Press Release
Credits UN Photo/Manuel Elías Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed attends the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in New York's Central Park. The festival is an annual music event where fans take actions toward ending extreme poverty in order to earn free tickets.
Published on September 26, 2022

UN Celebrates the Global Citizen Festival in New York and Accra


New York, USA / Accra, Ghana - This year, the United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Fund was named a policy partner at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival, seeking to attract businesses, companies, and philanthropies to contribute to the Fund’s efforts in support of the world’s most vulnerable communities. The 10th anniversary Global Citizen Festival took place in Accra, Ghana and New York City on Saturday, September 24. 

The United Nations is proud to commit at least US$ 260 million, 2.6B Ghanaian Cedis, through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, to empower institutions and people through capacity development and other support between 2023 and 2025. To support an inclusive economic transformation, equitable access to services, and durable peace and security in Ghana and across the subregion, especially to those most left behind. The United Nations team and Ghanaian musician Rocky Dawuni, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa, joined thousands of advocates, innovators, creators, citizens and are working towards a better world.

"I call on the youth of the world, especially, and, in particular, the youth of Africa, to play an active role in achieving the SDGs. The world needs your creativity, knowledge, reach and energy to help find innovative solutions to the challenges facing our world.” - H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana

Earlier this year, the UN Joint SDG Fund released US$ 22.9 million, under the guidance of the United Nations Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) to support 87 UN country teams covering over 100 countries and territories, in response to the global crisis on food, energy, and finance. As countries grapple with the impacts of climate change, COVID-19 and on-going conflicts, it has never been more urgent to get the world back on track to achieve the SDGs.

The United Nations 77th General Assembly launched the UN Joint SDG Fund’s Donate to the SDGs flagship campaign – when the world is in crisis, we rise together! Since 2021, the UN Joint SDG Fund enabled the public to contribute to the UN’s efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

"While communities face injustices, crises and inequalities in the world, we simply cannot give up the fight and solidarity to end poverty. We need all voices in calling for a better future for everyone, everywhere. Now is the time for ambitious action. Together, with Global Citizen, we can keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals." — Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Global Citizen Festival.

“The UNSDCF signals a UN ready to support Ghana on its Wealthy, Inclusive, Sustainable, Empowered, and Resilient Ghana (WISER) journey towards self-reliance and, ultimately, a Ghana-Beyond-Aid.  This is the best time to rally for the needed support, and we stand with Ghana on this forward-looking ambition to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and Agenda 2063.” – Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana.

Global Citizen festivals in Accra and New York City announced over $800 million to empower girls, defeat poverty, defend the planet, promote health, protect civic space and mitigate the global food crisis. Global Citizen is the world's largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty NOW.  

Global Citizen Festival: Accra featured performances by Usher, SZA, Stormzy, Gyakie, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, TEMS, and Uncle Waffles, and was hosted by award-winning actor, playwright and activist Danai Gurira. Presenters included Berla Mundi, Joselyn Dumas, Michaela Coel, Nomzamo Mbatha, and Sabrina Dhowre Elba. Global Citizen Festival: NYC featured performances by Metallica, Charlie Puth, Jonas Brothers, MÅNESKIN, Mariah Carey, Mickey Guyton, and Rosalía and special guest performances by Angélique Kidjo and Billy Porter, and was hosted by actor, producer, author, and Global Citizen Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Presenters included Amber Ruffin, Antoni Porowski, Bill Nye, Chris Redd, Connie Britton, Folake Olowofoyeku, Jay Shetty, Katie Couric, Katie Holmes, Misty Copeland, Rachel Brosnahan, Scott Evans, Sofia Carson, Tamron Hall, and Van Jones.