National Geographic has launched the National Geographic 33, a new initiative recognizing 33 individuals worldwide who are actively driving positive change. This dynamic list highlights visionaries from diverse fields, including science, entertainment, activism, and entrepreneurship, all committed to solving pressing global challenges.
The inaugural 33 honorees, selected by National Geographic editors through a broad nomination process, represent a spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. Notable figures include actor and advocate Jason Momoa, singer and philanthropist Selena Gomez, environmental activist Pattie Gonia, snowboarder Jeremy Jones, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Chief Heat Officer Eugenia Kargbo.
“Inspired by our 33 founders who sought to deepen understanding of the world, the NG33 honors those who are actively shaping a better future,” said Courteney Monroe, President of National Geographic Content. “This initiative underscores our commitment to showcasing impactful stories and inspiring action.”
Nathan Lump, SVP and Editor-in-Chief, emphasized, “These changemakers are not just identifying problems; they’re implementing solutions. We aim to amplify their work and demonstrate the power of positive impact.”
The NG33 features a comprehensive multimedia experience, including an interactive digital package at
NatGeo.com/NG33, the April 2025 print edition of National Geographic magazine, and two social media video series: “33 Seconds with…” and “Nat Geo 33 on…”. These platforms offer in-depth interviews, portraits, and behind-the-scenes content, revealing the honorees’ motivations and passions. The social series explores personal inspirations and insights, providing a glimpse into the individuals behind the impactful work. The video series will be rolled out across National Geographic’s social platforms throughout the remainder of the month.
The list of National Geographic 33 honorees includes:
- Adam McKay: The filmmaker using biting satire to illuminate the dire realities of climate change
- Alexis Nikole Nelson: The social media star sharing the wonder of wild plants with a wider audience
- Arlo Parks: The singer-songwriter using music to campaign for mental health
- Björk: The otherworldly musician offering a lesson in environmental pragmatism
- Carla Pérez: The pathbreaking mountaineer helping climbers with disabilities reach new heights
- Carlos Magdalena: The rescuer of plants that are on the brink of extinction
- Cole Brauer: The pioneering sailor bringing her sport to a new wave of fans
- Don Cheadle: The acclaimed actor battling climate injustice one at-risk community at a time
- Edward Norton: The actor imagining a new way to conserve African wildlife
- Emily Liman: The scientist deepening our understanding of human senses
- Gabriela Hearst: The designer bringing climate consciousness to high fashion
- Hamdi Ulukaya: The business leader matching refugees with good jobs
- Héctor Bellerín: The soccer player dreaming up an eco-friendlier future for sports
- Isabel Cristina Gámez & Oscar Andrés Méndez: The builders finding a novel use for plastic waste around the world
- Jason Momoa: The actor using his superpowers to protect our oceans
- Jennifer Uchendu: The climate activist creating spaces for Africans to process their eco-anxiety
- Jeremy Jones: The snowboarder uniting athletes to save our winters
- Lewis Pugh: The endurance swimmer on a diplomatic mission to protect the world’s fragile places
- Lucie Basch: The app co-founder who built an online marketplace for food waste
- Maya Gabeira: The big-wave surfer attacking the scourge of plastic waste
- Michelle Yeoh: The Oscar® winner shining a spotlight on the plight of women in disaster zones
- Dr. Muhammad Mansoor Mohiuddin: The doctor discovering an unlikely new breed of heart donors
- Oksana Masters: The gold-medal-winning Paralympian and disability rights advocate
- Pattie Gonia: The activist making the outdoors a more welcoming space for the queer community
- Sana Javeri Kadri: The entrepreneur inspiring a more sustainable and ethical spice trade
- Selena Gomez: The superstar supporting mental health on a global scale
- Dr. Shu Yang: The scientist finding solutions in the structures of nature
- Sterlin Harjo: The storyteller spotlighting Indigenous voices
- Tayshan Hayden-Smith: The guerrilla gardener bringing horticulture to a new generation
- Victor Glover: The astronaut launching a new era of space exploration
- Yara Shahidi: The actress unpacking the psychology of optimism
- Yvon Chouinard: The unlikely mogul who built the ultimate outdoor brand, then gave it away to save the planet
- Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr & Eugenia Kargbo: The local leaders saving their city from a climate emergency
The National Geographic 33 is available online now at NatGeo.com/NG33 and in the April issue of National Geographic magazine.
