The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, Davos 2025, is set to take place from January 20 to 24 in Switzerland, with a theme that couldn’t be more fitting for today’s world: “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.”
With global leaders, industry giants, civil society changemakers, and emerging innovators expected to gather, this year’s event will grapple with some of the most pressing challenges of our time:
- Climate change,
- Geo-economic instability, and the
- Ethical use of technology.
Here’s what you need to know about the big questions on the table, the theme shaping the discussions, and who’s expected to show up.
Davos 2025: What’s the Big Idea?
Davos 2025 is, at its core, about collaboration in a world increasingly shaped by converging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and biotech.
Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, describes this as more than a technological shift. He calls it a “societal revolution” with the power to either elevate humanity—or fracture it further.
The discussions aim to answer tough questions:
- How do we foster unity in a fragmented world?
- Can innovation tackle climate change and societal divides?
- Will responsible leadership prioritize equality and sustainability over profit and short-term gains?
As reported by the World Economic Forum, the meeting will organise its debates around five critical areas:
1. Reimagining growth
- How can global economies identify new sources of growth in today’s volatile world?
- The focus will be on building resilience and ensuring economic growth benefits everyone.
2. Industries in the intelligent age
- Businesses face tough choices between short-term profits and long-term transformation.
- Leaders will explore how industries can adapt to rapid technological and economic shifts.
3. Investing in people
- What does the future of work, education, and public services look like in the green and tech-driven economy?
- The aim is to ensure inclusive opportunities and wealth distribution.
4. Safeguarding the planet
- Climate action is non-negotiable. The event will spotlight clean energy, nature-positive initiatives, and partnerships to address global climate goals.
5. Rebuilding trust
- In a world of societal divides and multipolar geopolitics, rebuilding trust between nations, communities, and stakeholders is key.
Who’s coming to Davos 2025?
Diversity is at the heart of Davos. Attendees span generations, genders, industries, and geographies.
In 2024, participants represented 125 countries, and this year looks just as inclusive.
Key groups expected at the meeting include:
- Global public figures: Leaders from G7, G20, and international organizations.
- Business powerhouses: CEOs and chairs from the Forum’s 1,000 partner companies, representing industries worldwide.
- Civil society leaders: Influential activists, labour leaders, and academics.
- Young innovators: Unicorn startup founders, Global Shapers, and Young Global Leaders.
These stakeholders bring diverse perspectives to the table, ensuring solutions are crafted through a broad and inclusive lens.
What makes Davos 2025 unique?
This year, the meeting promises a deeper focus on accessibility and public engagement:
- Livestreamed sessions: The wider public can follow key discussions in real time.
- Open Forum: A platform for local and global voices to share insights.
- Global Collaboration Village: A cutting-edge extended reality (XR) platform designed to connect global stakeholders in immersive, real-time environments.
As the world faces challenges like climate anxiety, technological misuse, and socio-economic divides, Davos 2025 serves as a beacon of hope—or at least a starting point—for meaningful collaboration.
Let’s see if this year’s conversations translate into action.
