On 29 September 2018, SDG Advocate Forest Whitakerspoke on stage at the Global Citizen Festival: Be The Generation in New York. He joined other celebrities and leaders in donating their time to advocate for action on the SDGs, making a specific statement on the importance of education as a tool to change the world. Hosted this year by Hugh Jackman and featuring artists such as Janet Jackson and The Weeknd, the Global Citizen Festival encourages people from around the world to call on world leaders to fulfill their obligation to achieve the SDGs by 2030. SDG Advocate and Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solbergalso addressed the crowd via video message to emphasize Norway’s commitment to protecting our oceans and calling on other countries to come together to combat marine pollution. The Festival wrapped up Global Citizen Week, during which 17 commitments, 23 announcements, and 24 calls to action were made to achieve the SDGs.
