Global Citizen Festival 2024: Music, Activism, and Unity in the Heart of NYC
By Francis Page, Jr.
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September 30, 2024 (Houston Style Magazine) — Central Park, New York – The 2024 Global Citizen Festival brought together a star-studded lineup and thousands of advocates for change, delivering more than just entertainment. This annual festival, held on the Great Lawn of Central Park, once again combined the power of music with activism, highlighting urgent global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. Headliners Post Malone and Doja Cat set the stage ablaze, captivating fans with unforgettable performances, while sending a powerful message about the need for collective action. Alongside these chart-topping stars, the night featured K-pop sensation LISA from Blackpink, fresh off her solo single “Rockstar,” Latin superstar Rauw Alejandro, and genre-defying artist Jelly Roll, showcasing a truly international lineup.
A Celebration of Music and Activism Global Citizen Festival has always done more than entertain—it empowers. With music as the catalyst, the festival invites attendees and viewers around the world to take concrete actions to “defeat poverty, defend the planet, and demand equity.” And this year’s festival delivered in spades. “Young people are at the heart of change,” said Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, as he addressed the vibrant, diverse crowd that included the trendsetters of tomorrow. The importance of this younger generation could not have been more evident in the festival’s all-star lineup, which targeted fans globally and from all walks of life. From Post Malone’s recent collaboration with Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Blake Shelton, to Doja Cat’s promotion of her latest album Scarlet on tour, the headliners embody the power of cross-genre influence, much like the broad coalition of Global Citizens taking-action for change. “We all have a part to play,” Doja Cat passionately shared in her address to the crowd, reminding everyone that collective efforts are the foundation for lasting change.
Tackling Global Challenges, One Song at a Time The night wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about impact. Global Citizen’s mission to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030 took center stage. As Evans noted, 10% of the world’s population still lives in extreme poverty, and this festival serves as a rallying cry for more action from governments, corporations, and citizens alike. Dr. Jane Goodall, beloved primatologist and activist, made a surprise appearance, joined by Chris Martin of Coldplay, further elevating the festival’s focus on climate change and sustainability. The pair spoke about the need to protect wildlife, the environment, and underserved communities most affected by global crises.
Global Citizens Unite for a Brighter Tomorrow The festival’s call to action was clear: every individual can make a difference, whether by advocating for policies, supporting grassroots initiatives, or simply educating themselves on global issues. By requiring festivalgoers to take actions—like signing petitions or contacting political representatives—to earn their tickets, Global Citizen ensured the evening was not only about enjoying the music but about participating in change. The event streamed live on platforms like YouTube, ensuring that millions around the world could participate in the mission, no matter their location. Hugh Jackman hosted the event, and with live performances from artists such as Benson Boone and RAYE, the night was a mix of activism, hope, and world-class entertainment.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued Advocacy As the curtain closed on the 2024 Global Citizen Festival, the message remained: The fight for a fairer, more sustainable world continues. Through their music, their actions, and their platforms, the artists who performed—including Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Rauw Alejandro, and Jelly Roll—proved that change is possible when we stand united. Houston Style Magazine readers, the anticipated $1.2 billion raised through this year’s event will be allocated towards various programs aimed at eliminating extreme poverty and supporting sustainable development initiatives around the globe. This funding not only supports immediate solutions but also contributes to long-term change. For more on how you can take action, visit Global Citizen’s website.
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