The Power of Music and Advocacy: Global Citizen’s Mission to End Extreme Poverty
Global Citizen, a prominent international advocacy organization, is dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty worldwide. Their innovative approach, "pop meets policy," leverages the universal language of music to mobilize action and drive social change. By partnering with renowned artists and engaging millions of global citizens, Global Citizen amplifies the voices of activists and pushes for solutions to critical issues affecting both people and the planet. From its origins in Australia, Global Citizen has expanded its operations to encompass major cities across the globe, including New York, London, Lagos, and Johannesburg, effectively bridging continents and cultures in its pursuit of a more equitable world. At the helm of Global Citizen’s African operations is Iphie Chuks-Adizue, a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and author of "The Uncommon Woman" and "Made for MORE." Her background in humanitarian and philanthropic work aligns perfectly with Global Citizen’s mission and her leadership guides the organization’s strategic initiatives across the African continent.
Move Afrika: Building a Thriving Creative Economy in Africa
Recognizing the untapped potential of Africa’s creative economy, Global Citizen launched Move Afrika, a pioneering initiative designed to establish a world-class music and live entertainment circuit across the continent. This project aims to overcome historical barriers that have limited Africa’s participation in global tours, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. In collaboration with pgLang, the creative imprint of award-winning artist Kendrick Lamar, Move Afrika seeks to provide the necessary technical expertise, equipment, and logistical infrastructure to support large-scale touring across Africa. The inaugural Move Afrika event, held in Kigali, Rwanda in December 2023, showcased the feasibility of such endeavors, generating employment for over 1,000 Rwandans and prioritizing capacity development. Building on past Global Citizen events in Johannesburg, Lagos, and Accra featuring international superstars like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Davido, Femi Kuti, Tiwa Savage, and SZA, Move Afrika signals a renewed commitment to fostering Africa’s creative potential.
Expanding the Reach: Move Afrika 2025
The Move Afrika tour is expanding its reach in 2025, encompassing both East and West Africa with events in Kigali, Rwanda, and Lagos, Nigeria. The tour will kick off at the BK Arena in Kigali on February 21st and continue at The Palms in Lagos on February 25th. Headlining both concerts will be EGOT-winning artist John Legend, alongside performances by local artists. Beyond the musical performances, Move Afrika 2025 will also feature a citizen-led advocacy campaign focusing on sustainable development and economic growth, particularly strengthening health systems across Africa. Campaign priorities include increasing domestic health financing, prioritizing primary care and sexual and reproductive health and rights, boosting global investments in health resilience, and alleviating financial burdens on nations seeking to bolster public health infrastructure. Global Citizens in both host cities have the opportunity to earn free tickets to the concerts by engaging with the campaign and taking action on these critical issues through the Global Citizen app and WhatsApp.
Partnerships and Local Empowerment: Keys to Sustainable Impact
Global Citizen emphasizes the importance of partnerships and local engagement to achieve sustainable impact in addressing complex challenges like extreme poverty. The organization’s model relies on collaboration with governments, private sector leaders, and citizens to drive change and mobilize resources. Recognizing that ending extreme poverty requires a multifaceted approach, Global Citizen addresses interconnected issues such as food insecurity, climate change, access to education, and job creation. By working closely with local stakeholders and incorporating a deep understanding of the local context, Global Citizen ensures that its initiatives are relevant, effective, and sustainable. The involvement of local crews and production staff in the Move Afrika events exemplifies this commitment to local empowerment and capacity building.
Call to Action: Join the Movement for Change
Global Citizen invites individuals and corporations to join the movement and contribute to the organization’s mission of ending extreme poverty. Individuals can take action by downloading the Global Citizen app, registering as a Global Citizen, and participating in advocacy campaigns, earning rewards such as tickets to events like Move Afrika. Corporations can partner with Global Citizen to align their corporate social responsibility initiatives with the organization’s mission and invest in impactful programs. Purchasing VIP Experience Packages for Move Afrika is another way to support the development of the touring circuit and unlock opportunities for the next generation in Africa’s creative economy.
The Urgency of Now: Making a Difference Today
Iphie Chuks-Adizue urges readers to seize the opportunity to make a difference. As tickets for Move Afrika are selling quickly, she encourages everyone to visit MoveAfrika.org to learn more, earn or purchase tickets, and explore VIP Experience Packages. By joining Global Citizen and taking action, individuals and corporations can contribute meaningfully to addressing critical global issues and building a more just and sustainable future for all.
