The Weeknd and Shakira headline festival to support energy access and Amazon protection

In September 2025, the Global Citizen Festival took place in Central Park, New York, featuring headliners The Weeknd and Shakira, among others. The event aimed to tackle significant global issues, including improving energy access in Africa, protecting the Amazon rainforest, and enhancing children's literacy through education programs. Global Citizen announced that their efforts included securing commitments to provide clean energy for 1 million individuals in Africa and raising $200 million for indigenous entrepreneurs working to defend large areas of the Amazon. The show's free tickets were earned through participation in specific charitable activities promoted through the Global Citizen app. The festival serves as a platform to unify communities in the face of ongoing challenges related to poverty, environmental degradation, and education deficiencies. With over 12 million members worldwide, Global Citizen has adapted its approach to advocacy, recognizing that the impact of traditional social media posts has diminished. Hence, they are focusing on generating more substantive engagement by encouraging individuals to create user-generated content, demonstrating their commitment to the cause through personal initiatives. Hugh Evans, the co-founder of Global Citizen, expressed that the presence of widely recognized artists like The Weeknd and Shakira adds essential perspective on the challenges facing communities emerging from extreme poverty. Both artists have had a long-standing relationship with the festival, highlighting their commitment to using their influence to generate action and inspire change. The concert not only featured performances but also highlighted the serious humanitarian priorities at play, urging attendees to consider the importance of active participation in rectifying global injustices. As more young people are getting involved in issues of sustainability and poverty, the organization is finding success in reaching audience segments that may have felt disconnected from such causes. Evans articulated the necessity of addressing various interconnected issues such as access to education and the importance of conserving natural resources. Consequently, the event was not only a performance opportunity for these artists but also a vital call to action for individuals looking to engage in meaningful social change and advocacy through community actions.