Activate

Activate is an incredible and ground-breaking six-part documentary series that premiered on September 5, 2019, on the National Geographic Channel. This innovative series is a joint endeavor of the National Geographic and Procter & Gamble, with participation from the Global Citizen. The idea behind Activate is to shed light on critical global issues such as extreme poverty, inequality, and sustainability, while focusing on the efforts of activists, game changers and, indeed, global citizens who are working tirelessly to catalyze change.

Each episode of Activate runs approximately 60 minutes and provides a gripping narrative of the significant confrontations people face around the world. Along with raising awareness about severe issues like poverty, racial bias, and illiteracy, the series also shares thrilling stories of courageous individuals and groups that are striving for change.

Although the global issues highlighted in Activate have regularly been the focus of many documentaries, what sets this series apart is its constructive and inspirational approach. Instead of solely focusing on the problem, the series emphasizes viable solutions, thus encouraging viewers to participate in bringing about those changes. This ingeniously connects global activism with the viewer's perspective, further fueling the desire to effect change.

By venturing into different corners of the world and documenting the journey of these activists, Activate brilliantly captures the essence of raw human willpower and resilience. The series takes you from the depths of Nigerian megacity slums to pollution-choked Delhi and beyond, offering a profound understanding of the challenges that people confront and the determination that drives them towards hope and change.

Distinctive across its format, the series defyingly manages to incorporate high-profile celebrities, artists, and activists in telling these compelling tales. The likes of Pharrell Williams, Usher, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Hugh Jackman actively participate throughout the series, using their fame and influence to magnify the efforts of these ordinary yet extraordinary change-makers. Through this, Activate substantially bridges the gap between celebrities, activists, and the viewing audience, leveraging their collective power to impact global issues.

Moreover, Activate stands out as it manages to sensibly integrate the role of multinational brands like Procter & Gamble into the narrative. It showcases how such brands, recognized as an integral part of the global economy and society, also hold the power and responsibility in addressing and providing solutions to these global challenges.

Further, one of the unique aspects of Activate is its multilateral approach in tackling these problems, involving key players from different sectors: corporate giants, celebrities, grassroots activists, and local communities. This holistic approach highlights and extols the importance of collaboration needed to trigger meaningful, long-term changes globally.

Of course, at the heart of it all is the crux of Activate's message: global citizens themselves. The series encourages and empowers viewers not just to empathize with the monumental issues at hand, but to be part of the solution. It inspires individuals to step up and enact change locally, which in turn, can contribute to solving problems globally. The series exemplifies how the actions one takes, no matter how small they may seem, can collectively contribute to a wider global movement—becoming a statement of one’s stewardship for the planet and people.

Beyond its powerful storytelling and inspirational segments, the series is packed with stunning visuals, expertly capturing the dichotomy of harsh realities and the breath-taking beauty of our world. The production quality, intertwined with compelling narratives, provides not just information but also an emotional experience for the viewers.

Activate is an invitation for viewers to become part of the solution and a testament to the power of collective action. The series is a rare and valuable gem that serves as a reflection of our current worldly predicaments and prompts us to contemplate our role and responsibility in addressing these enormous challenges.

In conclusion, Activate is an ambitious, enlightening and challenging docuseries that gives a voice to activists and change-makers from around the world, calling on viewers to take action on critical issues that affect us all. By highlighting the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people within the gripping narratives of each episode, the series manages to inspire hope and nurtures the growing movement of global citizenship.