South African actress and human rights activist Nomzamo Mbatha has added another major international event to her growing list of achievements after hosting the annual Global Citizen NOW: Impact Sessions in New York City.
The South African actress and human rights activist was among the people who played an important role at the event, which took place on 23 September 2026 during the United Nations General Assembly week.
For Nomzamo, the opportunity was about more than simply being on stage. She found herself surrounded by influential people from different parts of the world who are working on ways to create change and improve people’s lives.
Global Citizen NOW: Impact Sessions brought together people from government, business, philanthropy, civil society and the entertainment industry. The event gave these leaders an opportunity to talk about some of the major issues affecting communities around the world.
Instead of only focusing on problems, the conversations looked at what can actually be done to create progress. Speakers and participants discussed ways to turn ideas into action, strengthen partnerships and find solutions that can make a difference in people’s everyday lives.
The event also took place at a time when countries and organisations are facing challenges around working together. The sessions therefore focused on the importance of continuing to find ways to work together despite these difficulties.
Nomzamo later opened up about how meaningful the experience was for her. She admitted that she was still taking in the opportunity to be part of such an important gathering.
Sharing photos and her thoughts about the event, she wrote:
“Hosted the annual @glbltzn NOW Impact Sessions at #UNGA81.
Still can’t wrap my head around the truest privilege of sitting at the feet of leaders who speak truth to power and being in the orbit of the important work steered by everyone at Global Citizen.”
Her words show just how much the experience meant to her. Rather than simply celebrating the opportunity to host, Nomzamo highlighted the people she met and the important work being done around her.
The Global Citizen NOW platform continues to bring together well-known figures and decision-makers to discuss issues that need urgent attention. The Impact Sessions are also focused on moving beyond conversations and finding ways to put solutions into practice.
For Nomzamo, hosting the New York event was another opportunity to use her voice and platform outside of her work as an actress – OK.
