“New York, I can’t hear you. Are we able to act?” Amina Mohammed mentioned in remarks to the International Citizen Competition.
The annual live performance devoted to ending excessive poverty, which is among the many 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is held towards the backdrop of the UN Normal Meeting’s high-level week.
Ms. Mohammed highlighted the current passage of the Pact for the Future on the UN “to maintain the International Targets alive”.
Billion-dollar dedication
Some 60,000 folks attended the live performance to listen to world leaders, philanthropists and the non-public sector make commitments in response to their advocacy.
This yr, the International Citizen Competition marketing campaign introduced $1 billion in commitments to finish excessive poverty and defend the planet by means of targets that align absolutely with the UN and the SDGs.
“It’s inspiring to be in a spot the place so many younger persons are right here not only for the music however for change,” mentioned Milly, a 24-year-old concertgoer from Australia.
The competition was underscored by performances from among the largest names in music, together with Doja Cat, Publish Malone and even a shock efficiency by Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin.
Defeating poverty
Since April, International Citizen has been calling on the G20 nations to considerably enhance their assist to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Financial institution’s fund devoted to defeating poverty in 77 of the world’s lowest-income nations.
Through the Competition marketing campaign, Denmark pledged $491 million to IDA, a considerable 40 per cent enhance over its earlier contribution. Denmark’s Minister of Finance, Nicolai Wammen, alongside actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, highlighted the pledge on stage and thanked International Citizen for his or her actions.
“Good day New York! International Residents! We now have heard your voices!” he exclaimed.
Denmark’s early pledge is especially impactful because the nation will assume the Presidency of the European Union in July 2025, sending a powerful message to different EU nations that investments in worldwide improvement have to be a precedence.
Spain and the UK additionally dedicated to growing their contributions to IDA, with their formal contribution to be decided within the coming months.
Defending the planet
One other most important purpose of the International Citizen Competition marketing campaign was to garner pledges by world leaders to defend the planet.
Amongst different commitments from numerous leaders to guard the setting, within the week main as much as the live performance, former UN Secretary-Normal Ban Ki-Moon publicly endorsed the Fossil Gasoline Non-Proliferation Treaty through the International Citizen NOW Well being and Local weather Classes.
“It’s refreshing to listen to that leaders aren’t truly simply saying they’re going to do issues, however are literally making some actual commitments,” mentioned Rose, a 26-year-old concertgoer from Mississippi.