Kelli Healy

Written by Kelli Healy

Published: 30 Sep 2024

40-facts-about-global-citizen-festival
Source: Globalgreen.org

What is the Global Citizen Festival? It's an annual music festival and advocacy event aimed at ending extreme poverty by 2030. Founded in 2012 by Ryan Gall and Hugh Evans, this festival combines star-studded performances with powerful calls to action. Held primarily in New York City's Central Park, it attracts around 60,000 attendees each year. Tickets aren't bought; they're earned by taking actions like signing petitions or watching videos on the Global Citizen app. With a lineup featuring top artists and appearances by world leaders, the festival addresses global issues like poverty, climate change, and gender equality.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Global Citizen Festival is a music event with a powerful mission to end extreme poverty by 2030. Fans earn free tickets by taking action through charity acts on the website.
  • The festival features star-studded lineups, notable hosts, and guests, addressing global issues like poverty, climate change, and gender equality. It empowers individuals to take action and has made a significant global impact.
Table of Contents

What is the Global Citizen Festival?

The Global Citizen Festival is more than just a music event. It's a movement aimed at ending extreme poverty by 2030. Let's dive into some key facts about this impactful festival.

  1. Annual Music Festival: Held every year, this festival unites millions globally to take action and make a difference.

  2. Mission: The festival's mission is to end extreme poverty. Fans earn free tickets by contributing to charity acts on the website, like watching videos and signing petitions.

  3. Founders: Ryan Gall and Hugh Evans founded the festival, with Evans playing a crucial role in its advocacy.

  4. Curator: In 2015, Chris Martin of Coldplay became the festival's curator for 15 years, aligning its goals with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Where is the Festival Held?

The festival's primary location is iconic, but it has also traveled to other parts of the world.

  1. Location: Mainly held in New York City’s Central Park, it has also taken place in Mumbai and Johannesburg.

  2. Attendance: In New York City, the festival typically attracts around 60,000 attendees.

How to Get Tickets?

Unlike typical concerts, tickets to this festival are earned through actions, not bought.

  1. Ticket Distribution: Tickets are earned by taking actions on the Global Citizen app or website, such as signing petitions or watching videos.

  2. Free Tickets: While the event is free, tickets must be earned. They cannot be sold on the secondary market and can only be transferred to friends or family.

Who Performs at the Festival?

The festival boasts a star-studded lineup every year, featuring top musicians and celebrities.

  1. Lineup: Renowned musicians, celebrities, and world leaders come together on stage to inspire and mobilize the audience.

  2. Performers: Past performers include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jung Kook, Anitta, Conan Gray, D-Nice, Sofia Carson, and 3RACHA.

  3. 2023 Lineup: The 2023 lineup featured Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jung Kook, Anitta, Conan Gray, D-Nice, and Sofia Carson, with 3RACHA replacing Stray Kids.

  4. 2024 Lineup: The 2024 lineup includes Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Jelly Roll, and Rauw Alejandro, with Hugh Jackman hosting.

Who Hosts and Guests?

The festival also features notable hosts and guests who emphasize the importance of collective action.

  1. Hosts: Hugh Jackman has been a key host, stressing the importance of ending extreme poverty and defending the planet.

  2. Guests: Notable figures like Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, have appeared, supporting the Global Citizen movement.

What are the Policy Goals?

The festival's goals are broken down into three main pillars of action.

  1. Policy Goals: The primary policy goals are Defeat Poverty, Defend the Planet, and Demand Equity.

  2. Global Issues: The festival addresses issues like poverty, climate change, gender equality, education, and healthcare.

How Does the Festival Empower People?

The festival empowers individuals to take action on global issues, raising awareness and funds.

  1. Advocacy: It empowers people to take action on global issues, raising awareness and funds to eradicate extreme poverty.

  2. Online Presence: Leveraging social media and virtual platforms, the festival reaches a global audience, allowing worldwide engagement.

  3. Youth Engagement: Actively involves youth, providing them a platform to make their voices heard and contribute to the movement.

Who are the Partners?

The festival partners with various non-profit organizations and major companies to achieve its goals.

  1. Non-Profit Partnerships: Partners include Black Surfing Rockaway, The Bowery Mission, and YMCA of Greater New York – Bed Stuy.

  2. Carbon Neutrality: Aims to be carbon neutral by supporting community-centered forest conservation efforts through partnerships like Everland.

  3. Major Partners: Presented by Citi and Cisco, with major partners including Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, Motsepe Foundation, P&G, Verizon, and World Wide Technology.

  4. Production Partner: Live Nation is the production partner, and iHeartMedia is the exclusive US audio partner.

  5. Location Partner: New York City Parks is the location partner, and the festival is produced by Diversified Production Services.

  6. Global Coalition: The 2024 campaign is supported by over 90 organizations, including Africa Forward by Catalyst 2030, African Climate Reality Project, and African Renaissance Trust.

How to Enter the Ticket Draws?

Fans can enter multiple draws to increase their chances of getting tickets.

  1. Ticket Draws: There are five separate draws for festival tickets, with each entry costing 60 points. Fans can enter each draw multiple times.

  2. Ticket Entry Period: The last entry period for draws is from September 12 to September 19.

What is the Event Schedule?

The festival has a specific schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly.

  1. Event Schedule: Gates at Central Park open at 2 p.m., and the show starts at 4 p.m., ending around 10 p.m.

  2. Rain Policy: The festival is rain or shine but may be canceled due to severe weather. If possible, a rain date will be the following day.

What are the Emergency Procedures?

Safety is a priority, with measures in place for any emergencies.

  1. Emergency Procedures: Security personnel are trained for emergencies, with enhanced lighting and signs showing exit paths.

  2. Sensory Needs: Provides sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards for fans with sensory needs.

Can Tickets be Transferred?

Tickets have specific rules regarding transfer and resale.

  1. Ticket Transfer: Tickets cannot be sold on the secondary market but can be transferred to friends or family using the ‘Ticket Transfer’ option.

Are There Any Discounts or Amenities?

The festival offers various amenities and discounts to enhance the experience.

  1. Venmo Discount: Fans can get a discount by paying with Venmo at the festival. The offer expires at the end of the festival.

  2. Charging Stations: Verizon provides charging stations in all sections of the Great Lawn to keep devices charged.

What is the Global Impact?

The festival has made a significant impact globally since its inception.

  1. Global Impact: Since 2009, Global Citizens have taken over 33.5 million actions, leading to over $43.6 billion being distributed to partners, impacting 1.29 billion lives.

  2. UN General Assembly: Timed to coincide with the UN General Assembly, leveraging opportunities to get commitments from leaders to defeat poverty, demand equity, and defend the planet.

  3. Major Global Challenges: Addresses challenges like the climate crisis, inequities facing women and girls, and the global hunger crisis.

  4. Global Citizen Movement: Dedicated to ending extreme poverty NOW, driving lasting change towards sustainability, equality, and humanity.

  5. Funding Commitments: Generated significant pledges and commitments from leaders, businesses, and individuals, driving progress towards ending poverty and improving global health.

  6. Innovative Solutions: Promotes global partnerships, fostering innovative solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges by creating opportunities for collaborations between governments, businesses, and organizations.

The Power of Music and Advocacy

The Global Citizen Festival is more than just a music event. It’s a powerful platform that combines entertainment with activism to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. Founded in 2012 by Ryan Gall and Hugh Evans, this annual festival aims to end extreme poverty by 2030. With a star-studded lineup and a mission to inspire action, it’s no wonder the festival attracts thousands of attendees each year. From New York City’s Central Park to global stages in Mumbai and Johannesburg, the festival reaches millions worldwide. By taking simple actions like signing petitions or watching videos, fans earn tickets and become part of a movement for change. With major partners like Citi and Cisco, and a commitment to sustainability, the festival continues to make a significant impact. Join the movement, take action, and be a part of something bigger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Global Citizen Festival?
Global Citizen Festival isn't just any concert. It's a powerful event that brings together music stars, world leaders, and everyday folks, all united for a cause: to end extreme poverty by 2030. Imagine rocking out to your favorite tunes while making a real difference in the world!
How can someone attend this festival?
Getting tickets to this festival is unique because it's not about how much money you have. Instead, attendees earn their spot by taking action on global issues through the Global Citizen app or website. From tweeting world leaders to signing petitions, your actions can score you a spot at this inspiring event.
Who performs at the Global Citizen Festival?
This festival is known for its star-studded lineups. Over the years, big names like Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran have graced the stage. Each year, the lineup is a mix of top international artists committed to the cause, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Where does the festival take place?
The heart of the festival beats in New York City's Central Park. However, don't fret if you can't make it to NYC. Global Citizen Festival has also expanded to other cities around the world, including Mumbai and Johannesburg, spreading its message far and wide.
Can watching the festival online make a difference?
Absolutely! Even if you're not there in person, tuning in to the live stream can make a big impact. Viewers are encouraged to take action online, just like attendees. Plus, the more people watch, the bigger the message we send to world leaders about the importance of ending extreme poverty.
What kind of impact has the festival had so far?
Since its inception, the Global Citizen Festival has made waves, leading to billions of dollars in commitments from governments, corporations, and philanthropists. These commitments are aimed at tackling a wide range of issues, from education and gender equality to clean water and sanitation. Every year, the festival proves that when we come together, we can create monumental change.
How can businesses get involved with the Global Citizen Festival?
Businesses play a crucial role in the festival's success. They can get involved by sponsoring the event, partnering to promote action-taking, or committing resources to support the causes Global Citizen champions. It's a fantastic opportunity for companies to show their commitment to global issues and make a positive impact.

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