News Summary

Detroit will host the inaugural U.S. edition of the Global Citizen NOW summit on July 10, gathering leaders to discuss urban revitalization and investment in youth. Notable speakers include Mark Cuban and Wyclef Jean. A city-wide volunteer day precedes the event, culminating in a community block party and live music. The initiative aims to position Detroit as a leader in sustainable urban development, leveraging community engagement for innovative solutions.

Detroit to Host Global Citizen NOW Summit on July 10, 2025

Detroit is set to welcome the first-ever U.S. edition of the Global Citizen NOW summit outside New York City on July 10, 2025. This significant event will take place at Hudson’s Detroit and is presented by the real estate firm Bedrock. The summit will gather notable leaders from various sectors to engage in discussions focused on urban revitalization and the future of cities with an emphasis on investments in young adults.

Key figures confirmed to speak at the summit include Mark Cuban, Wyclef Jean, poet Jessica Care Moore, travel influencer Jessica Nabongo, and chef Marcus Samuelsson. The event aims to spark dialogue among leaders in government, philanthropy, entertainment, business, and advocacy sectors, along with local policymakers, grassroots organizers, students, and community members who are instrumental in driving change.

The summit aims to address crucial urban challenges and promote sustainable development amid ongoing population shifts and urban pressure. It emphasizes the role of young adults as catalysts for economic growth and increased infrastructure accessibility. The event’s organizers hope to position Detroit as a leading example of sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Alongside the summit, a city-wide volunteer day is scheduled for July 8, 2025. This initiative aims to engage community members and foster a spirit of collaboration before the main event. Following the volunteer efforts, there will be a free block party to celebrate the vibrancy of the Detroit community. The summit will conclude with a live music event at Third Man Records, featuring performances by Wyclef Jean and others, which aims to further highlight Detroit’s cultural scene.

Kofi Bonner, CEO of Bedrock, commended the transformative momentum of Detroit, recognizing the city’s robust community engagement as a crucial element in advancing innovative solutions to its challenges. The initiative aligns with Global Citizen’s broader mission to drive commitments towards sustainable development through community-driven progress and collaborative efforts.

Global Citizen NOW previously expanded its impact internationally with successful events in 2024 in Melbourne, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Paris, France. Looking ahead, Global Citizen plans additional expansions, contemplating summits in Spain and South Africa.

The summit in Detroit is co-chaired by Kofi Bonner, Randall Lane, Papanii Okai, Romeo Okwara, and Mary Sheffield. Major sponsors for the event include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Cisco, Delta Air Lines, PayPal, and media partner Forbes, demonstrating robust support from various sectors for this important initiative.

This pioneering summit exemplifies a growing effort to foster global conversations around cities and young adults, reinforcing the belief that investment in youth is vital for future urban success. The commitment to spotlighting Detroit as a model for sustainable urban development underscores the city’s ongoing evolution and potential as a leader in this space.

As the event date approaches, community engagement and international interest in the summit continue to build, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing urban challenges and creating a more sustainable future for cities worldwide.

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Additional Resources

• Hollywood Reporter
• Inc.
• MLive
• Wikipedia: Global Citizen
• Google Search: Global Citizen NOW Summit