1. Shakira

Shakira is one of the most recognisable singers in the world, and she’s also spent years investing in education and children’s rights. She founded the Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), which builds and supports schools for underprivileged children in Colombia, providing meals, parent training, and wider community help. She also co-founded ALAS, a regional initiative focused on improving early childhood policies across Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, she serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador , working on global education and social justice efforts.

2. Marc Anthony

Marc Anthony has combined global musical success with sustained humanitarian work, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. He co-founded the Maestro Cares Foundation in 2012, which supports disadvantaged children and communities across Latin America and the United States. The foundation funds and builds orphanages, schools and community homes in countries including the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Bolivia. Its focus is on creating safe housing, access to education and long-term stability for vulnerable children. Anthony has also been active in disaster relief, particularly following hurricanes in Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean. He has organised and participated in benefit concerts and fundraising efforts to support rebuilding and humanitarian aid.

Africa

Davido's custody battle

The legal team of Sophia Momodu, the estranged lover of Nigeria's top musician, Davido, has publicly warned the singer and his fans against intimidating or harassing the lawyer handling her child's custody case. The firm, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, criticised inciting posts on social media directed at their partner, Ebelechukwu Enedah, saying the matter is before the court and should be decided there, not online. They said threats or intimidation of legal practitioners undermine justice and should not be tolerated. The warning comes after Davido’s social-media posts expressing frustration with the lawyer’s conduct during a recent hearing, including comments he described as insensitive regarding his late son, which drew strong reactions from his followers. He later clarified that he was seeking joint custody of their daughter, Imade, and not full custody. He wrote in a social media post, "Like I said in the courtroom, I pray you never go through what me and my wife have gone through ever, and you were still smiling, smirking. You are a wicked human being. You are the worst lawyer ever. I beat you in court. You are not learned.”

MrBeast, whose content reaches more than one billion followers across platforms, said the project is designed to turn online influence into tangible impact. Rather than focusing on follower numbers alone, participants were chosen for their commitment to social good and community-driven ideas.

The country has become increasingly visible on the global stage, attracting international attention for projects that combine philanthropy, storytelling and youth engagement. Local creators, including Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, have been invited to participate.

The village project will be fully documented and shared across MrBeast’s platforms.

Buffett and Gates respected for philanthropy

Warren Buffett, with a net worth of $150 billion, ranks highest in public favourability (52%). His image as a humble, value-driven investor who still lives in a modest home in Omaha has long contrasted with the flashiness associated with extreme wealth. His extensive philanthropic efforts through the Giving Pledge have only strengthened this perception.

Bill Gates (49% favourable), another Giving Pledge co-founder, maintains a strong reputation due to his post-Microsoft efforts in global health and education via the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Despite conspiracy theories and online speculation during the pandemic, as well as divorce controversy, Gates' long-term reputation as a problem-solver and philanthropist seems to endure.

The most unfavourable

In sharp contrast, Mark Zuckerberg has the highest unfavourable rating at 64%, a figure likely driven by repeated privacy scandals, political controversies surrounding Facebook (now Meta), and the perception of unchecked power in the digital space.

Elon Musk (55% unfavourable), while admired by many for his innovation in space, electric vehicles, and AI, continues to polarise the public. His unpredictable behaviour on social media, his sharp takes on the Trump administration and societal issues as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, have dented his once universally admired image .

Similarly, Jeff Bezos (also 55% unfavourable) is often associated with the perceived excesses of capitalism—from anti-union sentiment at Amazon to concerns about worker treatment —despite stepping down as CEO and investing heavily in space exploration.

Low favourability and recognition: The quiet giants of tech

Larry Page (11% favourable) and Sergey Brin (9%), co-founders of Google, along with Larry Ellison (13%) and Steve Ballmer (16%), suffer from relatively low public favourability—not necessarily due to negative press, but because many Americans simply don’t feel a personal connection to them or remain unfamiliar with their personalities or contributions.

This is further evidenced by the large number of respondents who selected "Never heard of them" for several of these tech billionaires. Public visibility, especially in non-tech circles, plays a key role in shaping opinions.

Bloomberg’s political baggage

Michael Bloomberg (29% favourable, 39% unfavourable), while well-known, carries political baggage from his time as New York City mayor and his controversial self-funded 2020 presidential bid. His reputation among voters varies widely by political affiliation, and that polarization is reflected in his mixed favorability.

She officially kicked off the challenge this Wednesday with the completion and validation of her first portrait - an artistic tribute to President Alassane Ouattara.

Beyond setting a record, Amon aims to engage with the public in a unique and meaningful way. She announced that selected spectators will have the opportunity to be immortalised through her art , capturing their effigies with her signature Papy-art style.

In a heartfelt philanthropic gesture, proceeds from the sale of her art pieces will be donated to support children battling cancer, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

"I’m calling on all Ivorians to come out, witness history in the making, and support this challenge," said Amon. "Together, we can turn art into a force for good."

Other prominent figures have also made significant contributions to global well-being. American tech mogul Bill Gates , through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has donated $75.8 billion, targeting global health initiatives and poverty eradication. Fellow American Warren Buffett has pledged to donate over 99% of his wealth, with $32.1 billion already contributed toward education and healthcare, setting a benchmark for altruistic leadership.

Philanthropy aimed at advancing democracy and human rights has also seen remarkable contributions. George Soros has donated $32 billion globally through his Open Society Foundations, promoting equality, transparency, and civil liberties. Similarly, MacKenzie Scott has redefined impactful giving, allocating $14 billion to causes like racial equity and education, with a focus on uplifting marginalized communities.

Efforts to drive innovation and sustainability are being led by visionaries like Michael Bloomberg, who has invested $12.7 billion in public health and environmental initiatives, and Hong Kong-based tycoon Li Ka-Shing, whose $10.7 billion has supported global education and healthcare projects. Elon Musk, known for his forward-thinking initiatives, has contributed $7.6 billion toward renewable energy development and disaster relief.

These global philanthropists illustrate how wealth can serve as a powerful tool for addressing some of humanity’s greatest challenges, from healthcare and education to sustainability and human rights. Their efforts not only shape communities worldwide but also set a precedent for how the world’s wealthiest can leave a lasting impact.