New York (AP, Reuters) —
Global Citizen Festival 2023 takes place in Central Park. The call to action is part of the “End Extreme Poverty NOW” campaign from the advocacy organization Global Citizen. The festival was held the same week as world leaders gathered in New York to attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
Crowds braved the rain to attend the festival. They watched musical performances and listened to celebrities such as Oscar winner Charlize Theron perform and speak on topics such as women’s rights and climate change. It’s no surprise that Theron calls them heroes.
“They were soaked, and we could still hear them. So, it’s extraordinary that such enthusiasm is happening now,” Theron told the Associated Press news agency.
Music fans enjoy the Global Citizen Festival music concert in New York, Saturday, September 23, 2023. (Photo: Caitlin Ochs/Reuters)
Theron also discussed the labor problems facing the United States (US), including the strike of screen writers and actors who are members of the United States Writers’ Union aka WGA (Writers Guild of America) and the Artists’ Union or SAG (Screen Actors Guild).
“I don’t think anyone wants that to happen. But I truly believe that the need and desperation for change is increasingly urgent. “Striking is the only thing they can do,” Theron said.
The South African actress believes the strike occurred out of desperation.
“We live in a world where we have ups and downs and we have lost the middle class. “We don’t pay attention to them,” he added.
Singers performing at the event this year include The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jungkook, who appeared as a solo artist while BTS was on hiatus, and Lauryn Hill.
Before appearing, Anitta observed the situation. The Brazilian singer then spoke about the Amazon, reminding him of the importance of protecting the tropical forest.
“The Amazon gives life to so many species. This is critical in removing carbon from the atmosphere, which is key to fighting climate change. “We must support and invest in indigenous communities who are working to protect the Amazon so that the Earth is healthier to live in,” said Anitta.
France and Norway pledged $240 million to the International Fund for Agricultural Development to fight the global food crisis, organizers said in a statement. (ka/hour)
