Global Citizen Festival: Concert calls on global leaders to support poorer nations

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02:03

CGTN's Julie Scheier was also at the event. Here's what she saw backstage.

Some of the world's most admired artists have joined the call for a better world - one that is safer, without poverty, and where men and woman are of equal standing.

CHRIS MARTIN COLDPLAY "Right now on the planet there are about 7 billion people. And maybe one billion have the education they really should have, and all the opportunities they should have. And think about how much brilliant thought and invention has come out from the small portion of people who've had opportunity of education. So right now, we have vast untapped potential in our race."

Global Citizen is being held on African soil for the first time since the movement began in 2011. It's urged world leaders to raise $1bn towards achieving the 17 sustainable development goals to end poverty and inequality.

KWEKU MANDELA EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, MANDELA 100 "We want to make sure that world leaders regardless of where they are in the world, whether they're with us on Sunday or you know they're in their home countries actually hear our voices and take action."

The movement has committed to working with South Africa for the next 12 years, which is one of the most unequal societies on the planet.

NTSIKI SISULU SISULU FAMILY "As you know with Nelson Mandela centenary as well as Albertina Sisulu centenary those were activists in their own right and they took social activism to the next level. It's our turn now to take the social movement and make a difference in our country and the globe."

NOMZAMO MBATHA ACTRESS "We must stand up to something that is greater than ourselves. We must lead the generation that we live in, and that we prosper. I can stand here today because I am beause of the previous genetation. So I want the next generation to also look back and say I am because of Nomsano Mbatha's genetation."

JULIE SCHEIER JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA "The day has finally arrived after months of waiting. The excitement here is building in anticipation of the music Fest that's about to unfold. Fans will dance the day away to performances from Chris Martin, Black Cofee, Ed Sheeran and other celebrated artists."

JS, CGTN, JHB, SA.