At the Global Citizen Festival, the UN Deputy Secretary-General called for action to achieve development goals
“New York, I can’t hear you. Are we ready to act?” she said in comment to the Global Citizen Festival.
The annual concert, which aims to end extreme poverty, is among the 17 Sustainable development goals (SDGs), held in the context of the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly.
Ms. Mohammed highlighted the recent passage of Pact for the future at the United Nations “to sustain the Global Goals”.
Billion dollar commitment
About 60,000 people attended the concert to hear world leaders, philanthropists and the private sector pledge their response to advocacy.
This year, the Global Citizen Festival campaign announced a $1 billion commitment to end extreme poverty and protect the planet through goals fully aligned with the United Nations and the SDGs .
“It’s inspiring to be in a place where so many young people come here not just for the music but for change,” said Milly, a 24-year-old concert artist from Australia.
The festival was highlighted by performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Doja Cat, Post Malone and even surprise performances from Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin.
Defeat poverty
Since April, Global Citizen has called on G20 countries to significantly increase their support for International Development Association (IDA), a World Bank fund aimed at eradicating poverty in 77 of the world’s lowest-income countries.
During the Festival campaign, Denmark pledged 491 million USD to IDA, a significant increase of 40% compared to the previous contribution. Danish Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen, along with actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), highlighted the commitment on stage and thanked Global Citizen for their actions.
“Hello New York! Global Citizen! We have heard your voice! he exclaimed.
Denmark’s early commitment is particularly impactful as it will assume the Presidency of the European Union in July 2025, sending a strong message to other EU countries that investing in national development Economy must be the top priority.
Spain and the UK have also pledged to increase their contributions to IDA and their official contribution levels will be determined in the coming months.
Young people attend the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park.
Protect the planet
Another key goal of the Global Citizen Festival campaign is to gain commitment from world leaders to protecting the planet.
Among other commitments by various leaders to protect the environment, in the week before the concert, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon publicly endorsed the Non-Proliferation Treaty jelly during the NOW Global Health and Climate Session.
“It’s interesting to know that leaders don’t really just say they’re going to do things but actually make some real commitments,” said Rose, a 26-year-old audience member from Mississippi.
