On Sunday, September 28, 2025, New York City’s iconic Central Park hosted the 13th edition of the Global Citizen Festival, an event that uniquely blended high-profile entertainment with a call for global activism. The festival took place on the Great Lawn, drawing large crowds for a day of powerful performances and urgent discussions on addressing the world’s most pressing issues. International superstars Shakira and Cardi B headlined the event, using their platforms to amplify important messages aligned with the Global Goals for 2025.
Shakira, known for her humanitarian work as much as her chart-topping music career, performed with passion and purpose, shining a spotlight on social causes like education, climate change, and poverty alleviation. Her set was a reflection of her long-standing commitment to using her fame to create positive change, reminding the audience that music can be a vehicle for activism. Alongside her, Cardi B captivated the crowd with her bold and unapologetic approach to social justice, speaking out on issues like inequality, racial justice, and the need for systemic change. The rapper’s performance was not just about entertainment but about rallying people to get involved in creating a fairer and more sustainable world.
The Global Citizen Festival has always been a unique intersection of entertainment and activism, and this year was no different. The performances by Shakira and Cardi B were interspersed with powerful speeches and calls to action, urging people to make their voices heard and push for tangible progress on global challenges. From climate change and education to access to healthcare and poverty, the event underscored the importance of collective action in driving solutions.
The festival also brought together activists, global leaders, and organizations committed to making a difference, further demonstrating that addressing the world’s most complex issues requires collaboration across industries and borders. Through its combination of entertainment, advocacy, and engagement, the Global Citizen Festival continues to inspire people worldwide to take meaningful steps toward building a more equitable and sustainable future.
As one of the key events in the Global Citizen movement, the 2025 edition reaffirmed the power of music and celebrity influence to drive social change. The event proved that activism can be both entertaining and impactful, bringing together diverse audiences to unite for a common cause. By blending music and important conversations about global challenges, the festival continues to be a beacon of hope, urging citizens everywhere to become active participants in creating the world they want to see.
