In some corners of the planet, life is no laughing matter. But a new wave of international stand-up comedians suggests that laughing matters now more than ever.

For the first time, STAND UP PLANET, a documentary and transmedia project, will harness the universal power of comedy to change the conversation about global poverty.

At the center of Stand Up Planet is a US-based host -- Hasan Minhaj, a stand-up comic on a quest to find some of the best humor coming from corners of the developing world. Starting from his own personal story -- India-born kid to Hollywood comic -- Hasan embarks on an epic journey to discover some of the funniest stand-up comics in the most unlikely places: the bustling city of Mumbai, India, home to Tanmay Bhat and Aditi Mittal, and the neighborhoods of Johannesburg, South Africa, where he meets Mpho Popps, Kagiso Lediga, and Loyiso Gola.

Along the way, Hasan follows the jokes and personal experiences of the funniest international comics deep into the hard truths and the promise for change in some of the toughest global issues of our time. Along with a posse of comedian friends, Hasan invites comedians from India and South Africa to take part in the biggest night of their lives -- performing in an American international comedy showcase and television special.

Laughter opens our ears and our hearts -- and once people are listening, who knows what they might be inspired to do?

Watch exclusive Stand Up Planet webisodes on our YouTube channel