The annual pilgrimage to the Swiss Alps is upon us once again, as global leaders, CEOs, and thinkers prepare to convene for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos. This year, the stakes feel higher than ever. Set against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and a climate crisis demanding urgent action, Davos 2025, themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, will grapple with a world on the brink of profound transformation.
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At the heart of this transformation lies technology, specifically the rapid convergence of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotech. Klaus Schwab, founder of the WEF, has described this convergence as the defining feature of the “Intelligent Age,” an era presenting both immense opportunities and unprecedented risks. His warning is stark: this is a societal revolution that could either “elevate humanity – or indeed to fracture it.”
This message will likely reverberate throughout the forum’s over 300 sessions, where nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries will engage in debates and discussions shaping the global agenda. While the specific program remains under wraps, the sources offer a glimpse into the key questions and concerns that will dominate the Davos 2025 agenda:
1. Can Innovation Drive Inclusive Growth in a Turbulent World?
The global economy is in a state of flux, grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, geopolitical shifts, and the ongoing energy transition. Davos 2025 will explore how to “Reimagine Growth” in this new landscape, seeking to identify innovative sources of economic prosperity that are resilient, equitable, and sustainable.
2. How Can Industries Navigate the Intelligent Age?
From automation and AI-driven decision-making to the rise of the metaverse and virtual worlds, industries are facing a wave of disruption unlike any seen before. Davos 2025 will delve into how business leaders can balance short-term goals with the long-term imperatives of this transformation, ensuring their industries adapt and thrive while contributing to a better future.
3. Will the Intelligent Age Elevate or Divide Humanity?
Perhaps the most critical question facing Davos 2025 is how to ensure that the technological revolution benefits all of humanity. Concerns about job displacement, widening inequality, and the potential for AI bias are front and center. Discussions will likely focus on the need for:
- “Investing in People”: equipping individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market, ensuring no one is left behind by the technological revolution.
- “Social Intelligence”: fostering inclusivity and equity by embedding ethical considerations into AI systems and addressing the broader societal impacts of technological advancements.
4. Can Technology Be Harnessed to Safeguard the Planet?
With the climate crisis looming large, Davos 2025 will explore how technological innovation can be a driving force for sustainability. Discussions will likely center on “Environmental Intelligence”, exploring ways to mitigate the energy demands of emerging technologies and leverage innovation to accelerate the transition to clean energy and sustainable practices.
5. In a Fragmented World, Can We “Rebuild Trust”?
From rising nationalism and protectionist policies to the erosion of trust in institutions and experts, the world faces a crisis of collaboration. Davos 2025 will need to address how to bridge societal divides and foster international cooperation, particularly in the realm of technology governance, ensuring that the rules governing the Intelligent Age are shaped collaboratively and benefit all nations.
Beyond the official agenda, Davos 2025 will be a stage for informal diplomacy, backroom deals, and the forging of partnerships that could shape the global landscape for years to come. It will also be a platform for challenging the status quo and holding leaders accountable.
One thing is certain: the decisions made in Davos, both in the public forums and behind closed doors, will have far-reaching consequences. As the world stands on the cusp of the Intelligent Age, the question remains: will Davos 2025 be a turning point towards a future where technology empowers humanity, or will it mark a descent into a world of deepening division and unchecked technological risk?
Historical Timeline of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (Davos)
1970s:
- 1971 (Feb): First European Management Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, organized by Klaus Schwab. Around 450 participants from 31 countries attend to discuss management techniques. Schwab marries his collaborator Hilde Stoll, who later founds the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
- 1973: Third Davos meeting features a speech on the book “The Limits to Growth” by Aurelio Peccei, raising concerns about the sustainability of global economic growth. Participants draft the “Davos Manifesto,” a code of ethics based on Schwab’s stakeholder concept.
- 1976: The Forum partners with UNIDO to offer a platform for emerging economies to present investment projects. Ralph Nader, a prominent consumer rights activist, speaks at the meeting. The first Arab-European Business Cooperation Symposium takes place in Montreux, Switzerland, aiming to improve relations after the 1973 oil crisis.
1980s:
- 1979: A delegation from China participates in Davos for the first time. Schwab visits China later in the year, leading a delegation of European CEOs, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship between the Forum and China.
- 1987: The European Management Forum changes its name to the World Economic Forum to reflect its global reach. West German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher delivers a significant speech calling for engagement with the Soviet Union, seen by some as a turning point in the Cold War. This coincides with the first official Soviet delegation attending Davos.
1990s:
- 1988: Davos plays a crucial role in averting war between Greece and Turkey. Prime Ministers Turgut Özal of Turkey and Andreas Papandreou of Greece, after initial talks in 1986, sign the Davos Declaration, easing tensions and normalizing relations.
- 1990: Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification, Davos hosts the first meeting of West and East European leaders. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Vo Van Kiet, First Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Vietnam, meet, paving the way for improved relations between the countries.
- 1992: Nelson Mandela and President F.W. de Klerk make their first joint appearance outside South Africa at Davos, signifying the end of apartheid. Their handshake becomes a symbol of reconciliation. Mandela re-evaluates the ANC’s stance on nationalization after discussions with business leaders.
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2000s:
- 1998: Discussions at Davos on reforming the global financial system lead to the idea of the G20, a forum involving both developed and developing economies. The first G20 meeting, at the finance minister level, is held later in the year in Bonn, Germany.
- 1999: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Klaus Schwab collaborate to promote social responsibility in business, leading to the launch of the UN Global Compact, which sets out ten ethical principles for businesses.
- 2000: US President Bill Clinton attends Davos for the first time. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) is launched with support from figures like Bill Gates. GAVI goes on to vaccinate over 1.1 billion children, preventing millions of deaths.
- 2002: In a show of solidarity following the 9/11 attacks, the World Economic Forum holds its Annual Meeting in New York City, the only time it has taken place outside Davos.
- 2005: The Forum launches its study “Woman’s Empowerment: Measuring the Global Gender Gap,” leading to the annual Global Gender Gap Report, a key benchmark for gender equality.
- 2007: Concerns grow about the global financial system, with the Forum’s Global Risk Report highlighting a potential asset price bubble. The technological revolution, leading to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, continues to gain momentum.
2010s:
- 2012: The Global Shapers, young leaders in their 20s, join Davos, bringing youth concerns to the forefront. The Forum expands its regional meetings, including the first World Economic Forum on Africa in Addis Ababa and the World Economic Forum on India in Gurgaon.
- 2016: Schwab introduces the term “Fourth Industrial Revolution” to describe the transformative impact of the digital age, making it the theme of Davos 2016 and the subject of his book. The Forum launches the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network to help governments and businesses adapt to these rapid changes.
- 2018: The Davos meeting features an all-female panel of co-chairs, marking a significant step towards gender parity. High-level political participation includes leaders like Angela Merkel, Donald Trump, Narendra Modi, Emmanuel Macron, and Theresa May.
2020s:
- 2019: Climate change takes center stage, with Greta Thunberg, David Attenborough, and Jane Goodall emphasizing the urgency of environmental issues. The Forum’s Climate Initiative aims to accelerate global climate action through public-private collaboration.
- 2020: The 50th Annual Meeting focuses on “stakeholder capitalism,” with Schwab calling for a “Davos Manifesto 2020” to redefine the purpose of companies and governments.
- 2021 & 2022: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Meeting transitions to a virtual “Davos Agenda.” The in-person Davos 2022 is postponed to May, addressing the war in Ukraine, global economic fallout, and the food and energy crises.
- 2023: Davos returns to its January schedule, with the theme “Cooperation in a Fragmented World.” The focus is on the global economic outlook, energy security, technology, climate change, and trade resilience.
- 2024: The meeting explores the challenges and opportunities of the “Intelligent Age”, acknowledging the rapid advancements in AI, quantum computing, and blockchain.
- 2025: The upcoming Davos 2025, themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, aims to address critical questions about harnessing technological advancements for the benefit of humanity. Leaders will focus on reimagining growth, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, rebuilding trust, and navigating industries in the intelligent age.
What is DAVOS World Economic Forum Annual meeting?
Davos is shorthand for the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting, held in Davos, Switzerland, Europe’s highest town. For over 50 years, the event has gathered leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss the world’s most pressing issues and set a global agenda for positive change.
What is the purpose of the Davos meeting?
The Davos meeting aims to foster dialogue and cooperation between leaders to address global challenges and shape solutions. It’s a platform for discussing issues, building partnerships, and driving progress toward a better future for all. Although the WEF itself doesn’t dictate policies or influence policymaker decisions, the discussions and partnerships forged at Davos often lead to concrete actions and breakthroughs on a global scale.
What is the theme for Davos 2025?
The theme for Davos 2025 is “Collaboration in the Intelligent Age”. This theme recognizes the rapid technological advancements and the need for international cooperation to harness these changes for the benefit of humanity. Key questions for leaders attending Davos 2025 include how to avoid global fragmentation, build a smarter future, tackle climate change, and foster equality and sustainability through collective action and responsible leadership.
What are some of the key topics discussed at Davos?
Discussions at Davos focus on the most pressing global challenges and opportunities, with themes evolving each year to reflect the current world context. Recurring topics include climate change, economic development, inclusion and diversity, technological advancements, healthcare, education, and sustainable development goals. The WEF releases its annual “Global Risks Report” ahead of each meeting to highlight the most critical risks shaping the agenda.
Who attends Davos?
Davos is an invitation-only event bringing together a diverse group of leaders from around the world. Attendees include heads of state, CEOs and business leaders, civil society representatives, academics, experts, youth leaders, and prominent voices from various sectors. While criticized in the past for being an exclusive gathering of elites, Davos has made strides toward inclusivity, with increasing representation of women and other underrepresented groups.
Check the list of prominent attendees over the years
How did Davos originate?
Davos began in 1971 as the “European Management Symposium”, founded by Professor Klaus Schwab. The event centered around Schwab’s “stakeholder theory,” emphasizing that businesses should serve all stakeholders – employees, suppliers, communities, and shareholders – rather than solely focusing on profits. This principle of stakeholder capitalism remains a cornerstone of the WEF and its annual meeting.
What is the “Intelligent Age”?
The “Intelligent Age” is a term coined by Klaus Schwab, describing a new era shaped by the rapid convergence of technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain. This era presents both opportunities and risks, demanding cooperation and responsible leadership to leverage these advancements for societal benefit and ensure a future that elevates, rather than fractures, humanity.
What is the WEF’s commitment to sustainability at Davos?
The WEF is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of the Davos meeting. Since 2017, the organization has offset all Davos-related CO2 emissions through environmental projects. Further sustainability efforts include promoting sustainable transportation, using renewable energy, limiting energy consumption, reducing waste, and eliminating single-use plastics. Davos also serves as a platform to highlight climate research and encourage action on climate change.
Prominent individuals associated with the World Economic Forum and its annual meeting in Davos
US President elect Donald Trump who twice attended Davos during his first term in office, will be addressing the forum on Thursday, just days after his inauguration. He will not physically attend the World Economic Forum in Davos this year. Instead, he will be addressing the forum virtually. This information was confirmed by organizers of the event and has been reported across various media platforms.
Key Figures:
- Klaus Schwab: Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. A driving force behind stakeholder capitalism, he coined the term “Fourth Industrial Revolution” and is a prominent voice on global issues.
- Hilde Schwab: Co-founder of the World Economic Forum and founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. A champion for social entrepreneurship and a key figure in the Forum’s early development.
Political Leaders:
- Hans-Dietrich Genscher: West German Foreign Minister who delivered a pivotal speech at Davos in 1987, advocating for engagement with the Soviet Union.
- Turgut Özal: Prime Minister of Turkey who, through dialogue at Davos, helped avert war with Greece in 1988.
- Andreas Papandreou: Prime Minister of Greece who negotiated with Özal at Davos, leading to the signing of the Davos Declaration and a de-escalation of tensions.
- Nelson Mandela: Anti-apartheid leader and head of the African National Congress who made a historic joint appearance with F.W. de Klerk at Davos in 1992, signaling the end of apartheid in South Africa.
- F.W. de Klerk: President of South Africa who participated in the joint appearance with Mandela, signifying the end of apartheid.
- Bill Clinton: First sitting US President to attend Davos in 2000, where he witnessed the launch of GAVI.
- Kofi Annan: UN Secretary-General who collaborated with Klaus Schwab to launch the UN Global Compact in 1999, promoting responsible business practices.
Civil Society Leaders:
- Aurelio Peccei: Italian industrialist who raised concerns about the sustainability of economic growth with his book “The Limits to Growth,” presented at Davos in 1973.
- Ralph Nader: American consumer rights activist who spoke at Davos in 1976, highlighting the importance of civil society participation.
- Bill Gates: Co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist who has been a regular Davos participant since 1996, supporting initiatives like GAVI.
- Greta Thunberg: Youth climate activist who brought the urgency of climate change to Davos 2019.
- David Attenborough: British broadcaster and natural historian who highlighted the environmental crisis at Davos 2019.
- Jane Goodall: Primatologist and anthropologist who added her voice to the call for climate action at Davos 2019.
International Organizations:
- António Guterres: Secretary-General of the United Nations.
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
- Kristalina Georgieva: Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.
- Mark Rutte: Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: Director-General of the World Health Organization.
- Achim Steiner: Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme.
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