MetLife, Global Citizen announce partnership to drive economic change, foster resilient communities

NEW YORK: MetLife and Global Citizen announced a three-year partnership to drive economic change and foster resilient communities at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park on Monday.

Under the alliance, MetLife will leverage its financial strength, employee volunteer network and global footprint to support Global Citizen’s campaigns against extreme poverty. The partnership will focus on initiatives that enhance economic security, expand access to resources and build community resilience worldwide.

MetLife Foundation has committed $9 million as a founding donor to the FIFA | Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for quality education and sport programmes for children around the world. Education has been central to the Foundation’s mission since 1976, encompassing financial literacy, STEM learning, mentoring and vocational training to prepare students for brighter futures.

"At MetLife, we believe in being there for people and communities in the moments that matter, guided by our clear purpose of building more confident futures for all," said Michel Khalaf, president and CEO of MetLife. "Our partnership with Global Citizen will drive positive change by promoting financial health, advancing educational opportunities and fostering strong, confident communities. Together with MetLife Foundation, we build on more than $1 billion in giving since 1976."

MetLife will also play a key role in supporting Global Citizen campaigns around the world, including this year’s flagship festival in Central Park and the Global Citizen NOW action summits. These events unite artists, advocates and world leaders to mobilise resources and call for urgent action on poverty, health and climate.

"We believe wholeheartedly in the power of partnership to tackle the most complex issues our world is facing," said Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen. 'This collaboration between MetLife, MetLife Foundation and Global Citizen will be instrumental in growing our impact and accelerating progress towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

Global Citizen, established in Australia in 2008, is the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty. Powered by a worldwide community of advocates, the organisation has secured $49 billion in commitments and impacted 1.3 billion lives through campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector.

MetLife, founded in 1868, operates in more than 40 markets and provides insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset-management services. MetLife Foundation, established in 1976, drives inclusive economic mobility by collaborating with nonprofit partners and engaging employee volunteers across economic inclusion, financial health and community resilience programmes.