Global Citizen and Zelenskyy released Sunday’s first of what they hope to be daily calls for action for the non-profit’s millions of members as well as its corporate, governmental and philanthropic supporters. Global Citizen will provide steps for supporters to take, including Zelenskyy’s speech on Ukraine’s struggle against Russia.
In his first message, the Ukrainian president asked for help from the international community to defend his country against terrorist acts by Russia. In the video, Zelenskyy mentioned Russia’s bombardment and firing on a nuclear power station.
Global Citizen stated that it hopes the partnership will inspire people to keep informed about the humanitarian crisis as well as how to respond. Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans stated that while Zelenskyy’s video statements are still being covered by news agencies around the globe, Global Citizen wanted his entire words to be distributed.
Evans stated that Evans believes it is important for people to have direct access to the leader who inspires them the most. “This is about creating an ongoing cadence and publishing it simultaneously on all major tech platforms around world, so that everyone can hear directly from the Ukrainian president.”
Zelenskyy, as he did in interviews and videos, asked NATO for a no fly zone over Ukraine. He also asked other countries to give his country airpower to better defend itself.
Evans stated that Global Citizen would publish Zelenskyy’s calls for military action but will also support them with humanitarian needs. Global Citizen members were urged to request funding from the United Nations for humanitarian assistance.
The United Nations announced last week that $1.7 billion was needed to aid in relief efforts. It estimated that 12 million people in Ukraine, and 4 million refugees, could be in need of protection and assistance in the next few months.
Evans stated that Global Citizen is an anti-poverty organisation and its actions will be focused on the humanitarian response. Not the military response. “We are asking governments and businesses to help the UN’s $1.7 billion emergency appeal.”
Evans’ group has organized high-profile events such as the annual Global Citizen Live Festival, which have brought in billions of dollars in aid from corporations, governments and philanthropists to combat poverty.
Global Citizen has never had a relationship with Zelenskyy but it does have a working relationship. It has donated to Ukrainian education programs since 2014, including Education Cannot Wait. Evans claims that Evans is currently planning another grant. Global Citizen reached out after Russia invaded Ukraine to seek assistance.
Evans stated that President Zelenskyy’s courage and fortitude inspired him. “Global Citizen’s perspective, we have always had the clear mission to eradicate extreme poverty. We do our best to help people in need when they are facing a humanitarian crisis.
This includes supporting Zelenskyy.
Evans stated, “When the world faces such a existential choice challenge, as the invasion of Ukraine,” Evans said. “He created an environment of hope where many people felt helpless.
Evans stated that the Ukraine-Russia conflict raises many thorny questions – how NATO avoids direct conflicts with a nuclear power, what sanctions would be the best way to respond to this situation, and how to deal with the humanitarian crisis of 1.5million refugees.
Evans said, “There is no better person than Zelenskyy the leader of the resistance,” Evans agreed.
Evans stated that Global Citizen members have a “huge desire” to do something for the greater good.
He said that he hoped by adding specific actions to President Zelenskyy’s daily call for action, he would be able “to help citizens or corporate leaders or in some cases policymakers to be capable of responding appropriately.”
Zelenskyy invited people all over the globe to think about how they would respond if schools, hospitals, or residential areas were attacked in his video call for action.
“What would you do, if terrorists completely destroyed them with missiles, air raids with bombshells and air strikes, like it is happening here, in Ukraine?”