Just days after making history with the first-ever halftime show at the FIFA Club World Cup, Global Citizen is back in the spotlight with the announcement of the 2025 Global Citizen Festival lineup. The international advocacy organization revealed that The Weeknd and Shakira will headline the iconic music and impact event on September 27 at Central Park’s Great Lawn.

Joining them on stage will be breakout stars Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Mariah the Scientist, in a high-energy lineup set to electrify one of New York’s most anticipated cultural events of the year. Hugh Jackman, longtime Global Citizen Ambassador, returns for his eleventh year as host.

“This festival is more than music—it’s a rallying cry for action,” said Jackman. “We’ve seen the change this movement can create, and I’m proud to continue standing with Global Citizen to make a real difference.”

The 2025 Global Citizen Festival will drive forward three bold global campaigns:

• Energy Access for 1 Million People in Africa
  
  
• $200 Million to Protect 30 Million Hectares of the Amazon Rainforest
  
  
• Education Access for 30,000 Children Worldwide

Tickets to the festival are free, but can only be earned by taking action on these causes via the Global Citizen app or at globalcitizenfestival.com.

“Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world,” said Shakira. “I’m honored to headline this incredible festival and inspire action for change.”

The 2025 campaign highlights the urgency of global challenges while calling on governments, corporations, and citizens to respond with bold commitments.

Goal 1: Energy Access in Africa

Global Citizen aims to mobilize $1.5 billion to scale renewable energy and train 50,000 youth in clean energy skills. In partnership with the European Commission and several national governments, two major infrastructure projects—worth over $500 million—are set to bring clean electricity to at least 1 million people.

Goal 2: Saving the Amazon

Partnering with Re:wild, the festival is pushing to raise $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of rainforest. Funds will empower over 20 Indigenous groups to steward and rewild the Amazon, home to more than 20 billion trees and a lifeline in the fight against climate change.

Goal 3: Education for All

Through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, the campaign seeks to raise $30 million to provide quality education to 30,000 children. Grants will support community programs in 150+ countries, ensuring the next generation learns to read, write, and thrive.

In partnership with volunteer platform Goodera, Global Citizen is also calling on 40,000 New Yorkers to sign up for volunteer work with local nonprofits, earning festival points through civic engagement like career mentorship, resume building, and interview coaching.

The festival is backed by major partners including Cisco, Bridgewater Associates, Delta, P&G, and PayPal/Venmo, with production by Done+Dusted and Diversified Production Services. iHeartMedia serves as exclusive U.S. audio partner, and New York City Parks is the location partner.

“This is about investment in our future—not aid,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO of Global Citizen. “Ending extreme poverty is within reach, but only if we act now and hold leaders accountable.”

In a new partnership with Colossal, Global Citizen is also the official charity partner of the America's Next Top Hitmaker competition. One standout performer from over 65,000 applicants will take the stage at the Global Citizen Festival pre-show. Public voting closes July 31, 2025, at tophitmaker.org.

For more information on how to take action and earn tickets, visit globalcitizenfestival.com or download the Global Citizen app.

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.