The event is part of the Light for Rights campaign, a global initiative organized by UNAIDS; amfAR; Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; and the World AIDS Campaign. The campaign, in its second year, showcases the importance of fundamental human rights in the worldwide fight against AIDS.

The lights of the park will be turned off to remember those who have died of AIDS, as part of a similar ceremony that will take place at other landmarks throughout New York City and in other cities throughout the world.  Washington Square Park's lights will be extinguished and then re-lighted, after which the speakers will discuss the importance of fundamental human rights in the fight against AIDS.

Other New York landmarks that will participate include the Brooklyn Bridge; the New York Stock Exchange; the Plaza Hotel; Madison Square Garden; Carnegie Hall; Museum of Modern Art; Washington Square Park Arch; the Beacon Theatre; Madison Square Park’s art installation Scattered Light; Radio City Music Hall; the Apollo Theater; and 35 Broadway theatres.

The event is free and open to the public.