Global Influencers: Celebrating the World's Pioneering Minds in 2025

Apr 16, 2025 at 6:03 PM

In a special collaboration, TIME Studios and ABC bring to viewers the "TIME100: The World’s Most Influential People" television event. Airing on May 4, this exclusive showcase offers an inside look into the annual TIME100 Gala, featuring global leaders who are redefining our world. This year’s list highlights diverse talents from various sectors including entertainment, politics, sports, and business, with notable figures such as Demi Moore, Snoop Dogg, Serena Williams, Ed Sheeran, and Demis Hassabis gracing its pages. Additionally, TIME will host a summit and gala event where these influential personalities gather to discuss impactful ideas for the future.

The 2025 TIME100 edition features prominent individuals contributing essays about their peers, offering unique perspectives on those shaping the world. From young Olympic champions to seasoned corporate CEOs, the list spans across multiple generations and continents, reflecting the dynamic forces driving change. Among them are leaders tackling justice and equality issues, innovators in technology and fashion, and artists pushing creative boundaries. With highlights like Donald Trump's seventh appearance and the youngest honoree being only 22 years old, the TIME100 continues to inspire and provoke thought about the direction of our society.

Gathering the Titans of Influence

This year’s TIME100 celebration brings together some of the most remarkable minds from around the globe. The event not only honors their achievements but also showcases their potential impact on future generations. These influencers span various fields—entertainment, science, politics, and more—and their contributions have resonated deeply within their respective domains. Their stories reflect how individual actions can lead to significant societal transformations.

Among the celebrated figures are trailblazers in media, literature, and visual arts. Miuccia Prada, Yoshitomo Nara, and Mickalene Thomas stand out as icons reshaping cultural landscapes. In the political sphere, leaders like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and María Corina Machado demonstrate the power dynamics influencing global governance today. Meanwhile, athletes such as Simone Biles and Serena Williams exemplify excellence through perseverance and advocacy beyond their sports. Each personality featured in the TIME100 has been selected based on their ability to inspire others while addressing pressing challenges faced by humanity.

Uniting Voices for Change at the Summit and Gala

On April 23 and 24, New York City will become the epicenter of visionary dialogue during the TIME100 Summit and Gala. This prestigious gathering invites members of the TIME100 community alongside other distinguished guests to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at fostering positive change worldwide. Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the gala promises captivating performances by renowned artists Ed Sheeran and Myles Smith, further enriching the celebratory atmosphere.

Speakers at the summit include Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos; comedian Nikki Glaser; WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; and many others whose insights could pave pathways toward solving critical global issues. Special recognition goes to Simone Biles receiving the TIME Impact Award, underscoring her role as both a champion athlete and advocate for mental health awareness. Through partnerships with Booking.com, Rolex, Circle, Diriyah Company, Prudential Financial Inc., Toyota, Absolut, Amazon, Pfizer, and XPRIZE, these events aim to amplify voices advocating for progress across all sectors of society.