In an ever-changing global landscape, certain individuals stand out for their extraordinary impact on society, culture, politics, technology, and the world at large. This list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2025 recognizes those who have shaped our present and are actively molding our future. From groundbreaking scientists and innovative entrepreneurs to powerful politicians and cultural icons, these individuals represent the diverse tapestry of human achievement and influence.

Politics and Government

1. Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States
   As the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President, Harris continues to break barriers and influence policy in the Biden administration.
2. Xi Jinping – President of the People’s Republic of China
   Xi’s leadership of the world’s most populous country and second-largest economy continues to shape global politics and economics.
3. Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission
   Leading the executive branch of the European Union, von der Leyen plays a crucial role in shaping policies that affect over 400 million Europeans.
4. Narendra Modi – Prime Minister of India
   Modi’s leadership of the world’s largest democracy and his push for economic reforms and technological advancement have far-reaching implications.
5. Emmanuel Macron – President of France
   Macron’s centrist approach and efforts to reform the EU continue to influence European and global politics.
6. Olaf Scholz – Chancellor of Germany
   As leader of Europe’s largest economy, Scholz’s decisions have significant impact on global economic policies.
7. Volodymyr Zelenskyy – President of Ukraine
   Zelenskyy’s leadership during Ukraine’s ongoing conflict has garnered international attention and support.
8. Sanna Marin – Former Prime Minister of Finland
   Though no longer in office, Marin’s progressive policies and leadership style continue to inspire young politicians globally.
9. Jacinda Ardern – Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
   Ardern’s compassionate leadership style and handling of crises continue to influence political discourse worldwide.
10. António Guterres – Secretary-General of the United Nations
    Guterres leads global efforts in peacekeeping, climate action, and sustainable development.

Business and Technology

11. Elon Musk – CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter)
    Musk’s ventures in electric vehicles, space exploration, and social media continue to push technological boundaries.
12. Satya Nadella – CEO of Microsoft
    Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has become a leader in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
13. Jensen Huang – CEO of NVIDIA
    Huang’s company is at the forefront of AI and graphics processing technology, powering advancements in various fields.
14. Mary Barra – CEO of General Motors
    Barra is leading GM’s transition to electric vehicles, influencing the future of the automotive industry.
15. Tim Cook – CEO of Apple
    Cook continues to lead one of the world’s most valuable companies, influencing global technology trends.
16. Sundar Pichai – CEO of Alphabet and Google
    Pichai oversees Google’s vast influence on how we access and use information.
17. Mark Zuckerberg – CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook)
    Zuckerberg’s vision for the metaverse is shaping the future of social interaction and virtual reality.
18. Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon and Blue Origin
    Though no longer CEO of Amazon, Bezos’s influence in e-commerce and space exploration remains significant.
19. Shemara Wikramanayake – CEO of Macquarie Group
    As one of the few female CEOs in finance, Wikramanayake is driving sustainable investment strategies.
20. Sam Altman – CEO of OpenAI
    Altman’s leadership in AI development, particularly with ChatGPT, is revolutionizing how we interact with technology.

Science and Medicine

21. Emmanuelle Charpentier – Microbiologist and Nobel Laureate
    Charpentier’s work on CRISPR gene editing continues to revolutionize genetic research and potential treatments.
22. Jennifer Doudna – Biochemist and Nobel Laureate
    Doudna’s pioneering work in CRISPR technology is opening new frontiers in genetic medicine.
23. Katalin Karikó – Biochemist and mRNA Vaccine Pioneer
    Karikó’s groundbreaking research on mRNA technology paved the way for rapid vaccine development.
24. Demis Hassabis – Co-founder and CEO of DeepMind
    Hassabis’s work in artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries of machine learning and its applications.
25. Shinya Yamanaka – Stem Cell Researcher and Nobel Laureate
    Yamanaka’s work on induced pluripotent stem cells continues to influence regenerative medicine.
26. Özlem Türeci – Chief Medical Officer of BioNTech
    Türeci’s work in immunotherapy and vaccine development has been crucial in fighting global health crises.
27. Uğur Şahin – CEO of BioNTech
    Şahin’s leadership in mRNA vaccine technology has been pivotal in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
28. Kizzmekia Corbett – Immunologist and Vaccine Researcher
    Corbett’s work on coronavirus vaccines has been instrumental in pandemic response efforts.
29. Emmanuelle Charpentier – Microbiologist and Nobel Laureate
    Charpentier’s ongoing work in microbiology and genetics continues to advance our understanding of bacterial immune systems.
30. David Julius – Physiologist and Nobel Laureate
    Julius’s research on the cellular mechanisms of pain sensation is opening new avenues for pain management.

Environment and Climate

31. Greta Thunberg – Climate Activist
    Thunberg continues to be a powerful voice in the global climate movement, inspiring youth activism worldwide.
32. Christiana Figueres – Former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC
    Figueres remains a key figure in international climate negotiations and sustainable development.
33. Michael E. Mann – Climate Scientist
    Mann’s research and advocacy continue to shape our understanding of climate change and policy responses.
34. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim – Environmental Activist
    Ibrahim’s work bridges indigenous knowledge with climate science, advocating for vulnerable communities.
35. Katharine Hayhoe – Climate Scientist and Communicator
    Hayhoe’s ability to communicate climate science to diverse audiences has made her a influential voice in climate action.
36. Inger Andersen – Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme
    Andersen leads global efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
37. Boyan Slat – Founder of The Ocean Cleanup
    Slat’s innovative approaches to cleaning ocean plastic continue to inspire technological solutions to environmental problems.
38. Vanessa Nakate – Climate Justice Activist
    Nakate’s advocacy highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on African nations and marginalized communities.
39. Paul Polman – Business Leader and Advocate for Sustainable Development
    Polman’s work in promoting sustainable business practices influences corporate environmental policies worldwide.
40. Nemonte Nenquimo – Indigenous Environmental Activist
    Nenquimo’s leadership in protecting the Amazon rainforest has global implications for biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

Culture and Arts

41. Beyoncé – Singer, Songwriter, and Cultural Icon
    Beyoncé’s music and activism continue to shape popular culture and social discourse.
42. Ai Weiwei – Artist and Activist
    Ai’s provocative art and outspoken criticism of authoritarianism continue to influence global discussions on human rights.
43. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Author and Feminist
    Adichie’s writings on feminism and cultural identity continue to shape global conversations on gender and race.
44. Lin-Manuel Miranda – Composer, Lyricist, and Actor
    Miranda’s innovative approach to musical theater continues to influence the arts and discussions on representation.
45. Banksy – Street Artist
    Banksy’s anonymous, politically charged art continues to provoke thought and discussion worldwide.
46. Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Actor, Writer, and Producer
    Waller-Bridge’s unique voice in television and film continues to push boundaries in storytelling.
47. BTS – K-pop Group
    BTS’s global popularity continues to break cultural barriers and influence music trends worldwide.
48. Olafur Eliasson – Artist
    Eliasson’s large-scale installations addressing climate change continue to merge art with environmental activism.
49. Ava DuVernay – Filmmaker
    DuVernay’s work continues to challenge Hollywood norms and bring important social issues to the forefront.
50. Yayoi Kusama – Artist
    Kusama’s immersive art installations continue to captivate global audiences and influence contemporary art.

Sports

51. Lionel Messi – Soccer Player
    Messi’s move to Inter Miami has elevated the profile of Major League Soccer globally.
52. Simone Biles – Gymnast
    Biles continues to push the boundaries of gymnastics while advocating for mental health in sports.
53. LeBron James – Basketball Player
    James’s influence extends beyond basketball into social activism and business ventures.
54. Naomi Osaka – Tennis Player
    Osaka’s advocacy for mental health and racial justice continues to influence discussions in sports and beyond.
55. Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer Player
    Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League has sparked global discussions about the future of soccer.

Philanthropy and Activism

56. Melinda French Gates – Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
    Gates continues to be a powerful force in global health and education initiatives.
57. MacKenzie Scott – Philanthropist
    Scott’s approach to philanthropy, characterized by large, unrestricted grants, is reshaping charitable giving.
58. Malala Yousafzai – Education Activist and Nobel Laureate
    Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education continues to inspire global action.
59. Bryan Stevenson – Founder of the Equal Justice Initiative
    Stevenson’s work in criminal justice reform continues to challenge systemic racism in the U.S. legal system.
60. Patrisse Cullors – Co-founder of Black Lives Matter
    Cullors’s activism continues to shape discussions on racial justice and police reform.

Media and Journalism

61. Ronan Farrow – Investigative Journalist
    Farrow’s investigative reporting continues to expose abuses of power and spark social change.
62. Maria Ressa – Journalist and Nobel Laureate
    Ressa’s fight for press freedom in the Philippines continues to inspire journalists worldwide.
63. Trevor Noah – Comedian and Political Commentator
    Noah’s unique perspective on global issues continues to influence political discourse, especially among younger audiences.
64. Christiane Amanpour – Chief International Anchor for CNN
    Amanpour’s reporting continues to bring critical global issues to international attention.
65. Nikole Hannah-Jones – Journalist and Creator of the 1619 Project
    Hannah-Jones’s work continues to reshape discussions about race and history in America.

Finance and Economics

66. Janet Yellen – U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
    Yellen’s policies continue to shape the U.S. and global economy.
67. Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank
    Lagarde’s leadership of the ECB has significant influence on European and global economic policies.
68. Ray Dalio – Founder of Bridgewater Associates
    Dalio’s economic theories and investment strategies continue to influence global financial markets.
69. Kristalina Georgieva – Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
    Georgieva leads the IMF’s efforts in global economic stability and development.
70. Jerome Powell – Chair of the Federal Reserve
    Powell’s decisions on U.S. monetary policy have far-reaching effects on the global economy.

Technology and Innovation

71. Demis Hassabis – Co-founder and CEO of DeepMind
    Hassabis’s work in artificial intelligence continues to push the boundaries of machine learning and its applications.
72. Lisa Su – CEO of AMD
    Su’s leadership has transformed AMD into a major player in the semiconductor industry, influencing global tech trends.
73. Gwynne Shotwell – President and COO of SpaceX
    Shotwell’s leadership at SpaceX is shaping the future of space exploration and satellite technology.
74. Kimberly Bryant – Founder of Black Girls Code
    Bryant’s work continues to increase diversity in tech and inspire the next generation of innovators.
75. Kai-Fu Lee – AI Expert and Venture Capitalist
    Lee’s insights on AI development and its societal impacts continue to shape global tech policies.

Healthcare

76. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – Director-General of the World Health Organization
    Ghebreyesus leads global health initiatives and responses to international health crises.
77. Anthony Fauci – Former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
    Though retired, Fauci’s expertise continues to influence public health policies and discussions.
78. Rochelle Walensky – Former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Walensky’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting impacts on public health strategies.
79. Stéphane Bancel – CEO of Moderna
    Bancel’s leadership in mRNA technology continues to influence vaccine development and biotechnology.
80. Albert Bourla – Chairman and CEO of Pfizer
    Bourla’s leadership in vaccine development continues to shape global health responses.

Education

81. Sal Khan – Founder of Khan Academy
    Khan’s work in online education continues to democratize access to learning worldwide.
82. Wendy Kopp – CEO and Co-founder of Teach For All
    Kopp’s global network continues to address educational inequity across the world.
83. Anant Agarwal – Founder and CEO of edX
    Agarwal’s leadership in online learning platforms is reshaping higher education.
84. Freeman Hrabowski – Former President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Hrabowski’s innovative approaches to STEM education continue to influence higher education policies.
85. Malala Yousafzai – Education Activist and Nobel Laureate
    Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education continues to inspire global action and policy changes.

Social Entrepreneurship

86. Muhammad Yunus – Founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Laureate
    Yunus’s work in microfinance continues to influence poverty alleviation strategies worldwide.
87. Leila Janah – Founder of Samasource and LXMI
    Though Janah passed away in 2020, her pioneering work in ethical AI and inclusive business models continues to influence social entrepreneurship.
88. Scott Harrison – Founder of charity: water
    Harrison’s innovative approach to charitable giving continues to transform access to clean water globally.
89. Hamdi Ulukaya – Founder of Chobani and the Tent Partnership for Refugees
    Ulukaya’s advocacy for refugee employment continues to influence corporate social responsibility practices.
90. Rachel Romer Carlson – Co-founder and CEO of Guild Education
    Carlson’s work in employee education benefits is reshaping workforce development and corporate education.

Religion and Spirituality

91. Pope Francis – Head of the Catholic Church
    Pope Francis continues to be an influential voice on social justice, environmental issues, and interfaith dialogue.
92. Dalai Lama – Tibetan Spiritual Leader
    The Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion and mindfulness continue to influence global discussions on ethics and spirituality.
93. Sadhguru – Yogi and Founder of Isha Foundation
    Sadhguru’s teachings on inner transformation and environmental conservation reach millions globally.
94. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – Supreme Leader of Iran
    Khamenei’s decisions continue to shape Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, influencing Middle Eastern geopolitics.
95. Russell M. Nelson – President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Nelson’s leadership influences millions of Mormons worldwide and the church’s global humanitarian efforts.

Thought Leaders and Public Intellectuals

96. Yuval Noah Harari – Historian and Author
    Harari’s writings on the future of humanity continue to shape public discourse on technology and society.
97. Brené Brown – Research Professor and Author
    Brown’s work on vulnerability and leadership continues to influence personal development and corporate culture.
98. Steven Pinker – Cognitive Psychologist and Author
    Pinker’s optimistic view of human progress continues to spark debates on global development and rationality.
99. Esther Perel – Psychotherapist and Author
    Perel’s insights on relationships and sexuality continue to reshape cultural attitudes towards intimacy.
100. Ibram X. Kendi – Author and Antiracism Activist
     Kendi’s work continues to shape discussions on race and policy in America and beyond.

Conclusion

The individuals on this list represent a diverse array of fields and backgrounds, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of global influence. From political leaders shaping international relations to scientists pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, from activists fighting for social justice to entrepreneurs revolutionizing industries, these 100 people are at the forefront of change and progress in 2025.

Their influence extends beyond their immediate spheres, often intersecting with and impacting multiple areas of society. As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, from climate change and technological disruption to social inequality and global health crises, the ideas, actions, and leadership of these individuals will continue to play a crucial role in shaping our collective future.

It’s important to note that influence can be both positive and negative, and the inclusion of an individual on this list does not necessarily endorse their actions or ideas. Rather, it recognizes their significant impact on the world stage. As we move forward, it will be crucial to critically engage with the influences shaping our world, fostering dialogue, understanding, and collective action towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.