Global Citizen NOW Approaches | Lessons from Pope Francis | What Citizens Are Saying About Aid
With Global Citizen NOW just days away, this week's newsletter honors Pope Francis' legacy and highlights Global Citizen attitudes in Africa to recent aid cuts. It also includes upcoming book events.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This weekend, I reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis, who was laid to rest on Saturday. He wasn’t perfect or free of controversy, but in these polarized times, he stood out as a leader who sought to build bridges—a quality of pragmatic idealism I emphasize in my book, From Ideas to Impact. His broad sense of collective self-interest resonated with many people, perhaps more than some leaders realize.
On that note, Global Citizen NOW will convene hundreds in New York City on Wednesday, April 30. We have some big announcements planned, and I’d love for you to attend if you’re in town. If you received an invite, please remember to RSVP and register. Details of the program can be found here, including newly announced speakers!
If you’re already in New York, I’ll also be speaking with Cisco’s Chief People Officer, Kelly Jones, at the AESC Global Leadership Summit on Tuesday, April 29, in a session moderated by Denielle Pemberton-Heard. 👉 [More info here]
And some personal news I’m excited to share: From Ideas to Impact just received the Global Impact Catalyst Award at the Global Climate Solutions Summit in San Francisco! It was an incredible gathering of investors, philanthropists, and changemakers, all focused on accelerating solutions for people and the planet.
In accepting the award, I dedicated it to the co-chairs of our book marketing committee, Mike Hoffman and my wife, Xinyi Chen, whose relentless support has helped bring the book’s message to audiences far and wide. I also honored my grandmother, who, growing up during World War II, taught me the timeless lesson to focus on the actions you can take in the here and now and not worry about that which you cannot control.
I'm thrilled by the momentum building around the book. If it resonates with you, a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads would mean the world. Every review helps spread the word and inspire more acts of impact.
There’s much more ahead.
With upcoming events across several cities—including a special launch in Ireland—I can't wait to keep this conversation growing and to see many of you along the way.
🇬🇧 LONDON – May 7
Innovative Franklin: What Can He Still Teach Us About Technology To Benefit Society?
🗓 Tuesday, May 7 | 🕡 6:30 PM | 📍 Benjamin Franklin House, London
Special Guests: Sarah, Duchess of York & Closing Toast by DJ Cuppy
Join us for an evening panel and drinks reception at the historic Benjamin Franklin House, as we explore what one of history’s greatest innovators still has to teach us about using technology to solve today’s global challenges.
I’ll be leading a conversation that begins with Franklin’s pioneering mindset and scientific breakthroughs—and draws connections to urgent issues like climate change, energy access, digital equity, youth employment, and public health.
Speakers include:
Sam Mukhopadhyay – Head of UK COP Engagement and Planning, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Shomy Chowdhury – Bangladeshi Activist, Forbes 30 Under 30, Co-Founder of Awareness 360
Luke Howell – Founder of Hope Solutions, Sustainability Lead for Coldplay
Márcia Balisciano – Director, Benjamin Franklin House
Drinks will follow the discussion, and I’ll also be launching a special bonus chapter to From Ideas to Impact.
RSVP: operations@benjaminfranklinhouse.org
🏡 SWINDON, UK – May 9
Book Talk with Heidi Alexander MP
🗓 Thursday, May 9 | 🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Bert’s Books, Old Town, Swindon
Returning to my mother’s hometown, I’ll be joined by Heidi Alexander MP, UK Cabinet Minister, for a local discussion on global change. Here is an article that the Swindon Advertiser recently ran promoting the event. 👉 [Register here]
🇮🇪 DUBLIN, IRELAND – May 14
Official Ireland Launch: From Ideas to Impact + A Conversation on AI and the Future of Music
🗓 Tuesday, May 14 | 🕡 6:30 PM | 📍 Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin 4
Join us for a dynamic evening at the crossroads of creativity, policy, and technology.
We'll explore how AI is reshaping the music industry—and what it means for artists, creators, and all of us navigating a world transformed by technology.
This special event also marks the Irish launch of From Ideas to Impact with copies available for signing on the day.
Speakers:
Gary McSharry – Media & Entertainment Partner, Head of US Office, McCann FitzGerald
Michael Sheldrick – Author, Policy Entrepreneur & Co-Founder, Global Citizen
William Ryan – Music Lawyer (representing Johnny McDaid, Hozier)
Nick Raymonde – Manager, Grammy-winning songwriter Kamille (Raw Kingdom Artist Management)
Samantha Holman – CEO, Irish Copyright Licensing Agency
Alastair Webber – CEO & Co-Founder, The Other Songs
RSVP: g@gregodonoghue.com
Global Citizen’s First Advocacy 101 Session: A Strong Start!
On April 16, Global Citizen hosted its first virtual Effective Advocacy 101 training for U.S.-based Global Citizens.
Over 120 participants from across the country joined to learn best practices for communicating with Congress and protecting foreign aid.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—participants called the session empowering, practical, and inspiring.
Global Citizen is planning more advocacy and issue trainings throughout the year, including at major events like GC NOW and the Global Citizen Festival.
If you'd like to co-host or organize a training with us, please contact Filmona Hailemichael at filmona.hailemichael@globalcitizen.org.
What We Heard From African Global Citizens — and What’s Next
We recently asked Global Citizens across Africa how foreign aid cuts are affecting their communities. Here’s what they told us:
42% said health care disruptions — like access to HIV treatment, vaccines, and maternal care — are their biggest concern.
37% pointed to job losses and rising living costs already hitting hard.
82% are frustrated by how their governments have responded — calling for stronger leadership, less dependence on foreign aid, and more investment in their own people.
Many want their governments to step up in particular and invest in healthcare, jobs, and education — and work more closely with other African countries to drive solutions.
That's why Global Citizen is:
Investing in new industries like Move Afrika to create jobs and opportunities. (We’ll have more to say on this at this Wednesday’s Global Citizen NOW).
Partnering on workshops and skills programs so Global Citizens can lead change in their own communities. Watch this space!
We want your ideas too. 👉 If you have thoughts on how we can help build a stronger, more self-reliant future together, let us know!
Stockholm Dispatch: The Future of Global Cooperation
Last week, our team paid a meaningful visit to Stockholm with former Swedish Prime Minister and Global Citizen board member Stefan Löfven.
One message was clear across meetings with parliamentary leaders: the world’s old aid model, focused purely on poverty reduction, is being redefined by geopolitics, migration, and trade.
Sweden, long a global leader on development, is navigating tight budgets, coalition politics, and public pressure. However, the foundation remains strong: nearly 60% of Swedes still believe in supporting the world’s most vulnerable. The real challenge now is staying true to those values while adapting to a changing landscape.
Key themes that came up across meetings and town halls:
✅ Shifting aid: migration-linked funding is rising, while traditional poverty-focused support is squeezed.
✅ Multilateral strain: funding to some life-saving programs risks being replaced by earmarked, project-based funding, chasing control over the collective good.
✅ Workforce of the future: Africa’s youth boom could be a game-changer for Swedish exports, goods, and services, but requires investment and nurturing. Swedish aid could play a role in skills, creativity, and job creation. I’ve written about this previously here.
Grateful to Morten Emil Hansen and all our Swedish partners pushing forward.
The stakes have never been higher — and neither has the opportunity.
Meeting with Colombia’s Vice President - More to Come!
Honored to meet with Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez to discuss the Amazon, biodiversity, and how culture and music can drive unity, create jobs, and fight poverty.
I am grateful to Diego Scotti, a Global Citizen board member, for representing and leading the conversation with clarity and conviction, and to our new colleague Tumasie Blair for setting up this important conversation.
We need these kinds of bold voices and partnerships as we head into Global Citizen NOW on April 30. The VP will be participating too!
My Reading List
90+ species of bats in Australia?! 🦇
I had no idea — but luckily my sister does (she’s one of Australia’s top bat experts!).
For International Bat Appreciation Day, she recorded this awesome piece on why bats matter more than you think.
Give it a watch!
Australia’s first green steel mill clears its final hurdle — construction begins in 2025, securing local jobs. And it’s happening in Collie—the coal community at the heart of the just transition I discuss at length in From Ideas to Impact.
Order Without America — a Foreign Affairs article I found especially relevant for countries like Australia, Japan, and Canada navigating today’s world
Study Estimates Fossil Fuel Giants Have Inflicted $28 Trillion in Climate Damage Worldwide
The Impact of Shuttering the Millennium Challenge Corporation
Role of Human Mobility in Global Climate Policy: Belém and Beyond
3 years on: Reflection on the blindspots of the green energy transition Ted Talk
As always, if you’re enjoying the weekly newsletter format, and want even more, you can subscribe to my Substack here where I publish reviews, lists, and articles regularly.
Till next week,
Mick
PS, it was recently announced that the Global Citizen Festival this year will return to New York’s Central Park on Saturday, September 27th. Here is a carousel of people sharing their favorite moments:
PPS if you want even further inspiration, then check out this video from Coldplay’s recent show in Hong Kong where Global Citizen volunteers were out in full force! When thousands of voices come together for one song—
you remember why we do this.
