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BBC Global News announces new sponsorship campaign with Hyundai
Mumbai: BBC Global News has announced the launch of a month-long multi-platform sponsorship campaign with Hyundai. The deal sees Hyundai become the exclusive sponsor of ‘Memories of the Future 2045’ – a series of six short films and a half hour documentary produced by BBC Studios,’ Science Unit – which will be broadcast on BBC World News – the BBC’s global television news channel, which is available in 450 million households across 200 countries and territories around the world.
It will be accompanied by six articles on BBC Future, which will also host the films. The deal reflects Hyundai and BBC Global News’ mutual desire to examine the issues facing the planet and showcase solutions from across the world, said the statement.
Narrated by Ivor Novello-winning and multi-million selling musical artist KT Tunstall, ‘Memories of the Future 2045’ deep dives into the hopeful solutions we need for a better, healthier planet. The programme features leading voices and experts on everything from the future of energy to housing, food to aviation and cities to fashion. The story is told as though it is already 2045 and radical changes have taken place. It includes a number of interviews with global sustainability leaders such as Danish inventor, Professor Henrik Stiesdal, who helped create the first offshore wind farm, climate scientist Angel Hsu, Professor Dilys Williams – founder of the Centre for Sustainable Fashion – and Professor Cheong Koon Hean from the Centre For Innovative Cities – the first women to head Singapore’s Urban Development Agency and the visionary behind the greening of Singapore.
In addition, BBC StoryWorks – the commercial content studio of BBC Global News – is creating a bespoke 30 second piece of commercial content to appear in ad breaks around the programme. The ad focuses on ‘generation one’ – children being born today who could be the first generation to benefit from a carbon neutral world. It features Hyundai Motor Group’s executive chair Euisun Chung speaking about his desire to create a more sustainable future for them.
Hyundai Motor Company executive vice president and global CMO Thomas Schemera said, “Collaborating with global media platforms like the BBC allows us to advance our Progress for Humanity vision and help further the collective understanding that we – people, brands and businesses – all have a responsibility to act.”
The deal also includes the renewal of Hyundai’s successful sponsorship of BBC Future Planet. Future Planet is the BBC’s home for in-depth, evidence-based stories on potential solutions addressing the pressing environmental challenges around the world. Launched last year in response to a growing audience interest in sustainability, Future Planet was the first major online publication with a sole focus on climate change that also aims to be as close to zero carbon as possible.
Under the banner of Our Planet Now, the BBC’s global services will deliver unrivalled and comprehensive coverage of COP26, as well as a wide range of programming throughout the autumn and winter exploring, in depth, the topics of environmental sustainability and the world’s changing climate. It includes reporting and analysis led by the BBC’s first ever climate editor Justin Rowlatt and science editor David Shukman as well as reporters on the ground across the globe, including West Africa correspondent Mayeni Jones, South Asia correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan, and Australia correspondent Shaimaa Khalil.
BBC Global News EVP of international advertising sales Sean O’Hara stated, “We are delighted to continue building on our work with Hyundai through this global sponsorship campaign. With climate change currently at the top of the news agenda, this series, along with the BBC’s extensive range of coverage across its platforms, raises important issues which our global audience cares deeply about. It is a powerful examination of how innovation allows us to instigate meaningful change and protect our planet.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
