Shakira performed before the United Nations General Assembly on Friday — the same day Pope Francis addressed the gathering of world leaders in New York City — delivering a stirring rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” with a plea to help children around the world.
The pop star and U.N. Goodwill Ambassador dedicated the song to Aylan and Ghalib Kurdi, the young Syrian boys who drowned earlier this month while fleeing violence in their home country.
“We live in a world in which many of those who are born poor, will die poor. And it is up to us to be the first society to eradicate poverty and bring justice and equality to the most disenfranchised people on Earth,” she said. “Our children have the right to equal opportunities, to thrive, to be happy and healthy and safe. Now is the time to not just imagine, but do.”
