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  • Global Citizen Festival Campaign to Support Nonprofit Organisations Across New York’s Five Boroughs

    Global Citizen, the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty, today announced the lineup of the 2024 Global Citizen Festival, set to take place on Central Park’s Great Lawn on September 28. Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro will headline this year’s festival, with additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks. Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will host the event, which will also feature appearances by Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, and Global Citizen Festival Curator, Chris Martin of Coldplay. 

    The hunger crisis continues to grow, infectious diseases are still spreading, debt is on the rise, and last year was the hottest on record. Meanwhile, governments everywhere are reducing their contributions to foreign aid, with more than half of G7 countries having proposed cuts this year. Despite the emerging gap between what the world needs and what seems politically possible, the plight of the world’s most vulnerable communities is more urgent than ever. This is a critical year for the global community to support frontline organisations, invest in lifesaving solutions, and act today, to save tomorrow. 

    The 2024 Global Citizen Festival takes aim at these major issues perpetuating extreme poverty around the world. Global Citizen Festival is presented by Citi and Cisco. Major Partners are Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, Motsepe Foundation, P&G, Verizon and World Wide Technology; Production Partner Live Nation; Exclusive US Audio Partner iHeartMedia; and Location Partner New York City Parks. Take Action on the Global Citizen App to Earn Free Global Citizen Festival Tickets. Tickets to the Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action on the Global Citizen app or at globalcitizenfestival.com to demand change from governments and private sector leaders. This year, global citizens everywhere will unite to call for urgent action to: 

    Defeat Poverty 

    Global Citizen is calling on the G7 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the UK and the US – to increase their support for anti-poverty programs worldwide, including increasing their contributions by at least 25 percent to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund dedicated to defeating poverty in the world’s 75 lowest-income countries. Achieving an IDA replenishment of at least $100 billion will support the social and economic development of more than 1.5 billion people, including providing 250 million people with access to electricity by 2030, addressing malnutrition for over 40 million women and children per year, and driving domestic investment in healthcare, agriculture and education. 

    Global Citizen’s campaigning for the IDA replenishment will include hosting the Economic Development Assembly just days after the festival on October 9-10 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in partnership with Bridgewater Associates, Harith General Partners, and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. Additionally, Japan, the UK, Australia, UAE, Qatar, Canada, Norway and Korea need to reallocate their remaining Special Drawing Rights – a special type of currency from the IMF – to Multilateral Development Banks, which will mobilise $80 billion for the green transition and pandemic preparedness for countries in need. 

    Defend the Planet 

    Global Citizen is calling for businesses, philanthropic foundations and governments to protect and restore the Amazon rainforest by investing $1 billion, including supporting indigenous communities, who are guardians of 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The Amazon is one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, storing 150 billion tons of carbon – equivalent to 15-20 years of global greenhouse gas emissions – making it vital to slowing climate change. The EU and G20 countries should also set specific timelines by which they will phase out coal, oil and gas, in line with the historic decision made at COP last year, to ensure a swift and equitable green transition and avoid more human suffering due to climate change. 

    Demand Equity 

    Global Citizen is calling for equitable access to nutritious food, stronger health systems, and quality education. Governments such as Australia, Canada, European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US must commit at least $5 billion collectively to organisations working to provide equitable access to meet peoples’ basic needs. Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, must also be fully funded through 2030, significantly to help reach the more than 14 million “zero-dose” children who have never received a life-saving vaccine. 

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    Organizations Global Citizen is campaigning for this year include CGIAR, Education Cannot Wait, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, The International Fund for Agricultural Development, International Labor Organization, United Nations Population Fund Supply Partnership, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the World Health Organization, and for domestic resource mobilisation for women, health, food, and education. Global Citizen is also calling for a world where everyone’s human rights are respected and protected, including the rights of advocates and activists worldwide, particularly defenders risking their lives to take action on extreme poverty and protect the planet. 

    As part of the Global Citizen Festival and campaign, Global Citizen is proud to support and partner with a variety of nonprofit organisations that are aligned in mission and cause across New York’s five boroughs, including: Black Surfing Rockaway, The Bowery Mission, Breaking Ground, Citymeals on Wheels, Covenant House International, Elevate New York, Expecting Relief, Girl Be Heard, Good Shepherd Services, Outright International, South Asian Youth Action (SAYA), South Bronx Unite, Win (Women in Need), and YMCA of Greater New York – Bed Stuy. Global Citizen will once again partner with Everland to make a positive contribution to nature and cover the estimated carbon emissions of the festival by supporting community-centred forest conservation. 

    “It’s been a few years since I was last on the Global Citizen Festival stage in Paris, and I’m excited to join forces with Global Citizen once again in Central Park this September to drive as much action as we can to make the world a better place,” said Doja Cat. “We all have a part we can play to help end extreme poverty and stand up for equity. I’m looking forward to being part of this major evening of positive change.” 

    “As a longtime supporter of Global Citizen and its mission, I am thrilled to be returning as host of the Global Citizen Festival this fall,” said Hugh Jackman, Global Citizen Ambassador. “For over a decade, Global Citizen has driven life-saving impact for nearly 1.3 billion people around the world, and we’ll gather once again on September 28 to help end extreme poverty, defend the planet, and demand equity. I can’t wait to see you all on Central Park’s Great Lawn to collectively call for change on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable communities.” 

    “The Amazon rainforest is movement, spirituality, and vital energy. It plays an essential role in combating the climate emergency, and restoring the Amazon and protecting its people is our responsibility,” said Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil. “Fighting to overcome poverty among the most vulnerable populations living there, who are protecting the forest, must also be a priority, and we welcome Global Citizen’s immense support. This campaign is important for us to mobilise different actors and care for this fundamental ecosystem for our collective future. And Brazil is ready to lead by example.” 

    Global Citizen Festival is presented by Citi and Cisco. Major Partners are Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, Motsepe Foundation, P&G, Verizon and World Wide Technology; Production Partner Live Nation; Exclusive US Audio Partner iHeartMedia; and Location Partner New York City Parks. The 2024 Global Citizen Festival is produced by Diversified Production Services. 

    The 2024 Global Citizen Festival campaign and its policy goals are supported by a global coalition of over 90 organisations including: Africa Forward by Catalyst 2030, African Climate Reality Project, African Renaissance Trust, Aspire Artemis Foundation, Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, Black Professionals in International Affairs, Blended Finance Taskforce, Bread for the World, Buyambo, Center for Global Alchemy and Cross-Cultural Leadership, Center for Music Ecosystems, CIVICUS, Climate and Health Foundation, Climate Action Platform – Africa, Climate Cardinals, Common Good Marketplace, Connected Development, dev.tv, Don’t Gas Africa, e^2=equitable energy, Education Cannot Wait – UN Global Fund for Education in Emergencies, Equitable Earth, European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, Farmer on Fire Ltd, Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), FOCUS 2030, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Gender and Economy Research Center NPGE, Global Health Advocates, Global Leading Light Initiatives, Global Nation, Global Witness, Go Global Enterprises – Educate, Lead, Advocate, Hope for Her International, Hungry for Action, iDE (International Development Enterprises), IEC Global Impact Fund, International Labor Organization, Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), Integrity Initiatives International, International Fund for Public Interest Media, Jacob’s Ladder Africa, Jara, Junior Achievement (JA) Africa, LEAP Africa, Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, Malaria No More UK, Marafiki United Green Youths Initiative, mothers2mothers, Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF), OHCHR, ONE, OurCause, Outright International, OWIT Brussels, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, PA, Phakamani Young Minds Academy, Plastic Punch, Power Shift Africa, Power to Girls Fdn, Project Vote SA, Re:wild, Rotary International, SDG2 Advocacy Hub, Sharing Strategies, Shule Foundation, Inc, Stark NKD, Sungulo Comm NPC, Sustainability and Climate Show, Teen Aid international organisation, The Access Challenge, The Asian Network, The Erline Bradshaw Foundation, The Global Education & Leadership Foundation (tGELF), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, The Global Sunrise Project & 1.5 Degrees of Peace, The Green Protector, The Village Youth Fund, UNESCO Center for Peace, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, United Nations Global Compact Brazil, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, United Young Farmers Forum, WA Bat Network, Walkers Reserve, Women At Risk International Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), Yamba Malawi, and Young Climate Collaborative.

    Additionally, to ensure a fair, fast and funded phase out of fossil fuels, Global Citizen joins 13 Nations, hundreds of businesses including 17 banks, over a 100 cities, thousands of civil society groups and scientists calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to compliment the Paris Agreement and ensure international cooperation. 

    Global Citizen is grateful for the support of leading media companies including: AIM Group, Altermark, Atmosphere TV, Bella Naija, Branded Cities, Captivate, Digital Mobile Media, EIB Network, Grocery TV, GSTV, iHeartMedia, Interstate Outdoor, OkayAfrica, MX Location, New Tradition, Orange Barrel Media, MX Location, OUTFRONT Media, Penske Media, Rolling Stone, Seen Media, Six Flags Theme Parks, TimesLIVE, TouchTunes, Trooh Media, Vanguard, Vox Media, and The Wall Street Journal, Zikoko. 

    For more information visit globalcitizenfestival.com, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

    About Global Citizen 

    Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

    Media Credentials 

    Applications are now open for media credentials to attend and cover the 2024 Global Citizen Festival. Please complete the media credentials application form here. 

    Contact Sunshine 

    Sachs Morgan & Lylis for Global Citizen: GC@ssmandl.com  

    Additional quotes and spokespeople 

    “For countries like Zambia, Global Citizen’s support of the World Bank’s IDA replenishment could not have come at a more critical time,” said Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia. “As our worst agricultural season in over 40 years takes hold, our nation and our neighbours are facing dire food shortages and severe instability in our power supply. The participation of the world’s wealthy nations in this replenishment is not just generosity — it is life or death for millions experiencing the worst impacts of climate change.” 

    “There’s undoubtedly a divide between what the world needs to end extreme poverty and what currently feels possible. Our mission has never been more critical,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “Together, we must hold our governments to account, and demand that businesses and foundations use their power for good. We must call for ambitious action to defeat poverty and defend the planet — there are 700 million people depending on it.” 

    “Earlier this year, Bridgewater Associates announced our collaboration with Global Citizen in support of the World Bank’s IDA21 replenishment efforts as we believe that everyone has a role to play in addressing global development. The actions we can take to help the most underserved and vulnerable will impact all of us,” said Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates. “Bridgewater is sharing our world-class research by laying out the importance and anticipated impact of development across Africa with global decision-makers in an effort to help the World Bank reach its replenishment goals and help lift 250 million people out of energy poverty by 2030. I know that Bridgewater and all global citizens are ready to meet the moment with urgency.” 

    “In 2023, Gavi celebrated a monumental achievement, immunising over 1 billion children,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “With continued investment and prioritisation of immunisation, we can make a significant contribution towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, strike a powerful blow against malaria, protect millions of young women and girls from HPV and respond to climate-driven diseases like dengue. If all global citizens take action now, we can turn this 2030 vision into reality.” 

    “Global Citizens, women and girls must be safe, both online and in real life,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, UNFPA. “Join the #bodyright movement with UNFPA to help end technology facilitated gender-based violence — and use your power to defend everyone’s bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive rights and choices! Let’s make the protection of sexual and reproductive rights a top priority for the decision-makers who hold the budget purse strings.” 

    “Education cannot wait for nearly a quarter of a billion children in crisis-affected countries,” said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director, Education Cannot Wait. “Be a Global Citizen and let your voice echo and your actions change the world for the better.” 

    “Protecting and restoring the Amazon is critical for the future of global biodiversity and the climate,” said Rodrigo Medeiros, Senior Brazil Lead, Re:wild. “No other global initiative will contribute more to slowing and reversing the destruction of nature. It’s time to take action with Global Citizen’s campaign and secure the resources needed to protect the Amazon and support indigenous peoples and local communities, the forest’s true ancestral guardians.” 

    “Extreme weather, fires, lethal heat, droughts and flooding are threatening lives and livelihoods around the planet,” said Tzeporah Berman, Chair and Founder, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. “It is critical that countries cooperate to stop the expansion of oil, gas and coal projects and manage an equitable phase out of fossil fuels. We are thrilled to have Global Citizen supporting the growing movement calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

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  • Everything You Should Know About the Solar Eclipse Happening Today

    A Total Solar Eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024, but only in some parts of the world. The eclipse will be visible in various locations across the globe, starting over the South Pacific Ocean and crossing North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The Eclipse is expected to last for an average of four minutes across the United States and Canada.

    Why isn’t the eclipse happening in Africa?

    The earth orbits and rotates around the sun in a set path. As it moves, different parts of the earth are in the line of access to the sun and its light. This movement is what causes night and day. The Eclipse happens when the Moon’s rotation path intersects with the rotation of the Earth. Fatefully, Africa isn’t on the line of intersection during this celestial sandwich moment and will not get to experience a total eclipse until March 29, 2025.

    North American paths of the 2023 annular solar eclipse and the 2024 total solar eclipse. Illustration by Michael Zeiler, GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

    How can you view the solar eclipse? 

    During this event, viewers will be able to view the sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere of the sun usually obscured by its bright face. People are advised to avoid looking directly at the sun even during the eclipse. Solar filter glasses are specially equipped for moments like this and also have variants that can be used with telescopes and cameras. 

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    What happens if you stare at the sun during an eclipse without protection?

    The ultraviolet rays of the sun, powerful electromagnetic radiation, can damage the retina under prolonged exposure. The effects of exposure do not surface immediately but begin to cause discomfort after 2-3 days. UV rays are also known to cause DNA damage to the skin leading to cancer. 

    To stay updated on important trends as this, join our WhatsApp channel here.

    Raymond Temituro

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  • Global Citizen and pgLANG Announce “Move Afrika” to Pioneer a World-Class Music Touring Circuit Across Africa

    “Move Afrika” is Global Citizen’s latest effort to address the world’s inequities by creating job and
    entrepreneurship opportunities for the continent’s emerging generations through an annual series of world-class live events. These events will drive transformative investments within local communities, engage local artists, vendors, agencies and crews, and provide opportunities for on-the-job skill development and training, showcasing the best of Africa to the world.

    Producing a world-class experience for fans and artists alike, Move Afrika will set a new gold standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from international and regional artists to tour in the region and building local capacity within host cities across the continent.

    Move Afrika’s first major music event, Move Afrika: Rwanda, will take place on December 6, 2023, at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, and co-founder of pgLang, Kendrick Lamar will headline the event. pgLang will serve as the curator of Move Afrika for the next five years, from 2023 until 2028.

    Kendrick Lamar. Source: Global Citizen

    In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, Kigali, Rwanda will host Move Afrika every year for the next five years. Each year, additional countries will be added to the tour schedule, which aims to expand to five countries by 2025.

    Move Afrika: Rwanda, taking place on Wednesday, December 6 at Kigali’s BK Arena, will be headlined by
    Kendrick Lamar, with more regional artists to be announced. The event will feature a citizen-led advocacy
    campaign calling for urgent action and bold commitments from world leaders on major issues across the
    continent. Key issues include the need for increased funding for health, with a specific emphasis on women and girls; addressing the climate crisis and its impact on food security; tackling the lack of access to economic opportunities for future generations; and encouraging civic participation. To take action on these issues, text +250 790 008 555 on WhatsApp.

    Information on how to get tickets can be found at moveafrika.org.

    Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across the continent including Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which brought Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder and Chris Martin of Coldplay to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos that featured Davido, Femi Kuti and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy and TEMS to the iconic Black Star Square in 2022.

    Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang, the Rwanda Development Board and TimesLive.

    “Africa is driving culture and creativity globally, but the Continent has been left out of the global music touring circuit for too long. By moving from one-off events to the sustained commitment of an annual tour, Move Afrika will drive transformative investments across Africa through the pioneering of a world-class touring circuit. Move Afrika will pave the way for many more artists to tour the continent while generating new economic opportunities within the entertainment industry for Africa’s booming youth generation. We are incredibly excited to bring this vision to life with pgLang and Kendrick Lamar, and are grateful for our partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, who shares our belief in this vision,” said Hugh Evans, cofounder and CEO, Global Citizen.

    “Our goal with Move Afrika is to inspire local youth and artists to unlock their creativity. We hope to curate an immersive experience that empowers various communities and cultures across Africa and around the world for a lifetime,” said pgLang.

    “We are delighted to host Global Citizen and to provide a platform for Move Afrika. This is a unique collaboration that aims to showcase the best of African creative talent to the world, through curated memorable entertainment experiences that address the development priorities of our continent. Creating employment and income-generating initiatives of the private sector, with a spotlight on the youth, is Rwanda Development Board’s core mandate. Together with Global Citizen and Move Afrika, we will position Rwanda as an entertainment hub for all African countries to benefit from the global creative industry,” said Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board.

    “I am honored and humbled to play a meaningful role that supports new-age global efforts to deal with health inequity, challenge poverty, and empower women and girls. The neglect of these predicaments, including global warming, have a detrimental effect on the prospects of the citizens of Africa and this situation cannot be allowed to continue unabated. I am happy that the Global Citizen movement has reignited the debate about these critical matters and that it is continuing to keep Africa top of mind by having Move Afrika: Rwanda. Across the entire African continent, there is huge excitement for driving economic development, tourism and world-class entertainment. We look forward to announcing additional cities for 2024 and 2025 in the coming months,” said Tshepo Mahloele, Africa Patron, Global Citizen.

    Since its inception in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen has grown to become the world’s leading advocacy
    organisation and one of the largest, most visible platforms uniting people around the world to call on world leaders to end extreme poverty, defend the planet and address the inequity of women and girls. The organisation has taken its action-based live music events and campaigns from New York City to India, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Ghana, and Canada. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives.

    For more information visit moveafrika.org, or via text on WhatsApp at +250 790 008 555.

    Source: Global Citizen

    About Global Citizen

    Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

    About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

    The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a Government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more.

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  • Global Citizen Just Announced “Power Our Planet” Event Featuring Billie Eilish

    Global Citizen, the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW, announced its return to the iconic Champ de Mars in Paris on Thursday, June 22 with ‘Power Our Planet: Live in Paris’. A free, ticketed event, ‘Power Our Planet: Live in Paris’ will feature performances from Lenny Kravitz, Billie Eilish, H.E.R., Jon Batiste and special guests Ben Harper, FINNEAS, and Mosimann to drive commitments from world leaders and the private sector to confront the climate crisis head on. 

    Under the high patronage of Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, ‘Power Our Planet: Live in Paris’ will rally global leaders attending the New Financial Pact Summit, chaired by President Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The Power Our Planet campaign, which Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados co-chairs, is calling for a seismic shift in the way the world’s financial systems work to give the world’s poor and developing nations access to the financing they urgently need to quicken their transition to clean energy, strengthen their resilience against natural disasters, and address their most urgent needs. 

    Global Citizen’s Power Our Planet campaign is galvanizing millions of people around the world to take action, raise their voices and demand urgent changes from governments, Multilateral Development Banks, and major corporations, including 

    ● Keep Promises Already Made: Deliver the outstanding $16.7 billion of the committed $100 billion in climate financing for lower-income countries; transfer $100 billion in IMF Special Drawing Rights from wealthy countries to poor countries; increase foreign aid budgets; and enact global carbon emissions taxes. 

    ● Free Up Funding: Make up to $1 trillion in financing available to countries in need through policy reforms at the World Bank and other multilateral development banks; and include natural disaster and pandemic clauses in loans to poorer nations. 

    ● Transition to Clean Energy: Corporations should commit to joining the United Nations’ Race-to-Zero by setting science-based targets; publish time-bound action plans for climate transitions; and make transformative investments for a lower-carbon transition in emerging economies. 

    Increased access to financing would help bolster governments’ ability to resist climate change by, for example: helping 1.5 million farmers in Zambia withstand climate disasters like droughts and floods; protecting 1.8 million hectares of land in Ghana by 2030; ending deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon by 2030; and strengthening the resilience of national electric grids in island nations like Antigua and Barbuda to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. 

    ‘Power Our Planet: Live in Paris’ will pave the way for this urgent funding to be delivered throughout the year, including at the G20 summit in New Delhi, India in September; the Global Citizen Festival held during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, USA in September; the IMF and World Bank meetings in October; and culminating at COP28 in Dubai, UAE in November. 

    “Our world needs urgent change. Outdated global financial systems are perpetuating the conditions that keep vulnerable countries and their citizens trapped in the cycle of extreme poverty,” said Hugh Evans, Co-founder and CEO, Global Citizen. “We congratulate Ajay Banga on his appointment as President of the World Bank, and there is an urgent and immediate opportunity for him to show leadership the world truly needs.” 

    “We need a world with more solidarity. Crises are multiplying and the number of those who place their hope in peace and multilateralism will only grow if we, as a global community, demonstrate that we are there to help the most vulnerable,” said Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. “Because inequality and poverty are the grounds of today’s and tomorrow’s wars. Because there will be no climate transition worldwide if we don’t fight for more justice and equity. Halfway to the sustainable development objectives, we need a new financial pact between all countries, so that the world of tomorrow is more united.” 

    “This year – and this summit – are critical for the restoration of justice and equity within the global financial systems that continue to abandon and overlook poor and climate-vulnerable countries,” said Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. “We need the presence and commitments of world leaders at the New Financial Pact Summit in Paris. I call on leaders of the G7, G20 and wealthy nations across the globe to step up, and let us act together in the interest of our planet and humanity. Join us in Paris.”

    “The next generation are inheriting a planet that’s being devastated by climate change,” said Lenny Kravitz. “We have the power to change things with our voices and our actions. Join me on June 22, from wherever you are, and act today to save tomorrow.” 

    An alliance of world leaders representing both Global North and Global South countries has joined the Power Our Planet campaign alongside Global Citizen and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, including supporters Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone; Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain; José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor Leste; Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, the Government of Ghana, the Government of Namibia, the Government of Zambia, and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). 

    Power Our Planet’s coalition of supporters also includes leading activists, philanthropic foundations, nonprofit organizations, and private sector leaders, including Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation; Mark Malloch Brown, President, Open Society Foundations; Benedict Oramah, President of AfreximBank; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi; Kate Higgins, CEO, Cooperation Canada; Jennifer Jones, President of Rotary International; Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations; Eloise Todd, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Pandemic Action Network; and Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Co-Founder of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition and 2023 Global Citizen Prize winner. 

    The Power Our Planet campaign is supported by: Aspire Artemis Foundation Inc.; Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens; BASICS International; Beyond Bretton Woods; the Center for Environmental Peacebuilding; Climate Finance Group for Latin America and the Caribbean; Common Good Marketplace; Connected Development; Don’t Gas Africa; E3G; Education Cannot Wait: Focus 2030; Germanwatch; Glasgow Actions Team; Global Alliance for a Green New Deal; The Global Fund; The UN Global Fund for Education in Emergencies; Green Republic Farms; Hungry for Action; International Climate Change Development Initiative; International Climate Financing WG; International Fund for Agricultural Development; Jane Goodall Institute France; Malala Fund; The ONE Campaign; OWIT Brussels – Organization of Women in Trade; Oxfam; Plastic Punch; Power to Girls Foundation; Primavera Zur; Project Everyone; Re:Wild, SDG2 Advocacy Hub; Sustainable Development Solutions Network; Shamba Centre for Food and Climate; She Leads Climate Action; Stage For Change; Strategic Youth Network for Development; Sungulo Comm NPC; Support Humanity Cameroon (SUHUCAM); United Nations Foundation. 

    The Power Our Planet campaign and the ‘Power Our Planet: Live in Paris’ event is hosted in partnership with the City of Paris, is produced by Live Nation, and supported by Cisco and Citi as well as Afrexim Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, European Climate Foundation, Open Society Foundations, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Seadream Family Foundation. A series of thought leadership events focused on driving action from the private sector is being supported by Cisco and Citi. The ‘Power Our Planet: Live in Paris’ broadcast will be produced by Done and Dusted. 

    ‘Power Our Planet: Live in Paris’ will be live-streamed globally across Global Citizen’s platforms on Thursday, June 22. Amazon will carry the live stream on “Amazon Music on Twitch”, with more streaming and broadcast platforms to be announced. Global Citizen is grateful for the support of leading media companies across the world including AIM Group, Arena Holdings, Bella Naija, Brut Media, EIB Network, Vanguard Media and Zikoko.

    For more information visit globalcitizen.org/powerourplanet, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

    About Global Citizen 

    Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at www.globalcitizen.org , download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter. 

    Media Credentials 

    Applications are now open for media credentials to attend and cover ‘Power Our Planet: Live in Paris’. Please complete the application form here. 

    Contact 

    Global Citizen media inquiries: media@globalcitizen.org

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  • Global Citizen Live Announces Lagos Event Hosts TV Personalities Ebuka Obi-Uchendu And Nancy Isime

    International advocacy organization, Global Citizen, has revealed the local hosts TV personalities Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Nancy Isime for the Global Citizen Live event in Lagos, Nigeria. Pan-African broadcast partners are AIM Group, MultiChoice and The SABC.

    Performances from Lagos will be given by Tiwa Savage, Davido, Femi Kuti and Made Kuti, among others. Burna Boy will perform from New York, Sho Madjozi and Muzi from Johannesburg, while Angelique Kidjo will perform in Paris on 25th September 2021. Additions to the international line-up of artistes include Andrea Bocelli performing from Tuscany, BTS from Seoul, Green Day from Los Angeles, Keith Urban, and Ricky Martin from various locations in Las Vegas, Lorde and My Morning Jacket from various locations in New York City, Metallica from Louisville and, in partnership with Sony Music Latin, Camilo from Madrid and Lali from Buenos Aires. Straight from the Amazon Rainforest, the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil represented by Chief Mapu of the Huni Kuin, Aldeia Mutum of the Yawanawa, and Owera (Kunumi MC) from the Guarani Nation join Alok in premiering a unique collaboration project showcasing indigenous culture.

    Global Citizen Live is part of the once-in-a-generation day of unity across seven continents, to be broadcast over 24 hours around the world on Apple Music, Apple TV App, YouTube, Twitter and also aired on partner televesion and radio stations across different regions. Global Citizen Live will call for:

    • Wealthiest nations to deliver on their promise to give $100 billion annually to address the climate needs of developing countries.
    • US citizens to contact their representatives pressing for the passage of the largest climate protection bill in American history in order to set the US on track to at least half emissions by 50% by 2030. Congress plans to vote on the bill the week of September 27th.
    • The G7 and the world’s billionaires to end the hunger crisis by contributing at least $6 billion for the urgent provision of millions of meals for the 41 Million People on the brink of starvation.
    • The G7 and EU to share at least one billion doses immediately, with those most in need, and to support the proposal by South Africa and India to waive IP around the production of COVID-19 vaccines and other medical tools — backed by over 100 countries.

    The performances announced today add to the previous announced line-ups from:

    • LAGOS with Femi Kuti, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Made Kuti
    • NEW YORK CITY in Central Park (presented by Citi and Cisco) with Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, Meek Mill, Shawn Mendes, and special guest performances by Alessia Cara, Burna Boy, Cyndi Lauper, Jon Batiste, and Lang Lang
    • PARIS at Champ de Mars with Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Doja Cat, Black Eyed Peas, Stormzy, Christine and the Queens and special guest performances by Angélique Kidjo, Charlie Puth, and Fatma Said.
    • LOS ANGELES at The Greek Theatre (presented by Verizon) with Stevie Wonder, Adam Lambert, Chloe x Halle, Demi Lovato, H.E.R., ONEREPUBLIC, Ozuna, The Lumineers, and 5 Seconds of Summer
    • LONDON with Duran Duran, Kylie Minogue, Måneskin, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Rag’n’Bone Man
    • RIO DE JANEIRO with Alok, Mart’nália, Criolo, Liniker, with special guests Tropkillaz, and Mosquito, in partnership with Rock In Rio

    In Lagos, Global Citizen is working with the Lagos State Government to create a limited-capacity event in celebration of Nigerians working on the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The show will be filmed in advance with a fully-vaccinated audience or attendees who have presented a negative PCR test.

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “Lagos State is thrilled to be a part of Global Citizen Live. With the challenges of rising poverty, hunger and vaccine inequity facing Africa, we need businesses and governments around the world to respond to the call of citizens, stand in solidarity with the people of Africa, and commit to defending the planet and defeating poverty and inequality.”

    Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning said: “Women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the COVID-19 pandemic – on the frontlines, in various sectors, and in their homes. Every woman and girl should be guaranteed safety in their respective homes, schools, communities, and places of work. This is a shared responsibility and through Global Citizen Live, we are calling on key stakeholders across private & public sectors to join hands in accelerating our common goal of ensuring that women are safe and economically empowered.”

    Dr Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director Access Bank PLC, said: “Access Bank strongly aligns with Global Citizen’s goals and objectives, possessing a strong drive to ending COVID-19, addressing the global food crisis, achieving education for all, advancing equity, and protecting the environment. In recognition of our responsibilities as an institution/organisation, we have devoted resources to minimise our carbon footprint while also being at the forefront of stimulating environmentally responsible stewardship, development, and sustainability innovation.”

    Global Citizen Live is supported by a corporate coalition, including Access Bank in Nigeria, alongside global partners Accenture, Cisco, Citi, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Google, Live Nation, P&G, Salesforce, Verizon, and campaign partners Hilton, WW International, and World Wide Technology who will engage support from the private sector in driving new commitments toward the campaign’s policy objectives.

    Global Citizen Live has received in-kind support from leading media companies, including AIM Group, BellaNaija, Branded Cities, Brut Media, Captivate, Clear Channel Outdoor, Curb Media, Forbes, GSTV, iHeartRadio, Interstate Outdoor, JCDecaux, Arise TV, Newscentral TV, Outfront Media, Six Flags Theme Parks, The New York Times, Vanguard Media, Big Cabal Media, Cool FM, Nigeria Info, Wazobia FM, and Wazobia Max TV.

    Health & Safety – All Global Citizen Live events comply with the latest COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

    For more information about Global Citizen Live, visit www.globalcitizen.org, and follow @glblctznafrica on Facebook and Twitter and @glblctzn on Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Susan Nwaobiala

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