The performers at the festival included Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, and Pearl Jam. All of these performers, as well as countless other celebrities, have pledged to become Global Citizens and help to make that organization’s goals a reality. Other attendees included Michelle Obama, Sting, and Bono. These celebrities have decided to use their fame to spread the goals of the Global Citizens organization and try to recruit as many people as possible to join the movement.
While seeing the performances and listening to the music was amazing, what impacted me more was seeing how dedicated these individuals are to pursuing these causes. One point in particular that was amazing was being able to hear Malala Yousafzai speak. Malala is a young Pakistani girl who has long been an advocate for the right to education for all girls around the world. She was shot by the Taliban for her activism but has since recovered and continues to fight for this basic human right. Malala is the youngest individual to ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and went on to speak at the general UN assembly after the Global Citizens festival. While the right to education is not a health goal it is a basic right that should be fought for. As nurses we are trained and educated to a high level. And in turn we educate our patients on their healthcare plan and how to cope with different treatments and illnesses. Without our nursing education we would not be able to provide the same level of care. This opportunity to become educated in whatever passion one has should be granted to all and never be taken away. Discrimination in education based on sex, religion, age, or any other trait needs to end and we along with the rest of the world can help to end it.
The most important message that I took away from the Global Citizens Festival is that we can all help if we put our minds to it. No effort is too small and any step towards achieving these important goals is huge!
P.S. Pictures and Video’s from the Festival can be seen on our Facebook Page.
NSGH is a group of passionate individuals who has an interest in reaching out and helping the world in whatever way they can. If you are not part of this group but have an interest in this please come to our social event on Thursday October 8th from 5-6pm at 433 First Ave, room 760. All members should attend this event if they can as well!
