National Geographic has released its National Geographic 33 - 2026 list, highlighting global changemakers for the year. Indian actors Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra are included as influential figures making an international impact.
National Geographic unveiled the list on March 17, highlighting 33 leaders who are addressing the most pressing issues of our era, making significant advancements, and achieving remarkable breakthroughs. The statement described these individuals as innovative thinkers and problem solvers from around the world, committed to finding creative solutions and taking urgent action to drive change.
Alia bhatt
Alia Bhatt has been acknowledged for leveraging her platform to integrate climate awareness into the mainstream, advocating for environmental sustainability, and motivating a new generation to address pressing ecological concerns. Her production company, Eternal Sunshine, contributed to a miniseries about an elephant poaching investigation and continues to back environmental filmmaking through a collaboration with an Indian eco-film festival. Her children's book, Ed Finds a Home, promotes the significance of animal adoption to kids. Additionally, her fashion resale initiative, Mi Wardrobe Is Su Wardrobe, directs funds to eco-friendly charities while minimizing landfill waste. Through her social media platform, Coexist, the actress also highlights the efforts of other organizations supporting animal rights. Bhatt's approach to creating change is deliberately diverse, driven by her compassion and curiosity, which have remained strong since her childhood," stated the official announcement.
Priyanka Chopra has been recognized for her ongoing efforts to improve healthcare accessibility, leveraging her global influence to highlight important issues like diabetes and foster significant social awareness. She discovered that Type 1 diabetes doesn't have to be a barrier after meeting her husband, Nick Jonas, who was diagnosed at 13. 'You can manage and live with this condition—and actually thrive with it,' Chopra Jonas states. Over the past five years, she has been promoting this message in India as a board member of Beyond Type 1, the nonprofit her husband co-founded. In the world's most populous nation, Chopra Jonas has emerged as a prominent advocate for change, contributing to viral educational videos that encourage early detection and enlisting diabetes ambassadors to dispel misconceptions about the disease,' according to the official statement.
The list also features names like Harrison Ford, Russell Westbrook, Shailene Woodley, Ewan McGregor, and Idris Elba, each making their own unique impact.