A number of celebrities, including The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, and Pharrell Williams, will take part in a social media rally in support of Ukraine.
Stars from across a broad spectrum of industries will share social media messages on April 8 calling for help in alleviating the suffering caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ultimately, the movement aims to assist those who have been displaced in Ukraine as well as Yemen, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and beyond.
“Millions of people are fleeing the bombs falling on Ukrainian cities,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “The world must stand up for them. The European Union is catering for the needs of the millions of refugees it hosts. And we will further step up. But so much is needed – and the brave people of Ukraine deserve solidarity from citizens and states around the globe. Together, we can give them a safe home and bring some light in their lives at this dark hour.”
Global Citizen is organizing the summit, and Ursula von der Leyen and Justin Trudeau launched it on Saturday. UNHCR reports that 12 million people are in need of assistance as a result of the events in Ukraine, and that 6.5 million people are internally displaced.
“History has shown us that conflict and poverty are closely interconnected, resulting in the weakening of the rule of law, a collapse in economic development and often catastrophic humanitarian situations,” Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said. “There is no doubt that the conflict in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis – members of Global Citizen saw this ourselves at the Ukrainian-Polish border. More than three million refugees have fled their homes, with millions more likely on their way.”
Alanis Morissette, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Chris Rock, Demi Lovato, Elton John, Green Day, Hugh Jackman, the Jonas Brothers, Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, Leon Bridges, Luke Combs, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Shaquille O'Neal, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, Usher, and more will take part in the movement.
The Weeknd was announced in October as the goodwill ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme, after contributing to a number of humanitarian causes throughout his career. Most recently, he had given $1 million to the U.N.'s World Food Programme in Ethiopia, where his parents came from.
“The U.N. World Food Programme is doing urgent and important work to change and save lives on a daily basis and I feel passionately about addressing world hunger and helping people in need,” The Weeknd previously said. “Our partnership is an authentic extension of all our efforts and intentions to help those in need and bring an end to so much suffering.”
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