2016 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park Was a Hugh Success

Reuben Blades and Luba Mason

Celebrities and world leaders flocked to Central Park Saturday for the 2016 Global Citizen Festival. The festival, now in its fifth year, serves as a reward for thousands of volunteers and activists who work with the nonprofit Global Citizen. The event bands together to raise awareness in an effort to move world leaders to enact policy changes regarding women’s equality, education, health, water and sanitation, environment, finance and innovation and food and hunger. It happens during the UN Summit every September.

Reuben Blades

The festival, had an impressive lineup including: Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Metallica, Reuben Blades,Demi Lovato, Metallica, Ellie Goulding, Usher and Major Lazer. In between Jada Pinkett Smith, Salma Hayek Pinault, Neil Patrick Harris, Usher, Chris Martin, Eddie Vedder, Ellie Goulding, Yandel, Yusuf/Cat Stevens and Hugh Jackman – took the stage to address the United Nations’ global goals and share moving stories.

JustinTrudeau, Usher

Over three months leading up to the festival, Global Citizens took a total of 1.3 million actions to campaign for issues that lead to 44 commitments and announcements worth a total of $1.9 billion that will reach 199 million people.

Bridget Moynahan, Forest Whitaker and Salma Hayek

Demi Lovato

Neil Patrick Harris

Hugh Jackman

The stage