Quick Read
- Shakira and Cardi B headlined the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, New York.
- The festival attracted around 60,000 attendees, focusing on ending poverty and climate action.
- Fans earned tickets by taking action—volunteering or supporting social causes.
- The event raised funds for energy access in Africa, Amazon rainforest protection, and global education.
- Hugh Jackman hosted for the eleventh year; The Weeknd was originally scheduled but canceled.
Shakira Leads the Charge at Global Citizen Festival 2025
As the sun began to set over New York City’s iconic Central Park, a wave of anticipation rippled through the crowd. By the time Shakira took the stage at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, the Great Lawn was a sea of movement—tens of thousands of festivalgoers, united by music and a shared mission for change. Her unmistakable voice and rhythmic energy ignited the atmosphere, transforming a concert into a rallying cry for global justice.
A Gathering with Purpose: Music Meets Activism
The Global Citizen Festival is not just another date on the city’s bustling events calendar. Each year, it draws together artists, activists, and ordinary citizens, all determined to make a tangible difference in the fight against extreme poverty and climate change. This year was no exception. Organized by Global Citizen—a movement dedicated to ending poverty, defending the planet, and ensuring equal access to essentials—the 2025 edition attracted a staggering 60,000 people to the heart of Manhattan. The event’s unique model requires attendees to earn their tickets by taking meaningful action: signing petitions, volunteering, or advocating for policy change.
“A lot of people wonder, can I make a difference if I sign that petition? Does it really help if I vote, if I clean up that beach? Yes, it makes a difference, and tonight is the proof of it,” said actor Hugh Jackman, hosting the festival for his eleventh consecutive year. His words echoed the festival’s core philosophy: small actions, when multiplied, can shift the world.
An Electric Lineup: Shakira, Cardi B, and Global Voices
With a lineup spanning genres and continents, the festival pulsed with diversity and urgency. Shakira and Cardi B headlined—a pairing that brought together two of the most dynamic voices in contemporary music. The stage also welcomed Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo, Elyanna, and a special appearance by ROSÉ. Originally, The Weeknd was slated to headline but had to withdraw, paving the way for Cardi B’s high-energy addition.
Each performance was more than entertainment; it was a call to action. Shakira’s set, in particular, was a highlight. Her blend of hits and heartfelt messages about global responsibility resonated deeply. Fans, some waving Colombian flags, danced and sang along, underscoring the artist’s global reach and the festival’s international spirit.
Voices of Change: Speakers and Goals for 2025
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival wasn’t just about music. Co-hosted by Adam Lambert, Bill Nye, Danai Gurira, and Liza Koshy, the event gave the stage to activists and advocates from around the world. Speakers included Kristen Bell, Tony Goldwyn, and a host of voices from different continents, all sharing stories that illustrated the stakes of the festival’s mission.
This year’s campaign spotlighted urgent goals: securing energy access for one million people across Africa, raising $200 million to protect the Amazon rainforest, and providing quality education for 30,000 children globally. Hugh Evans, Global Citizen’s co-founder and CEO, set an ambitious target: to raise the first $30 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to educate 100,000 children worldwide by the next World Cup final.
From the Crowd: Community, Commitment, and a Ripple Effect
Behind the big names and big numbers were the stories of ordinary people. Over 40,000 New Yorkers signed up to volunteer in their communities, while many more joined from across the world. Harlem resident Gregory Turner summed up the festival’s spirit: “I think these types of things are what bring people together in real life, and we need to do more of that.” The festival, as always, was more than a concert—it was a testament to the power of collective action.
Notably, the 2025 event continued despite past controversies. Heavy rain during the 2023 festival caused significant damage to Central Park’s Great Lawn, sparking debate about the festival’s future location. Still, the sense of purpose and the impact of the gathering proved too important to let weather—or logistical challenges—stand in the way.
Looking Ahead: Shakira and the Ongoing Fight for Change
As the final notes echoed over Central Park, the sense of momentum was palpable. Shakira’s performance was more than a headline act; it was a reminder of how culture and activism can intertwine to inspire action. The festival’s approach—empowering fans to earn their way in by making a difference—underscored a belief that every individual, regardless of background, can be a catalyst for change.
In a world often divided by conflict and crisis, the Global Citizen Festival offered a moment of unity. Through music, advocacy, and shared purpose, the crowd in Central Park—and the millions following online—were reminded that change is possible, and that it often starts with a single voice on a stage.
Shakira’s role at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival exemplifies how artists can be powerful agents of social change. Her performance, set against a backdrop of urgent global challenges, brought together activism and artistry in a way that resonated far beyond the festival grounds. As efforts to end poverty and protect the planet continue, the event stands as a vivid reminder that the intersection of culture and cause can spark real-world impact—one song, one action, and one united crowd at a time.
