Full Breakdown
Highlights from the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park
9/29/2025, 8:33:53 PM
Star-Studded Performances and Global Impact
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival took place on September 27 at Central Park's Great Lawn, attracting over 60,000 attendees. The event featured a diverse lineup of artists, including Shakira, Cardi B, Tyla, Rema, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, and ROSÉ. The festival aimed to address critical global issues, announcing initiatives to provide clean energy to 4.6 million homes in Africa, protect 25 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and fund education programs for children in 200 communities worldwide. Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, emphasized the collective impact of artists and attendees in the fight against extreme poverty, stating, “Together, this year’s campaign has broken all action-taking records.”
Cardi B's Empowering Performance
Cardi B, co-headlining the festival while visibly pregnant, delivered an electrifying performance that included hits like “Bodak Yellow” and new tracks from her album *Am I The Drama?*, released just days prior. Despite skepticism regarding her ability to balance motherhood and her career, Cardi B expressed pride in supporting such an important cause, stating, “This one’s not like other music festivals – this one is about coming together to help children around the world.” Her performance was well-received, showcasing her resilience and commitment to her artistic endeavors.
Shakira's Headlining Set
Shakira captivated the audience with her dynamic headlining set, beginning with “She Wolf” and encouraging crowd participation. She acknowledged the audience's commitment to global causes, saying, “I’m so proud of each one of you tonight. It’s so amazing to be surrounded by so many people who really care.” The festival's focus on renewable energy and education was highlighted during her performance, which included popular songs like “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” Shakira's presence underscored the festival's mission to unite people for a common cause.
Tyla's Journey and Message
South African artist Tyla reflected on her journey from being an audience member at the festival in 2018 to performing on stage in 2025. She shared her excitement, stating, “The fact that I’m on this stage is amazing. We’re here for a good cause.” Tyla's performance, alongside other international artists, emphasized the festival's commitment to cultural diversity and global collaboration.
Official Statements and Responses
Global Citizen's initiatives received significant backing, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announcing over $638 million for climate-friendly energy production. The festival also highlighted the need for collective action, as emphasized by United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, who called for peace and collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Criticism and Opposition
While the festival celebrated its achievements, some critics pointed out the ongoing challenges in addressing poverty and environmental issues, questioning the effectiveness of such events in creating lasting change. However, the festival's organizers maintained that raising awareness and mobilizing resources are crucial steps toward progress.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Together, this year’s campaign has broken all action-taking records,” Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, said in a press release.” — Hugh Evans, Co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen
- “And I’m so proud of each one of you tonight. It’s so amazing to be surrounded by so many people who really care. So thank you so much for caring, thank you so much Global Citizen for this initiative.” — Shakira, Performer
- “This one’s not like other music festivals – this one is about coming together to help children around the world, and I’m so proud to support such an important cause.” — Cardi B, Performer
- “No child should be left in the dark. They need light to work, study, practice. They need light to reach their dreams and watch their favorite TV shows. That’s why energy matters.” — Ayra Starr, Performer
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival not only entertained but also served as a platform for advocacy, uniting artists and audiences in the pursuit of a more equitable world.
