Hugh Jackman, Shakira, and Rachel Brosnahan Light Up Global Citizen NOW 2026 Summit in Manhattan

The Global Citizen NOW summit made its triumphant return to New York this week, with Thursday's event (May 14) marking the fifth iteration of the star-studded gathering. Held at Spring Studios in Manhattan, the day-long summit brought together an impressive roster of entertainment figures, policy leaders, and activists united around shared causes.

Among those making appearances were Hugh Jackman, Shakira, Rachel Brosnahan, Adam Lambert, Common, Sophia Bush, and Arya Starr. The gathering focused on several key initiatives, including expanding educational access through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, while also drawing attention to economic opportunity and healthcare challenges on a global scale.

The Vampire Diaries alum Kat Graham marked a significant milestone by attending her first red carpet event since welcoming her son, Prospero "Spero" Nyemah Wood, in March. She arrived alongside her husband, Bryant Wood, and brought little Spero along to the celebration.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in panel discussions, conversations, and presentations designed to amplify the organization's work toward ending extreme poverty. The summit has solidified its position as one of Global Citizen's most prominent annual events, merging celebrity influence with substantive policy dialogue and major philanthropic commitments.

The event comes shortly after Sutton Foster made her Met Gala debut earlier this month as Hugh Jackman's companion.