Mark your calendars for September 27, when the Global Citizen Festival returns with a powerhouse lineup featuring The Weeknd and Shakira as headliners. This year’s edition promises to blend world-class entertainment with meaningful activism, staying true to the festival’s core mission of using music as a catalyst for global change.
A Night of Rising Stars and Familiar Faces
Beyond the marquee acts, the 2025 festival will spotlight emerging talent from across the globe, including South African sensation Tyla, R&B artist Mariah the Scientist, and Nigerian star Ayra Starr. This diverse roster reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing voices from every corner of the world.
Hugh Jackman steps back into his hosting shoes for the 11th time, bringing his signature energy to the event. The Global Citizen Ambassador shared his excitement: “The progress we’ve made over the years is thrilling. The Global Citizen movement’s influence spans the globe, and I am proud to work alongside ambassadors, performers, world leaders, and private sector executives to create positive change.”
Ambitious Goals for Real-World Impact
This year’s festival carries weighty ambitions. The organizers have set their sights on bringing electricity to one million people across Africa—a goal that could transform entire communities. Through a partnership with FIFA, they’re also working to connect 30,000 children with quality education and football programs, recognizing sport’s unique power to unite and inspire.
The environmental stakes are equally high. The festival aims to mobilize $200 million for protecting 30 million hectares of Amazon rainforest—an area roughly the size of Italy. Locally, organizers hope to recruit 40,000 New Yorkers as volunteers, strengthening the city’s community fabric.
Festival Veterans Return to the Stage
The Weeknd brings familiar energy to this year’s stage, having previously commanded the Global Citizen audience alongside Janet Jackson and Cardi B back in 2018. Shakira’s connection with the festival runs deeper—she performed at a special Global Citizen event ahead of the 2017 G20 Summit in Hamburg, demonstrating the organization’s reach into international political spheres.
Last year’s festival delivered memorable performances from Post Malone, Doja Cat, and Rauw Alejandro, with surprise appearances by Lisa and Jelly Roll. Previous editions have featured everyone from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Anitta and Ms. Lauryn Hill, cementing the festival’s reputation for attracting A-list talent willing to lend their voices to worthy causes.
Perfect Timing for Both Headliners
The festival’s timing works beautifully for both stars. The Weeknd will wrap up his massive After Hours til Dawn Tour in early September, giving him just enough time to prepare for what promises to be a career-defining performance. Meanwhile, Shakira will arrive fresh from a stadium show in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the night before, as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.
As always, entry remains free, with tickets available through volunteer work coordinated via the Global Citizen app and website. It’s this model—earning your way through service—that keeps the festival’s heart beating with genuine purpose rather than profit.
