National Geographic has unveiled its National Geographic 33 – 2026 list, a lineup of global changemakers for the year. Actors Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra featured in the list as influential voices from India making a global mark.
The list was revealed by National Geographic on March 17. In a statement, National Geographic revealed that the list recognised 33 leaders rising to meet the most critical challenges of our time, making meaningful progress and achieving incredible breakthroughs. ‘These are bold thinkers and problem solvers from across the globe who believe that our world needs imaginative solutions and urgent action—and are leading the charge for change,’ read the statement.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt has been recognised for using her platform to bring climate consciousness into the mainstream, championing environmental sustainability and inspiring a new generation to engage with urgent ecological issues. “There’s her production company, Eternal Sunshine, which helped produce a miniseries based on an elephant poaching investigation and continues to support environmental filmmaking through a partnership with an Indian eco-film festival. Her children’s book, Ed Finds a Home, encourages kids to recognise the importance of animal adoption. And Mi Wardrobe Is Su Wardrobe, her fashion resale initiative, channels funds to eco-friendly charities while reducing landfill waste. The actress’s social media platform, Coexist, also amplifies the work of other organisations supporting animal rights. Bhatt’s approach to changemaking is intentionally varied, powered by her compassion and curiosity, undiluted since childhood,” read the official statement.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra has been acknowledged for her continued advocacy in healthcare accessibility, using her global influence to spotlight critical issues such as diabetes and drive meaningful social awareness. “It wasn’t until she met her husband, Nick Jonas, who was diagnosed at age 13, that she learned Type 1 need not be a limitation. “You can handle and live with this condition—and actually thrive with it,” Chopra Jonas says. For the past five years, she has spread that message in India as a board member of Beyond Type 1, the nonprofit her husband co-founded. In the world’s most populous country, Chopra Jonas has become a visible force for change, helping to put out viral educational videos that promote early detection and to recruit diabetes ambassadors to reduce misapprehensions about the disease,” read the official statement.
Some of the other names on the list include Harrison Ford, Russell Westbrook, Shailene Woodley, Ewan McGregor, and Idris Elba, each contributing to change in their own way.
