Early this morning in Dubai, celebrities, muscians, healthcare workers and people from all over the world tuned in for the biggest online concert the world has seen in recent times.
With over 17 million views and counting on the Global Citizen Youtube page, viewers tuned in to watch performances from Lady Gaga, along with Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Chris Martin, David Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Maluma, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan and Stevie Wonder.
The two hour special saw moving performances from John Legend, Stevie Nicks and Paul McCartney.
“The World Health Organization is committed to defeating the coronavirus pandemic with science and public health measures, and supporting the health workers who are on the frontlines of the response,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “We may have to be apart physically for a while, but we can still come together virtually to enjoy great music. The ‘One World: Together At Home’ concert represents a powerful show of solidarity against a common threat.”
During the special, Beyonce made a moving speech on the marginalised Black American population during the pandemic.
“Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home,” she said. “African American communities at large have been severely affected in this crisis. Those with pre-existing conditions are at an even higher risk. This virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate here in America.”
The event was streamed online on multiple global platforms. This digital special also includes additional artists and performances from all over the globe as well as unique stories from the world’s healthcare heroes.
