Global Citizen CEO harnesses Generation Z's urgency for change

The CEO of Global Citizen is focusing on Generation Z's strong urgency for change to promote social activism and address pressing global issues. By engaging this passionate generation, the organization aims to inspire meaningful action toward sustainability, equality, and justice. The initiative seeks to channel the energy and commitment of young activists to create a positive impact on society and influence the future of global change efforts.

Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans emphasizes that the urgency younger generations bring to tackling international issues must be cultivated globally.

Evans points out that many influential movements were initiated by young people, citing that Martin Luther King Jr. was just 34 when he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. He adds that Nelson Mandela was only 26 when he co-founded the ANC Youth League, while Malala Yousafzai gave her first protest speech at 11. He also mentions his hero, William Wilberforce, who entered politics at 21, urging that immediate action is necessary.

The Associated Press interviewed Evans just before Saturday's Global Citizen Festival in New York, which featured performances by stars like Post Malone and Doja Cat, alongside emerging artists like Benson Boone and Rauw Alejandro. The festival raised over $1 billion in new commitments to combat extreme poverty and launched a partnership with FIFA, allowing Global Citizen supporters to earn match tickets by engaging in humanitarian efforts.

The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: What is the significance of the Global Citizen Festival?

A: We are facing a world filled with constant shocks, from ongoing pandemic recovery to global conflicts. This has led to an alarming rise in poverty for the first time in our lifetime, with 719 million people living on less than $2.15 a day globally. Additionally, the looming threat of climate change could push another 100 million individuals into extreme poverty within the next decade.

Q: You urged Global Citizen supporters to contact their leaders to fully fund the World Bank’s International Development Association, halt licenses for drilling in the Amazon by Colombia, and raise $250 million to educate 72 million children currently out of school due to conflict.

A: These are our primary initiatives at this time. We aim to confront the reality that the world is facing multiple simultaneous crises.

Q: During the recent United Nations General Assembly Week, many organizations reached out to Generation Z. Global Citizen has engaged this demographic for years.

A: According to our latest data, over 70% of our members belong to Gen Z, and we must continue to focus on this group. Our activism model, powered by the Global Citizen app, resonates with young people, empowering them to engage in advocacy and activism. Our goal has always been to equip youth with well-researched and impactful policy initiatives that can significantly help end extreme poverty.

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Source: independant‍