Citizenship

Research has revealed that most APAC luxury consumers would reduce their support for brands that neglect environmental sustainability. These findings emphasise the need for brands to prioritise communicating their sustainability efforts to meet the expectations of APAC luxury consumers.

Steak-umm has released an innovative campaign centered on fears around disinformation, putting words in vegans’ mouths in a series of deepfakes starring its Steak-umm sandwiches. As expectations of brands grow, many are taking an earnest, proactive approach to cultural conversations.

Tesco teamed up with charities to erect an alternative Christmas tree made from thousands of food donations, which will help those hit hardest by inflation. During the holidays, people expect brands to help those in less fortunate positions feel included and considered.

Environmental Leadership Canada has launched The Planet’s Scariest Bouquet. Ahead of COP28, the campaign draws attention to the extent of climate change-induced damage to the planet. It recognises a broader desire to see an increased commitment to action by calling on leaders to act now and at pace.

Montefiore Medical Center in New York City has released a heartwarming short film about a disabled boy inspired by a dog with a mobility aid. It demonstrates how technology empowers people with disabilities by giving them a voice and debunking misconceptions about their cognitive abilities.

Apple has launched a campaign centring on its latest voice technologies and how they can serve people with limited or no speech. Taking a heartwarming approach, the film emphasises tech's significant role in bridging gaps, removing barriers, and developing a sense of equity.

Against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis and holiday spending, Amazon is launching an initiative to give shoppers an opportunity to make more budget-friendly purchases. It speaks to the growing need for affordability and financial reassurance during periods of heightened spending.

Eco scores for products are increasingly common in the food industry, but French toy manufacturer King Jouet is bringing them into the playroom. This transparent approach appeals to French shoppers who are hyper-aware of greenwashing and looking for guidance on purchases that appeal to their values.

DIRI is bringing expert knowledge to Malaysians with a localised spin on edutainment through the stories of successful personalities. The platform provides an alternative method of learning new life and career skills by tapping local inspirational figures to offer their nuanced teachings.

In protest against the human rights violations in Congo, young people are publicly quitting vaping. By leveraging their platforms, Gen Zers are highlighting how digital activism can bring to light global issues that aren't being discussed regularly and manifest collective action.

Lidl has launched a rental service for its popular Christmas jumpers, allowing customers to rent their back catalogue of jumpers for the holidays. As circular aspirations grow, consumers are looking for ways to get around one-time purchases, including rental and resale.

Following the release of its Net Zero Roadmap, Mars has released a campaign, recycling famous ads to promote its sustainability efforts. As companies are increasingly held accountable for greenwashing and 'greenhushing', consumers are looking for transparency and specificity over blanket claims.

Thrust into the spotlight by sheer circumstance, Motaz Azaiza has gained millions of followers for his on-the-ground coverage of the crisis in Gaza. His recognition reflects how people seek trustworthy information outside the mainstream by leaning into raw narratives that uplift local stories.

Make My Money Matter has released an ad starring Olivia Colman, uncovering the pension industry’s role in driving fossil fuel profits. As people attempt to spend their money more thoughtfully in a cost of living and climate crisis, they will expect companies to lead with transparency.

Aura Freedom has launched its 'The Body Bag For Her' campaign, aiming both to raise awareness of the prevalence of violence against women in Canada and to dismantle gendered advertising tropes. Using the imagery of a pink body bag, the hard-hitting campaign subverts viewers' expectations for impact.

To improve Hawaiian food security and uplift local agricultural traditions, NASA researchers are using machine learning technology to monitor crop and environmental conditions. The blend of Indigenous and tech-driven practices highlights the necessity for more collaboration to reframe climate care.

Research has revealed that Americans are increasingly unlikely to believe that those who work hard will get ahead and that their children will be better off than they are. As the American Dream edges further out of reach, people redefine their ideas of success and fulfillment.

JD Sports has forsaken the 'tinsel on steroids' approach to Christmas ads in favour of a focus on relatability and togetherness. Centering the iconic JD Sports plastic duffel carrier bag, the spot focuses on what Britain truly looks like and the things people really do for Christmas.

The Choose Love Store in London has reopened, making charitable giving easy by tapping into community building and interactive activities. The non-profit’s model highlights how philanthropy can help empower people and ensure ongoing support rooted in dignity, equity, and empowerment.

This Christmas, Co-op promises to match donations from its members and customers for up to £1 million (about $1.27 million). This money will then be donated to local community causes. After a tough year, the initiative looks to make a real difference for the people the brand serves.

A WWF sustainability study revealed that brands Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Chopard lag behind the luxury watch and jewellery industry for sustainability. With some consumers targeting watches for investment, sustainability could be a long-term play for companies.

Handicap International is using the retro game Minesweeper to raise funds and awareness of the prevalence of landmines globally. Combining the nostalgic fun of the 90’s game with the stark reality of the world, the campaign utilises this juxtaposition to drive home a strong message emotively.

The London Palestine Film Festival has returned for its annual London programming, showcasing established filmmakers and emerging talent in the industry. With people seeking advocacy outside the mainstream and looking for equitable representation, the festival reflects the intersection of art and activism.

For Black Friday 2023, Kai Collective shook things up – rather than succumbing to the usual discount frenzy, it introduced a Mystery Box. The move looks to transform what Black Friday means for Kai Collective customers, turning the usual frenzy of spending into a moment of surprise and anticipation.

Aiming to disrupt the high incidence of self-harm among men in New Zealand, Yeastie Boys have launched a limited-edition ‘Blokequet’ to encourage men to get talking. The campaign recognises the growing need for mental health support and the particular ways that mental health stigma impacts men.

Knix's shapewear line joins its absorbent products that marry fashion and functionality to help customers feel comfortable in their bodies. As people look for more opportunities to be environmentally conscious in their daily lives, brands that facilitate those decisions stand out.

Emirates has launched a limited-edition fashion collection made of upcycled aircraft interiors. The airline spotlights how brands can execute upcycling and circularity to make sustainability accessible and attainable, helping consumers shop with their values front of mind.

The Chumash tribe is leading conservation efforts to establish a federally recognized aquatic sanctuary equivalent to a national park. In the face of ongoing climate crises, this initiative highlights how indigenous knowledge of land and water stewardship can lead to environmental healing.

Swedish clothing brand Asket is tackling overconsumption with their 'Impact Receipt,' which lists the environmental impact of each item attached to every purchase. This resonates with shoppers' demand for transparency around sustainable products and their impact on the planet.

An NBC news poll has found that young people who previously backed President Joe Biden are feeling less committed, exacerbated by Biden's response to the Gaza crisis. The approval drop highlights the political engagement of young people in the US and their emphasis on humanitarian leadership.

Launched in time for Transgender Awareness Week, White Ribbon's 'Short Life Stories' campaign aims to highlight the plight of many transgender people who are victims of transphobia. The campaign is a PSA to help spotlight the discrimination still felt by many people in the trans community.

TikTok creators are using money earned from content to donate to aid in Gaza, all while sharing recipes and stories to spread awareness. These creators highlight how monetised online platforms can be leveraged for social and political causes while culturally engaging their audiences.

Vestiaire Collective has banned another 30 fast fashion labels from its site to address textile waste. With a mission to transform consumer behaviour, the platform raises awareness about the industry's role in the climate crisis and the steps that can be taken to uphold truly green shopping habits.

Users are increasingly turning to Snap Map to stay updated on the conflict in Gaza amid misinformation and media censorship. As trust in mainstream media wanes, alternative information sources are providing eyewitness content that brings transparent visibility to real-time events.

The National Theatre of Parramatta announced the first-ever all-BIPOC-led program for 2024. With the industry still lacking diversity, audiences are challenging creative leaders on inclusion and providing ongoing and nuanced opportunities for marginalised groups that generate longer-term change.

Israel's response in Gaza to Hamas' attack on its citizens in October is causing a rise in physical and verbal violence towards people based on their cultural and religious affiliations. In response to a rise in anti-semitism, people are taking to the streets to protest.