Hugh Evans

Humanitarian, Social Entrepreneur, Co-Founder & CEO at Global Citizen/Global Poverty Project

Hugh Evans

Humanitarian, Social Entrepreneur, Co-Founder & CEO at Global Citizen/Global Poverty Project

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Biography

Hugh Evans’ breakthrough brand of action-oriented humanitarianism has mobilized millions to end extreme poverty, climate change and gender inequality around the world. A riveting speaker and irresistible motivator, Evans’ passion and purpose have captured the attention of heads of state, business leaders, billionaires, and a growing list of influential admirers such as Bono, Bill and Melinda Gates, Bill Clinton, Hugh Jackman, Arianna Huffington and Ben Affleck. The annual Global Citizen Festival that Evans founded attracts headliners such as Pearl Jam, Beyoncé, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran to perform every September in New York’s Central Park, rewarding activist attendees and raising awareness of the organization’s transformational work.

Evans’ activism began at 14 when the young Australian spent several weeks doing community service in the heart-wrenching slums of Manila. Driven by a mission to end extreme poverty, he went on to volunteer with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in India and found Australia’s Oaktree Foundation. In 2008, Evans co-founded the Global Poverty Project, giving rise to the Global Citizen online platform and community. Along the way, he was named Young Australian of the Year, made Forbes’ “30 under 30” list, raised millions and earned a master’s in international relations from University of Cambridge. All before he turned 30.

For Evans, speaking to a broad array of college, corporate and nonprofit audiences is an extension of the world-changing journey that he began at 14. An inspiring humanitarian and innovative social entrepreneur, Evans makes conquering the world’s most daunting global challenges seem achievable and motivates all of us to make a difference in our communities, companies, and around the world.

Speaker Videos

TEDTalk: What Does It Mean to Be a Citizen of the World?

2015 Global Citizen Festival

Engaging Youth in the Fight Against Extreme Poverty

One Step Closer: The End of Polio

1.4 Billion Reasons

Global Poverty Project: The Story So Far

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Speech Topics

Becoming a Citizen of the World

Expanding upon his main stage TED Talk that created a worldwide sensation, Hugh Evans delivers an impassioned keynote that will energize your worldview and activate your global citizenship. With heart-touching stories and inspiring examples, Evans makes the case that the very future of our planet depends on “global citizens” – those who identify themselves not as members of a state, nation or tribe, but first and foremost, as members of the human race.

He envisions an army of millions, growing to tens of millions that are “connected, informed and unwilling to take no for an answer” when it comes to ending extreme poverty, climate change and gender inequality. With brilliant storytelling and infectious optimism, Hugh Evans motivates us to embrace the possibilities of the world we share – and join together to change it.

The Methodology Behind Social Change

Changing the Future of Civic Engagement: Social Media & Technology

The Global Poverty Project

Promoting Social Justice Though a Knowledge Economy

Testimonials

"I cannot say enough good things about you, Hugh, and your organization! Hugh gave a phenomenal presentation and call to action—our students are already abuzz with ideas of their own - looking for how they can take action. Please know how deeply grateful we are to you for providing a framework upon which to build a campus-wide initiative and an opportunity to provide our newest campus members - our freshman class - a common experience that will shape how they view their time at WCU."

- University of Western Carolina

"As I mentioned on the phone this morning, we are all just walking around patting ourselves on the back for our decision to invite Hugh Evans as our speaker last week. The students LOVED it! He was so easy to work with, and so [was APB]. It just couldn’t have been better, so thanks again for recommending him—it was a perfect fit for our 'Be the Change' Leadership Conference!"

- Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Amarillo College

Hugh, thank you, thank you, thank you!! You were so inspirational for these students and I don't think you truly realize the enormous impact you have made on so many of them. Also, such lovely comments from staff and parents! I so look forward to next term (not that I want the holidays to rush past!) and working with some of these students who are so motivated due to your amazing stories and experiences. You have touched their hearts and minds and I am eternally grateful.

- Geelong Grammar School