Metallica and Mariah Carey topped an A-list of musicians on Saturday, and President Joe Biden made a surprise video appearance as the Global Citizen Festival sought to mobilize action on poverty and climate change.
Celebrating its 10th year, the six-hour festival brought thousands to New York’s Central Park and presented a sister show in Ghana’s capital, Accra, which featured American R&B great Usher and British grime icon Stormzy.
Global Citizen awards tickets to fans in exchange for their commitment to taking action to eradicate extreme poverty – such as B. reaching out to elected officials to encourage foreign aid — and coincides with the annual UN General Assembly, in hopes of increasing the pressure on world leaders.
“We are inspired and grateful for all the work you have done and want you to know – your fight is our fight,” First Lady Jill Biden said in a video appearance alongside her husband.
President Biden — along with leading Senate and House Democrats Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, both appearing in person — highlighted a new climate package that represents the most far-reaching clean energy legislation ever in the United States.
But Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados warned that action on climate change cannot come fast enough for islands like hers.
“Yes, my friends, our time is running out,” she said.
Thrash metal legends Metallica got the crowd headbanging with eight songs, including a version of “Nothing Else Matters” featuring singer Mickey Guyton, who spoke candidly about her experiences as one of country music’s most prominent black women.
The guests attempted to raise awareness on a range of issues, including women’s rights, particularly in light of the large-scale protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, who, following her arrest, were reportedly by the Morality Police, who imposed the dress code on clergymen for women, was beaten to death.
“I saw my sisters fleeing abuse, oppression and femicide around the world, women like Mahsa Jina Amini,” said Anuscheh Amir-Khalili, a lawyer for refugees of Iranian descent in Berlin.
“We have to stand up for oppressed women. I’m here for her,” she told the crowd.
EU leader Ursula von der Leyen said on stage: “We have to take care of our girls and our women. They deserved it.”
She highlighted Europe’s recent pledges, including €600 million for food security in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific amid rising hunger in much of the world, exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Mariah Carey was introduced by leading ballerina Misty Copeland, who credited the singer’s famed vocal range as an inspiration, and was accompanied by a choreographed dance from her classic Hero.
Other performers included Maneskin, the new generation of Italian glam-rockers who put on a high-energy set, Spanish pop star Rosalia and the Jonas Brothers, with Nick Jonas’ wife, Indian screen star Priyanka Chopra, serving as master of ceremonies.
