Malta and Luxembourg speak of polio eradication during Gobal Citizen Festival

Politicians, celebrities and musicians from all over the world gathered in Central Park in New York on Saturday to promote global development.

Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Pearl Jam, Beyoncé, Hugh Jackman, Leonardo di Caprio and Salma Hayek Pinault were amongst the big names entertaining and encouraging concert goers committed to ending extreme world poverty by 2030.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Battel spoke of the need to eradicate polio – a disease transmitted through contaminated food and water. Most people who are infected develop no symptoms and don't even know they've got it. But in about 1 in 200 cases, the virus destroys the nerve cells that activate muscles, causing irreversible paralysis, usually in the legs. It can paralyze breathing muscles, too, sometimes causing death.

Muscat said the 53 leaders attending the Commonwealth meeting in Malta will write a new page in history by pledging their commitment to eradicating polio.

Queen Rania of Jordan, Chime for Change Co-Founder Salma Hayek Pinault and First Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans declared significant support for refugees.

Senator Chris Coons championed the Food for Peace Reform Act of 2015 that global citizens have propelled.

David Cameron joined the festival from a refugee camp in Lebanon.

Leonardo DiCaprio called for widespread fossil fuel divestment.

Vice President Joe Biden spoke on the need to fight poverty, and then he introduced Barack Obama, who spoke of dignity.