Global Citizen Festival 2025: The Weeknd, Shakira, Tyla and more set to perform in Central Park

On September 27, Shakira and The Weeknd will headline the Global Citizen Festival at the Great Lawn in New York City, Central Park. The festival is structured as a part of the broader campaign of Global Citizen to fight global poverty and inaction in the face of climate change.

Hugh Jackman who has been a regular supporter of the organization in promoting its agenda will come back as host. South African pop sensation Tyla, Nigerian Afro-popstar Ayra Starr, and R&B singer Mariah the Scientist are other rising international voices featured in the bill.

The event is frequently both a cultural spectacle and a political performance - previous events have seen presidents, philanthropists, and business executives appearing in support of such causes as gender equity, access to healthcare and food security. The name of more performers and speakers will be announced closer to the festival date.

The 2025 Global Citizen Festival links music with global action on climate, education, and equality

The 2025 Global Citizen Festival has its sights set on a few key goals. They really want to bring more power sources to a million people in Africa. They're working with FIFA too, focusing on school and football for 30,000 kids in different places. But that's not all. They also want to protect a big part of the Amazon rainforest with $200 million and get 40,000 New York folks to help out around the city.

Access to the Global Citizen Festival is not about money, it's about taking part. People get into the show by doing things in the Global Citizen app that help bring change. They don't just buy a ticket; they do tasks that make more people know and care about big world issues like climate change, poverty and not having equal chances.

This way, the event opens to more folks, and it also pushes them to take part in making a difference. Taking action becomes the way to get your ticket. In a statement regarding the show, Shakira said:

"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."

Global Citizen helped launch the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show with major artists on a global stage

Global Citizen worked as a co-help to set up the first-ever mid-game show for the FIFA Club World Cup. It took place on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This was the first time that such a big show happened at this big world football event. The show had top music stars from all over, like Doja Cat, J Balvin, Tems, and Coldplay, also with Emmanuel Kelly. By doing this, Global Citizen grew its reach past just talking for good causes.