Global Citizen NOW Summit Launches Music Economy Development Initiative to Combat Extreme Poverty

New York, 30 April 2025 — At the Global Citizen NOW summit held in New York, the Center for Music Ecosystems (CME) and Global Citizen unveiled the Music Economy Development Initiative (MEDI), a groundbreaking effort aimed at harnessing the transformative power of music to address extreme poverty and foster responsible economic growth.

CME Executive Director Shain Shapiro, PhD, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, “719 million people around the world live in extreme poverty, with deeply harmful consequences for their health and life expectancy, as well as their access to education and basic services. Every tool at our disposal must be deployed to address this dreadful reality. One such tool, which can literally be found everywhere and effectively combats the scourge of extreme poverty, is music.”

Shapiro elaborated, “The power of music is manifold: it can inspire humanity and unite us. It can console us and heal us. And music can drive economic growth and create jobs. This economic development doesn’t happen on its own; it requires the proper infrastructure, legal frameworks, and resources to build it.”

MEDI’s mission includes providing valuable data and economic research about emerging economies, initially focusing on 22 countries. The initiative aims to develop partnerships that enhance music’s economic potential across Africa and globally, collaborating with organizations like Move Afrika for comprehensive market assessments and national copyright reforms.

The initiative has its roots in discussions from Global Citizen NOW 2024, where leaders envisioned music as a crucial element in the fight against poverty. The inaugural Music Policy Assembly launched MEDI’s first position paper, co-authored by CME’s Shain Shapiro and music economist Will Page.

As part of its initial efforts, MEDI will introduce two pilot studies in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, co-financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to foster growth in local music ecosystems.

Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President of Universal Music Group and Director of Global Citizen, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Having spent my entire life and career in music, I have always recognized its power as a change agent. This collaboration harnesses music’s power as a force for social and economic change, fighting poverty and building sustainable careers for artists worldwide.”

Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie in Côte d’Ivoire, added, “We are proud to be the pioneering partner of the MEDI initiative. The work we have undertaken to develop our music economy reveals its full potential, and this will only serve to accelerate its progress.”

The MEDI initiative has garnered support from notable figures in the creative industries. Germán Cufré, IFC Global Manager for Telecom, Media and Technology Investments, stated, “By promoting research, partnerships, and investment in music, we aim to catalyze more private and public sector participation in the creative sectors, foster jobs, and shape a positive policy landscape for growth.”

Liz Agbor-Tabi, Vice President of Global Policy at Global Citizen, highlighted the initiative’s holistic approach: “Ending extreme poverty requires bold ideas and innovative partnerships. With MEDI, we’re recognizing music not just as a cultural asset, but as a catalyst for economic development.”

Raoul Rugamba, CEO of Africa in Colors in Kigali, noted the importance of data in driving investment, stating, “For years, we had the passion, but not the data. The MEDI tool will help us invest more and better, and convince investors of the social and economic development our communities need.”

Through MEDI, a coalition of local, regional, and global voices aims to create evidence-based policies that can unleash Africa’s creative potential and make music a foundational pillar of sustainable economic development.