Germany. Meanwhile, The Weeknd is also donating $1 from every concert ticket sold to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, reinforcing his commitment to the cause.
Shakira emphasized her excitement in a statement: “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.”
