Global superstar Shakira has joined the growing international effort to support children affected by Venezuela's devastating humanitarian crisis, urging world leaders to help fund education as the country begins the long road to recovery.
In a video shared Monday on Instagram, the Colombian singer thanked Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for becoming the first leaders to commit funding to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative created to ensure Venezuelan children can continue their education despite the country's ongoing emergency.
"Thank you... for backing the FIFA Global Citizen education fund campaign, and standing with the children of Venezuela to help ensure that, as the country rebuilds, every child continues to have access to education and the opportunity to learn," Shakira wrote.
The singer also used the post to appeal directly to more world leaders, calling on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, along with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Éléonore Caroit, to join the initiative by committing financial support.
"I'm now urging... Germany, and France to commit funding to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to help unlock the resources needed to support children's education during Venezuela's recovery," Shakira said.
The campaign is being led by Global Citizen and FIFA, which launched the education fund to finance schools, educational programs and community organizations in countries affected by humanitarian crises.
Shakira also highlighted that Venezuelan-based organizations working to restore access to education can continue applying for grants through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund as recovery efforts continue.
The singer's message follows a wave of international support for Venezuela after the country's recent twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction, leaving thousands displaced and severely damaging schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.
In recent days, several governments and humanitarian organizations have announced aid packages or emergency assistance for Venezuela. Alongside Portugal and Canada, countries including the United States, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, and members of the European Union have pledged various forms of humanitarian assistance, while organizations such as the United Nations, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Caritas, and other international NGOs have mobilized emergency relief, food, medical supplies and recovery assistance.
Shakira, a longtime advocate for children's education through her Pies Descalzos Foundation, has repeatedly used her global platform to push for greater investment in education during humanitarian emergencies. Her latest appeal places education at the center of Venezuela's reconstruction, arguing that rebuilding schools and ensuring children remain in classrooms will be critical to the country's future.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund was announced ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup and aims to channel funding toward educational opportunities for children affected by conflict, poverty and natural disasters around the world. Venezuela has now become one of the fund's highest-profile priorities as international leaders and celebrities rally support for the country's youngest generation.
